input question: W: Have you checked with Marsha? What was said before this conversation????
output answer: M: Do you know anyone who has a spare bookshelf? I just don't know where to put my newly borrowed reference materials.
M: I'm sorry, but it's just not possible, because I'm visiting my mother this weekend. What was said before this conversation?
----
Answer: W: Would you mind if I borrowed your car just over the weekend?
Q: W: I'd love to, but not tonight. I ate too much candy, and I'm so exhausted from trick-or-treating all night with the boys from the neighborhood. I need to rest! What was said before this conversation?
A: M: Do you want to go to sleep, or do you want to stay up and watch a movie? I'm pretty tired, but I'm always up for a horror movie. It is Halloween, after all...
Question: W: Of course I do. How shall we celebrate it? M: First of all a birthday present. What about buying her a beautiful skirt? W: That's a good idea. It would make her look younger. And a big birthday cake too, with fifty candles. M: That's right. Shall we have a special dinner? W: How about a Chinese dinner? M: Fine. Where should we have it? W: We can have it at home. I've learned to cook a few dishes from a Chinese friend. I'm sure Mom would like them. M: All right. Are you going to do the shopping as well? W: Why don't we go together, Dad? M: OK. When? W: How about this afternoon? What was said before this conversation?
Answer: M: Mary, tomorrow is your mom's fiftieth birthday. Do you know?
[Q]: W: I'd like to, Tom, but I have a paper due on Friday, and I haven't even started it yet. M: Just an hour. I've got a test tomorrow, so I won't be able to stay very long. W: I need the exercise, but I just can't spare the time. M: Okay, how about dinner at the Grill? You have to eat something, and it's right by the library. I'll go over there with you after dinner, and you can do your research while I study for my test. W: Well, but... M: Come on. You'll probably want to stay late, and you shouldn't walk home after dark. I'll stay until you're ready to go. W: That would be nice, but... M: Look, we really wouldn't be wasting any time. We'd just be doing everything we need to do, but we'd be doing it together. I just want to spend time with you. W: Me, too. Okay. I need to go home first, then I'll meet you at the Grill about six. Is that all right? M: That's great. We'll get everything done. You'll see. What was said before this conversation?
****
[A]: M: Jane, let's go swimming at the Student Center.
Problem: Given the question: M: I'm sorry, Mrs Smith, but I had a stomachache. What was said before this conversation?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The answer is:
W: How come you were late this morning, Tom?