Question: Mrs. Smith: Excuse me? What do you mean? The test ended 10 minutes ago, and you weren't there to take it. Sorry. Student: Oh, Mrs. Smith. Come on. Come on. That's not fair. Mrs. Smith: What do you mean it's not fair. Everyone else was there. So, why weren't you in class? Student: Uh, my bus didn't come this morning on time. That's why. Mrs. Smith: Um. Are you sure? Your friend, Tony, made it to class, and he said you were still in bed an hour ago. Student: Uhh, yeah, well, that might be true, but I really need to take the test. Mrs. Smith: Wait. Don't you realize that you just lied to me? Student: Uh, well, listen. Mrs. Smith. Listen. My alarm didn't go off this morning, so it's not my fault I came late. Mrs. Smith: So, you're blaming your alarm clock again? It's still your responsibility to be here. Wasn't that your excuse the last two times you missed class? Student: But Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Smith: Listen. You know the policy of our program. If you miss a test for an unexcused reason ... and a lie is definitely unexcused, then you get a zero on the test. There are no exceptions. Student: Mrs. Smith. Why don't you want to help me? You never help me. I mean I really need to pass this class. Mrs. Smith: No, no. no. Listen to yourself. You're playing what we call the victim. You made some bad choices, and now you have to accept the consequences. Remember: When you point your finger at someone else, like me in this case, three fingers are pointing back at you. Student: But Mrs. Smith. I lose my scholarship if I do poorly in the class; my parents will be really disappointed in me. Mrs. Smith: I'm really sorry, but that's not my problem. [Oh, Mrs. Smith!] I can't help you with that. Don't try to shift the blame here. [Mrs. Smith!] You painted yourself into a corner. You need to be accountable for your own actions instead of trying to weasel out of your responsibility. While you aren't doing well in my class though, I must say I almost have to give you an A grade for trying to dodge the... What was said before this conversation?
Answer: Student: Oh, Mrs. Smith. Can I take the test now? I just ..., oh.

Question: Customer: Uh, I'm just looking. Merchant: Well, how about a ring for someone special? Customer: There IS no one special. Merchant: Well, take a look at this CD player. A great bargain today only. Customer: Nah. I already have one, plus the handle is cracked. Merchant: Okay. Well what about this genuine leather jacket? It would look great on you. Customer: Hum. Let me take a look at it. Merchant: Sure. Customer: Umm. There are stains on the sleeves. I'll pass. Merchant: Well okay. Well, wouldn't you like to walk home with some of these great records? Some of the best hits from the 1960's. Customer: Yeah, let's see. [Yeah] Now here's something I'd ... Ah, these records are scratched. Merchant: [Laughter] Just in a couple places. Listen. I'll sell you these ten records for fifty dollars. A steal! Customer: Whoa! They're way too expensive. I'll give you twenty-five bucks for them. Merchant: Ah, come on. I can't charge you less than thirty dollars and break even. Customer: Well, that guy over there is selling similar records for a much better price [Ah!], so thanks anyway. Merchant: Wait, wait, wait, wait. You drive a hard bargain. Twenty-eight dollars, and that's my final offer. Customer: Huh ... I'll think about it. Merchant: Wait, wait, wait, wait. Listen. I'll even throw in this vase. Customer: Now what am I going to do with a vase? Merchant: Well, you can give it to that someone special when you find her... and this ring would look great with it. Customer: Oh, I'll stick with the records. What was said before this conversation?
Answer: Merchant: Well hi there. What are you looking for today?

Question: W: Yes, he takes lessons twice a week, but from next week on, he will go to the class on Saturday evenings too. What was said before this conversation?
Answer:
M: Your son seems to have made much progress in playing the piano. Does he attend any piano classes?