input question: M: No, it's October 3rd. What was said before this conversation????
output answer: W: It's Friday, October 1st, isn't it?
M: They may think that's a wise move, but that's the last thing I'd do. What was said before this conversation?
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Answer: W: You know, the Browns have invested all their money in stocks.
Q: M: Take it easy. I'm sure you will do well if you remain calm. W: Is it all right if I use dictionaries? M: You are not allowed to use them, I think. W: Do you think I could discuss some questions with others during the exam? M: I'm afraid that's not possible. W: May I bring some paper to write drafts? M: Yes, that's all right. W: Thank you very much for the information. What was said before this conversation?
A: W: I'm so worried about Monday's exam.
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?
[Q]: M: Yes, but you have to revise some parts of it, I'm afraid, if you want to get it published. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: W: Have you finished reading my research report? I put it on your desk last week.
Problem: Given the question: W: Um, I work for the BBC World Service. M: Ah, and how long have you worked for the BBC? W: I've been with the BBC for five years. Yes, exactly five years. M: And how long have you been their German correspondent? W: For two years. M: And what did you do before the BBC? W: I worked as an interpreter for the EU. M: As you know, this job is based in Geneva. Have you ever lived abroad before? W: Oh yes, I have. M: And when did you live abroad? W: Well, in fact, I was born in Argentina and I lived there until I was eleven. Also, I lived and worked in Brussels for two years when I was working for the EU. M: Mmm... That's interesting. Have you travelled much? W: Oh yes, indeed. I've travelled all over western and eastern Europe, and I've also been to many parts of South America. M: Mmm... And why did you go to these places? W: Well, mostly for pleasure, but three years ago I went back to Argentina to cover various political stories for the BBC. What was said before this conversation?
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The answer is:
M: Who do you work for at the moment, Ms. Mann?