Teacher:Indicate a text span in the passage about which an inquisitive question is asked. (note, don't answer the question).
Teacher: Now, understand the problem? Solve this instance: Sentence: The bank holding company also reported that third - quarter profit dropped 41 % , to $ 42 . 7 million , or 61 cents a share , from the year - earlier $ 72 . 3 million , or $ 1 . 04 a share .<sep>Question: Which year?
Student:
year - earlier