M: To be honest, I don't really care for either. W: But...I thought everyone liked basketball. M: No. My favorite is baseball. What was said before this conversation?
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Answer: W: So, which sport do you prefer, basketball or football?
Q: Peter: I couldn't agree with you more, Jack. Americans are much more assertive than most foreigners. For example, Americans begin a discussion with a focus on accomplishments and concrete facts. Jack: You're right. America is a rather individualistic society, with less social pressure to conform. So you will need to become more assertive and to speak out on your own behalf. Peter: Another aspect of American behavior is Americans are more guarded about personal space. So when you are talking to an American, don't stay too close. This personal distance is not due to body odor or bad breath, but because closeness lends a sense of intimacy that is out of proportion to the relationship at the moment. Jack: Yes. Also, try to avoid physical contact while you are speaking. Touching is a bit too intimate for casual acquaintances. So don't put your arm around their shoulder, touch their face, or hold their hand. Shaking hands when you initially meet or part is acceptable, but this is only momentary. Peter: In many cultures, eye contact is a sign of disrespect, which is not the ease in America. In fact, it is an indication of openness, honesty, and enthusiasm. What was said before this conversation?
A: Jack: Peter, people around the world come to America to live, work and study, so to understand America in terms of its cultural differences is very important.
Question: W: I'm going to stay in the city. M: What will you do all day? W: I'm going to work with my father at the workshop. In the evening, I'll read books. On weekends, I'll go to the park with my family. M: Have you ever worked? W: No,but I can learn. What are you going to do this summer? M: I'm going to camp. I've gone to camp for four summers. W: I've never gone to camp. What do you do there? M: We do many things. In the morning, we go swimming and boating. In the afternoon, we play volleyball or tennis. We sit around a campfire at night. We sing or tell stories. W: That sounds wonderful. M: It is wonderful. What's Wales going to do this summer? W: I think he's going to the mountains with his parents. M: Well, so long, Alice. Have fun. W: You too, Leslie. Give my regards to Wales. I'll see you in October. What was said before this conversation?
Answer: M: What are you going to do after your return from New York?
[Q]: W: Well, I haven't decided yet. What are you going to order? M: I think I'll have the roast chicken. They really make it well here. W: I had roast chicken yesterday when I ate out with Shelly. M: Their beef steak is good, too. You can have it served with beans and mushrooms. W: But I'm not that hungry. Is the fried fish or the seafood salad good? M: Never had them before. Maybe if you get the steak, we could share. W: That sounds like a good idea. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: M: I've been here many times. There are quite a lot of delicious dishes to choose from. What are you thinking of ordering?
input: Please answer the following: Shawn: Fine. How about you? Norman: Okay. Huh, by the way, my wife and I are going out of town this weekend, and I was wondering if you could take care of some of our animals while we're gone. You know our dog, Jaws, don't you? Shawn: Yeah. My leg still hurts from the last incident. Norman: Hey, he's just a playful little beast. Shawn: Right. Norman: Hey, he likes to bark a little, and his bark is worse than his bite. Shawn: Oh yeah. Norman: Just feed him a can of dog food a day, and make sure he has plenty of water in his dish. [Oh] And then, take him for a walk around the block. Shawn: Well, how about if I just throw a Frisbee over the fence to give him some exercise? Wouldn't that work? Norman: Ah, and then, he likes to watch the 3:00 soap opera on Channel 4 [What?] ... and brush his teeth after you give you some doggie treats around 4:00. Shawn: Man, you really pamper your dog. Norman: And, then brush his fur for about twenty minutes. He tends to shed this time of year. [Ah, what?] And then scratch him around the ears. Otherwise, he feels neglected. Shawn: Is that it? Norman: Well, and then there's Claws. Shawn: Claws? Who's Claws. Norman: Oh, he's the cat we adopted from the animal shelter, but he's a little temperamental. Shawn: What do you mean "temperamental"? Norman: Well, he has mood swings [Mood swings?], but he's been doing better since he's been going to the animal therapist. Shawn: A therapist? Norman: So, be sure to feed him a half cup of cat food two times a day [What? A therapist ...], and don't forget to put out (on) some soft classical music during his nap time at 2:40 p.m. But don't let him out of the house because he might run away and chase the neighbor's dog. Shawn: You have some high-maintenance animals. Norman: Not really. And, don't forget to change the cat litter daily, or he might have an accident on the carpet. [Oh, great.] And finally, there's Buttercup. Shawn: Buttercup? Who's Buttercu ...? I'm afraid to ask. Norman: Ah, she's a sweetie [What?] ... if you... What was said before this conversation?
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output: Norman: Hey, neighbor. How's it going?
M: As for me. swimming is my favorite sport. What was said before this conversation?
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Answer:
W: I'm fond of playing football and tennis.