Problem: Michael: Yeah, I think she'll be impressed with my new exercise program. Josh: What? What are you talking about? What exercise program? What did you tell her? Michael: Well, you know, I enjoy staying in shape. [Right] First, I generally get up every morning at 5:30 a.m. Josh: Oh, yeah. Since when? You don't roll out of bed until at least 7:30 p.m. Michael: No, no, and on Mondays and Wednesdays, ... Josh: Ah, not another tall tale ... Michael: I almost always go jogging for about a half hour, you know, to improve my endurance. Josh: Hey, jogging to the refrigerator for a glass of milk doesn't count. Michael: Of course, before I leave, I usually make sure I do some stretches so I don't pull a muscle on my run. Josh: Right. One jumping jack. Michael: Then, I told her that I usually lift weights Tuesdays and Thursdays for about an hour after work. Josh: Humph. Michael: This helps me build muscle strength. Josh: A one-pound barbell. Michael: Finally, I often go hiking on Saturdays with my dog [What dog!?], well, and I like hiking because it helps me burn off stress and reduce anxiety that builds up during the week. Josh: Oh yeah, those lies. Michael: Well, uh, as for Fridays, I sometimes just relax at home by watching a movie or inviting you over to visit. Josh: If I buy the pizza. Michael: But ... bu ... And on Sundays, I take the day off from exercising, but I usually take my dog for a walk. Josh: Forget it. She'll never buy this story. What was said before this conversation?

A: Josh: Hey, I hear you and Stephanie are really getting serious.

Problem: M: Yes, I've just seen a very funny film on TV. W: What was it about? M: It was about a careless man who got into trouble wherever he went. He couldn't do anything right. W: So you like it? M: Yes, I do. It made me laugh a lot. W: But I'd rather see something not only interesting but also instructive. M: Oh, Jane, don't be so serious. People sometimes need relaxation. W: That's true. But I just think that watching TV is not just for entertainment. What was said before this conversation?

A: W: Hi, Bill, you look happy.

Problem: M: Let me give you a little advice. You know what the topics are, so prepare what you would like to say ahead of time. W: I often do like that, but I'm worried about the responses from other people. M: You have to be realistic. Not everyone is going to agree with you, but people will respect your opinion and they will respect the fact that you have contributed something to the discussion. W: I'm worried that what I say will not make sense. M: We could chat about the topic before class. I could check that what you want to say is logical and it would also give you a chance to practice speaking. W: That's a good idea. What should I do if I have two minds about a topic? M: That's easy. Express possibilities. People will think that you are pretty smart to look at the topic from more than one angle. W: I didn't realize that speaking in class could be so easy. M: The most difficult thing is to predict what other people will say. They will reply to your statements. but you can't be sure how. What was said before this conversation?

A: W: I find it really hard to express myself in class. I have lots of ideas, but they never seem to come out of my mouth.

Problem: W: In just three weeks. But there are still a few things I need to do before I go. M: Like what? W: Like renewing my passport, going to the travel service to buy my plane ticket, and considering what to do with my house while I'm away. M: You're not going to give it up, are you? W: No way! I'll never find another house here, But I don't want to pay three months' rent for an empty house, either. What was said before this conversation?

A:
M: You must be pretty excited about your trip to Europe. When are you leaving?