Q: W: Yes, I've been here for ten years as assistant director. M: Really? What does that involve? W: Well, I'm in charge of all the admissions of postgraduate students in the university. M: Only postgraduates? W: Yes, postgraduates only. I have nothing at all to do with undergraduates. M: Do you find that you get particular-sort of...different national groups? I mean, do you get large numbers from Latin America or... W: Yes. Well, of all the students enrolled last year, nearly half were from overseas. They were from African countries, the Far East, the Middle East, and Latin America. M: Em. But have you been doing just that for the last 10 years, or, have you done other things? W: Well, I've been doing the same job. Er, before that, I was secretary of the medical school at Birmingham, and further back, I worked in the local government. M: Oh, I see. W: So I've done different types of things. M: Yes, indeed. How do you imagine your job might develop in the future? Can you imagine shifting into a different kind of responsibility or doing something... W: Oh, yeah, from October 1, I'll be doing an entirely different job. There's going to be more committee work. I mean, more policy work, and less dealing with students, unfortunately-I'll miss my contact with students. What was said before this conversation?
A: M: Sarah, you work in the admissions office, don't you?
Question: Tim: Well, actually, I'm looking for supplies to put together 72-hour kits for each member of my family. Lisa: [A] 72-hour kit? What's that? Tim: Basically, a 72-hour kit contains emergency supplies you would need to sustain yourself for three days in case of an emergency, like an earthquake. Lisa: An earthquake?! We haven't had an earthquake in years. Tim: Well, you never know; you have to be prepared. Hey, if earthquakes don't get you, it could be a flood, hurricane, snowstorm, power outage, fire, alien attack. [Alien attack!] Well, you never know. Think of any situation in which you might find yourself without the basic necessities of life, including shelter, food, and water, for over a period of time. Lisa: Hum. So, what do you keep in a 42-hour, um, ... I mean 72-kit? Tim: Well, you should have enough food and water to last you three days, and you might want to pack a basic water filter or water purification tablets in case your only water source turns out to be a murky pool of bug-infested water. [Ugh!] Hey, sometimes you don't have a choice, and as for food, you should keep it simple: food that requires no preparation and that doesn't spoil. And no canned goods because they are often too heavy and bulky. [Okay, that makes sense.] And unless you have a can opener or the can has a pull-tab lid, you'll have to use a rock or something to open them. [Ah, instant mashed green beens.] Yeah, and oh, energy bars, beef jerky, and a mix of nuts, raisins, and chocolate are possibilities. Lisa: Huh, the food might be nasty, but I guess you could survive ... barely. Tim: Well, the food doesn't have to taste bad; just select things that are easy to prepare, and you might want to include some basic comfort foods like a couple of candy bars. Then, you have to decide on the type of shelter you might need. Lisa: A hotel sounds nice. Tim: Yeah, but that's really not an option. The reality is that you might have to evacuate to a shelter, possibly with hundreds or thousands of other people. Lisa: That doesn't... What was said before this conversation?
Answer: Lisa: Hi, Tim. So, are you doing some last-minute shopping before the weekend?
[Q]: W: I'm sorry. M: You look pale, Jessie. Are you all right? W: No, I'm not feeling well. Mr. Brown. M: What seems to be the problem? W: I guess I ate something bad at lunch. M: And you have a stomachache now? W: Yes, I think so. M: Can you walk to the school clinic? Or shall I send for the doctor? W: No, thanks. It doesn't matter too much. I will go to the doctor after class. M: Ok. I'll finish the class in a minute. Then I'll send you to the clinic. W: Thank you so much. Mr. Brown. M: Don't mention it. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: M: Now, can anyone summarize the main idea of the passage? Yes, Jessie, please?
input: Please answer the following: M: I said I'd better go back to the hotel. I'm meeting someone this evening. W: OK. How are you going back? By bus or taxi? M: I think I'll take a taxi. Do you know where I can get one? W: Oh, just wait by the roadside. I'll wait with you. M: OK. Thanks. Are the taxis in London all yellow? W: Well, some of them are. Is this your first time in London? M: Yes, it is. Do you give extra money to taxi drivers here? W: You mean a tip? Oh, yes. They usually expect about ten percent. M: That's the same in my country. W: Oh, look. Here's one. Taxi! M: Thanks. See you tomorrow. What was said before this conversation?
++++++++++
output: W: Excuse me. What did you say you would like to do, Mr. Green?
Please answer this: M: When is Thanksgiving Day? W: It's celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. What are your plans for it? M: I have no idea yet. What about you? W: The same as usual. My aunts and uncles and cousins come to our house for dinner. M: Oh, your family get together. What do you usually do? W: We usually have a big meal. My mother cooks turkey. But I prepare the vegetables. My aunts usually bring the pies. The women cook the meal, and the men wash the dishes. M: Really? In my family, when we get together the kids wash the dishes. The whole thing is a lot of work. W: Yes, but I like Thanksgiving. I was out of the country last year, and really missed it. That's one time in the year when families get together. John, if you haven't got any plans, why don't you come to my house to spend the holiday with us? M: Yes, that sounds like a good idea. Thanks a lot. What was said before this conversation?
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Answer: W: Today's November 15th. It's almost time for Thanks giving.
Question: W: Bob, it has been a long time, hasn't it? It must be at least a year. M: No. We talked at the Johnson's Christmas party last December. Don't you remember? W: That's right. Well, how are you? Still working for the Germen company? M: No. I changed my job about 4 months ago. I'm with the World Bank now. How about you? W: I'm still working at the University, but I transferred from the German Department to the Spanish Department. M: Don't you tell me you speak Spanish, too? W: Sure. I grew up in Spain, you know. German was what I studied in college. M: All I have ever managed to learn is a little Italian. W: Oh. excuse me, someone is knocking at the door. I'll talk to you again later, Bob. M: It was nice talking to you, Ann. What was said before this conversation?
Answer:
M: Why, Ann, I haven't seen you for ages. How have you been?