[Q]: M: Not at all. Go ahead. W: What is the purpose of your visit to the States? M: I'm going to attend a conference on air pollution. W: When and where is this conference being held? M: It's being held in the first three weeks of February at the University of Stanford in California. W: Who will pay your expenses? M: The University of California. Here is the official letter of invitation. W: I see. Fine. When do you want to go? M: I'd like to leave in mid-January if my passport is ready by then. W: That shouldn't be difficult. Why don't you phone me about January 10th? I should be able to give you an answer then. M: Thank you. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: W: Why don't you sit down? Now, there are several questions I must ask, if you don't mind.

[Q]: W: An old Japanese film. I wonder if I'm going to spend all my next year there, I'd better start familiarizing myself with the culture. M: You mean you are accepted into the program? W: Yes. M: That's wonderful. You must be excited. W: Excited and nervous. You know I owe a lot to Professor Mercheno. He wrote a letter of recommendation for me and he bought me a set of practice tapes and a book which goes with them. Just so I can work on my basic conversation skills. M: How much Japanese can you understand? W: Not a lot at present. But I signed up for intensive Japanese this semester. M: I Wish I were as talented as you are in foreign languages. I'd like to study abroad. W: Then why don't you? The university has lots of overseas programs that don't require mastery of a foreign language. The tuition is about the same. You just have to be the kind of person who is receptive to new ways of looking at things and willing to adjust to a different kind of life style. M: I had assumed that all programs require you to know a foreign language. I might check into this. W: You won't regret it. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: M: Say, Rason, what are you watching?

[Q]: W: The electric company is going to shut off our services. M: Are we behind on the bills? W: Yes, but why didn't you take care of that bill? What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: M: You look upset. What's wrong?

[Q]: Father: Oh. I forgot about that. Joshua: You ALWAYS forget. Father: I guess I do. How much do I owe you? Joshua: Just $13. Father: Thirteen dollars!? Why do I owe you that much? Just seems like I paid you the other day. Joshua: No. You forget every Saturday, and it has been piling up. Father: Well, I'm not sure if I have that much. Joshua: Go to the bank. You have lots of money. Father: Lots of money, uh? Uh, well, I think the bank is closed. Joshua: Then, what about your secret money jar under your bed? Father: Oh, I guess I could do that. So, what are you going to do with the money? Joshua: I'm going to put some in savings, give some to the poor people, and use the rest to buy books. Father: Well, that's sounds great, Joshua. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]:
Joshua: Dad. Allowance day. Can I have my allowance?