M: I agree. Smoking should not be permitted here in this room. W: That's right. Nowadays, people who smoke seldom think of others. What was said before this conversation?
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Answer: W: Look! The room is full of smoke. I can hardly breathe.
Q: M: Sorry. I meant to give you a call when I found out but it slipped my mind. What was said before this conversation?
A: W: Nobody told me that Bill was in the hospital.
Question: 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?
Answer: 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.
[Q]: W: Well, when I graduated from drama school, I tried to get a job as an actress in Hollywood. M: Really? W: Yeah, but I didn't get any parts. Two years later, I finally got a job with Universal Studios. M: So you finally got to be an actress? W: No, I'm a tour guide at the studio!But while I'm on the job, I get to see a lot of stars! What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: M: So tell me a little more about yourself, Sharon.
input: Please answer the following: W: Only two. It's expensive to have a big family now. What was said before this conversation?
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output: M: Ann, do you and your husband plan to have many children?
M: In 40 minutes, at eleven o'clock. The plane for Berlin leaves every two hours. W: How much is a second class ticket, please? M: We have only first class tickets left. It is $ 350 one way. W: OK. I'd like one for the next flight. M: I'm sorry, but I don't sell tickets. You can get one from the machine over there. W: All right. By the way, what's the gate number? M: Four. Down the hall and to the left. W: Thanks a lot. What was said before this conversation?
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Answer:
W: Excuse me, but could you tell me when the plane for Berlin leaves?