Problem: W: Yes, I am. So are all these people in front of me. M: Have you been here long? W: About 45 minutes. I've moved forward a total about 3 feet. M: Oh... W: Not at all. A young couple who have been waited for one hour ahead of me finally gave up and left. M: Does anyone know what caused the delay? W: There are just not enough people selling tickets this afternoon. M: I guess I should have come before lunch. W: Maybe you would meet the same thing because many people have been looking forward to it for a long time. M: Maybe it's true. What was said before this conversation?

A: M: Excuse me. Are you waiting to buy today's film tickets?

Problem: M: Well, I need it for a class but it's awfully expensive. W: Oh, we must be in the same class. Introduction to British Literature? M: Yes, that's the one. Were you there yesterday for the first class? W: I sure was. Professor Robert really seems to know his subject. M: Yes, I took his Shakespeare course last semester and it was very good. He likes listening to his students. W: That's a relief. I'm a biology major and I was a little uncertain about taking an English course. M: I'm an English major and this is a required course. But now I'm in trouble because I'm not sure I can afford this book. W: Hey, I've got an idea. Why don't we split the cost and share the book? M: Sounds great. Do you live on campus? W: Yeah, I live on the 10th floor of Butler Hall. M: Perfect. I live on the 3rd floor of Butler. We should have no trouble sharing the book. I can bring it up to your room right after I wrap up the assignment. W: It's a deal. What was said before this conversation?

A: W: Excuse me, are you going to buy that book?

Problem: W: I'll check the mail box. There is nothing in it but a post-card from our daughter. What was said before this conversation?

A: M: Has today's mail arrived? I'm anxious to know about the result of my application.

Problem: W: Don't ask me. M: What do you mean? Did something go wrong? W: Susan thought I had said I would meet her at the Department Store at 2:30 when I really said 2 o'clock. Then she thought I had said the main entrance in the front when I really said the east entrance. M: Well, did you ever get together? W: Yes, but it's a wonder that we did. I had given up waiting and had gone inside to the women's clothing department. She had done the same thing. We met by accident. By that time it was 3 o'clock. M: Did you get what you wanted? I remember you said you wanted to get a sweater. W: No, a blouse. But by that time, the ones on sales were all gone. So I settled for a skirt. What was said before this conversation?

A:
M: Well, Betty, how was your shopping trip with Susan this afternoon?