text:
Adrian sat down on the ledge.

How had it come to this? Less than a year ago, he had been a happy, ordinary man. He’d had a wife, kids, a stable job, a life. And then, suddenly, it came. So fast it wasn’t even given a name. It was simply ‘the virus’. A brutal disease, which would infect a victim in the morning and leave them a pale corpse by the evening of the next day. There was no human resistance to it. People fell in their thousands, every day. No-one was spared.

Except, somehow, for Adrian.

At first it had seemed a blessing. While he and his family lived, he was glad that he was managing to avoid the infection, and to stay healthy and strong. But gradually that attitude changed. As his family were picked off, one by one, the joys of survival began to turn sour in his mouth. And then his miraculous immunity finally revealed its true colours as a curse. He, an ordinary man, was left living as governments collapsed, cities crumbled, and civilisation fell. He stood, alone in the wreckage, with nobody except his shadow and his tortured soul.

But, to his credit, he had kept going. After all, statistically, he couldn’t be the last one really. There were over 7 billion people in the world, before the virus struck. The chances of him, Adrian Lucas, being the only one left were astronomically low. So he searched. He took a massive supply of canned food, got in his car, fuelled it with the remnants from the abandoned petrol stations, and drove. For months, he looked for any sign of life. Another car, a pillar of smoke, anything to show that he wasn’t alone. Because he couldn’t be alone. It was impossible. At least, that’s what he kept telling himself.
But here he was, at the top of the Empire State building, thousands of miles from home, definitively alone. It seemed an appropriate place to end it all. Adrian felt there was a certain irony in the last human falling from one of mankind’s most iconic landmarks. Maybe it was for the best anyway. God knows, humans had tortured their planet. Surely a quick and relatively painless death was all they deserved, and it would allow the world to return to its former state, where no creature was overly dominant. A world without humans, Adrian decided, would be a better world for almost every other animal. That made him feel a little better.

Still, that didn’t do much to make him feel better about what he was about to do. His race had dominated this world for millennia. Sure, the world, in places, had suffered. There was no arguing that. But wasn’t the cost worth the reward? Humans had done miraculous things. They had seen that natural materials couldn’t fulfil their every want, and rather than choosing to believe they could not achieve what they wanted, contrived to make things that had simply never existed before. He was sitting directly on a prime example of that. Steel does not, and had never, naturally formed. And yet here Adrian was, being supported by it, because man had decided they needed something more structurally sound than what they had already. No other animal could do that. And that wasn’t all. Humans had sunk to the bottom of the ocean. They had looked up at the sky, and flown to the moon. They had constructed the perfect habitat for themselves, lived in it, and perfected it. They were incredible. And here Adrian sat, preparing to snuff it all out in an instance.

Oh sure, the virus had done most of the work (another irony there; a being so simple capable of annihilating arguably the most complicated race in existence), but it was Adrian delivering the final blow. He would be the one who pushed off and snuffed out the human race. That argument was almost strong enough for him to get up and carry mankind’s torch just a little further.

Almost. But not quite.

At the end of the day, a life alone was no true life. Adrian sighed, and pushed his weight over the open air. His arms held him up for a brief second. Just enough time for him to close his eyes. Then he fell.
But he felt no rushing air, and heard no sickening thud. Instead, he felt a tight grip around his wrist.

‘You ain’t getting away from us that easily, buddy’

Adrian smiled. He didn’t recognise the voice, he didn’t know where the voice would take him now. But none of that mattered. For he was no longer alone.

title: Survivor [RF]

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the story say about Adrian?

answer: Adrian was an ordinary man until the virus hit. The virus would breed in a victim in the morning and leave them a pale corpse by the evening. Also, no human outlived the virus. Adrian noticed that he would rather stay alive, hence he was glad about his invisibility to the virus. However, as his family died one after the other, he changed his mind and the joys of surviving the virus turned sour. To conclude, Adrian had kept going, knowing that he could not be the last one, since there had been over 7 billion people on earth before the virus struck.

text: The workings of the virus are not relevant.

refinement: Adrian was an ordinary man until the virus hit. Adrian noticed that he would rather stay alive, hence he was glad about his invisibility to the virus. However, as his family died one after the other, he changed his mind and the joys of surviving the virus turned sour. To conclude, Adrian had kept going, knowing that he could not be the last one, since there had been over 7 billion people on earth before the virus struck.

text: Adrian's life before the virus could be elaborated upon.

refinement: Adrian was an ordinary man until the virus hit. He has a wife, kids, and a stable job. Adrian noticed that he would rather stay alive, hence he was glad about his invisibility to the virus. However, as his family died one after the other, he changed his mind and the joys of surviving the virus turned sour. To conclude, Adrian had kept going, knowing that he could not be the last one, since there had been over 7 billion people on earth before the virus struck.

text: The sentences concering Adrian's survival could be streamlined.

refinement: Adrian was an ordinary man until the virus hit. He has a wife, kids, and a stable job. Originally, Adrian saw his survival as a blessing, but as his family began to die off one by one, he came to see his immunity to the virus as a curse.

text: Adrian's actions at the story's end should be mentioned.

refinement: Adrian was an ordinary man until the virus hit. He has a wife, kids, and a stable job. Originally, Adrian saw his survival as a blessing, but as his family began to die off one by one, he came to see his immunity to the virus as a curse. At the end of the story, Adrian intends to kill himself as he cannot bear the loneliness of being the last surviving human.

answer: Adrian is one of the survivors who survived the plague. He became an ordinary man with a wife and children before being isolated because of the virus. He gave up in despair after a long search for other survivors. He felt that a world without humans won't be worse as there would be less pain and torture inflicted on the earth. However, at the last minute, a voice pulled him back and told him that he isn't getting away from them without any trouble.

text: It is inaccurate to say he "became" an ordinary man with a wife and children.

refinement: Adrian is one of the survivors who survived the plague. He was an ordinary man with a wife and children before being isolated because of the virus. He gave up in despair after a long search for other survivors. He felt that a world without humans won't be worse as there would be less pain and torture inflicted on the earth. However, at the last minute, a voice pulled him back and told him that he isn't getting away from them without any trouble.

text: The answer could go into specifics about how the virus isolated him.

refinement: Adrian is one of the survivors who survived the plague. He was an ordinary man with a wife and children before being isolated because of the virus. Immune to the virus, he watched his family die off one by one, leaving him the sole survivor. He gave up in despair after a long search for other survivors. He felt that a world without humans won't be worse as there would be less pain and torture inflicted on the earth. However, at the last minute, a voice pulled him back and told him that he isn't getting away from them without any trouble.

text: The first sentence is unnecessary.

refinement: He was an ordinary man with a wife and children before being isolated because of the virus. Immune to the virus, he watched his family die off one by one, leaving him the sole survivor. He gave up in despair after a long search for other survivors. He felt that a world without humans won't be worse as there would be less pain and torture inflicted on the earth. However, at the last minute, a voice pulled him back and told him that he isn't getting away from them without any trouble.

text: The ending of the answer should make it clear what he plans to do.

refinement: He was an ordinary man with a wife and children before being isolated because of the virus. Immune to the virus, he watched his family die off one by one, leaving him the sole survivor. He gave up in despair after a long search for other survivors. He felt that a world without humans won't be worse as there would be less pain and torture inflicted on the earth, and so he decides to kill himself. However, at the last minute, a voice pulled him back and told him that he isn't getting away from them without any trouble.

text: The phrasing of the last few lines could be more coherent (and consistent in tense).

refinement: He was an ordinary man with a wife and children before being isolated because of the virus. Immune to the virus, he watched his family die off one by one, leaving him the sole survivor. He gave up in despair after a long search for other survivors. He feels that a world without humans wouldn't be worse as there would be less pain and torture inflicted on the earth, and so he decides to kill himself. However, at the last minute, a voice pulls him back and tells him that he isn't getting away from them without any trouble.

answer: Adrian is the last man alive on Earth after a virus wipes out the human race. He is immune to the virus. He searches for other people, but finds no one. He decides to commit suicide by jumping off the Empire State Building. At the last minute, he is saved by another person.

text: The answer could mention his life before the virus.

refinement: Adrian is the last man alive on Earth after a virus wipes out the human race. Before the virus, he was a happy, ordinary man with a wife, kids, and a stable job. He is immune to the virus. He searches for other people, but finds no one. He decides to commit suicide by jumping off the Empire State Building. At the last minute, he is saved by another person.

answer: Adrian is the last man alive on Earth after a virus wipes out the human race. He is immune to the virus. He searches for other people, but finds no one. He decides to commit suicide by jumping off the Empire State Building. At the last minute, he is saved by another person. The story implies that Adrian is a survivor.

answer: Adrian was an ordinary man until the virus hit. The virus would breed in a victim in the morning and leave them a pale corpse by the evening. Also, no human outlived the virus. Adrian noticed that he would rather stay alive, hence he was glad about his invisibility to the virus. As his family died one after the other, he changed his mind and the joys of surviving the virus turned sour. To conclude, Adrian had kept going, knowing that he could not be the last one, since there had been over 7 billion people on earth before the virus struck.

answer: Adrian is one of the survivors who survived the plague. He became an ordinary man with a wife and children before being isolated because of the virus. He gave up in despair after a long search for other survivors. He felt that a world without humans wouldn't be worse as there would be less pain and torture inflicted on the earth. However, at the last minute, a voice pulled him back and told him that he isn't getting away from them without any trouble.

answer: Adrian is the last man alive. He has been living alone for a long time. He has an immunity to the virus. He has been searching for any sign of life. He is sitting on the Empire State building, looking down at the ground. He feels that humans have tortured the planet, and he wants to end the human race. He is about to jump off the building, but someone stops him.

answer: Adrian is the last man alive. He has been living alone for a long time. He has an immunity to the virus. He has been searching for any sign of life. He is sitting on the Empire State building, looking down at the ground. He feels that humans have tortured the planet, and he wants to end the human race. He is about to jump off the building, but someone stops him. He feels better knowing that he is not alone.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the story say about Adrian and the disease?

answer: Adrian seemed to have been blessed for not being infected by the virus. He took his now-dead family on a long drive to escape the pandemic.  Later on, Adrian checked up kilometers from home when he said to himself that maybe he wasn’t the last human being, and he came upon the Empire State building.  He stood on top of it for a while regretting the necessity of human life where he was, according to him. Then Adrian made his final decision - finding himself dramatically alone and no other survivor around to notice him, he decided to kill himself by plummeting from the very top of the building.

text: Much of this doesn't pertain to Adrian and the virus.

refinement: Adrian seemed to have been blessed for not being infected by the virus.

text: More than that, he seems to be immune.

refinement: Adrian seemed to have been blessed for not being infected by the virus. In fact, he seems to be immune from the virus, a quality that he comes to view as a curse when he becomes what he thinks is the only human left alive.

answer: Adrian was one of the last people who survived when the virus was hitting the planet. He was the only one who survived this viral disease. He was tortured when he saw his family died. He was being tortured with the fact that he was left alone. With no reason to live, he decided to jump from the Empire State Building to kill himself. The story, however, ends with a voice that doesn't recognize Adrian's, telling him that he isn't getting away from them easily.

answer: Adrian was immune to the virus that killed everyone else. He was happy at first because he was able to avoid infection, but his attitude changed as his family died, one by one. Adrian felt that he was the only one left, and he had to find another human being. He drove for months, looking for any sign of life. He came to the Empire State Building, and decided to end his life there, but someone stopped him.

answer: Adrian was one of the few who survived the disease. He was the only one left, but he believed he wasn't. He thought he was the last one, but he wasn't. Adrian was a man who had a family and a job. He was a happy man. The disease struck suddenly, and a victim would be infected and left a pale corpse by the evening of the next day. The disease was brutal. No-one was spared. The disease was the virus, which had no human resistance.

answer: Adrian was one of the few who survived the disease. He was the only one left, but he believed he wasn't. He thought he was the last one, but he wasn't. Adrian was a man who had a family and a job. He was a happy man. The disease struck suddenly, and a victim would be infected and left a pale corpse by the evening of the next day. The disease was brutal. No-one was spared.

answer: Adrian had been seemingly blessed for not being infected by the virus. When his family underwent the ugly death, the joy of luck wore off, and he found out he had been cursed. The plague swept the world and destroyed civilization, and he was the last one left.

answer: Adrian was one of the last people who survived when the virus was hitting the planet. He was the only one who survived this viral disease. He kept wondering if he'd be the last human in the planet. Luckily, he survived, although his family did not. He was tortured when he saw his family died. He was being tortured with the fact that he was left alone. With no reason to live, he decided to jump from the Empire State Building to kill himself. The story, however, ends with a voice that doesn't recognize Adrian's, telling him that he isn't getting away from them easily.

answer: Adrian was immune to the virus that killed everyone else. He was happy at first because he was able to avoid infection, but his attitude changed as his family died, one by one. Adrian felt that he was the only one left, and he had to find another human being. He drove for months, looking for any sign of life. He came to the Empire State Building, and decided to end his life there, but someone stopped him.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the story say about its setting?

answer: No answer

text: The answer could mention the apocalyptic nature of the setting.

refinement: The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been ravaged by a virus. Adrian believes that he is the only living survivor.

text: The Empire State Building could be mentioned.

refinement: The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been ravaged by a virus. Adrian believes that he is the only living survivor. At the end of the story, Adrian tries to leap off the Empire State Building.

answer: The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the human race has been wiped out by a virus. Adrian is the last human left alive and has been searching for others for months. He finally decides to end his life by jumping off the Empire State Building.

answer: The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world in which a virus has killed off most of the population. Adrian is the only one left. Adrian is on the top of the Empire State Building and decides to jump off, but someone grabs him and saves him from jumping.

answer: Despite the fact that the city is in ruins and only Adrian is left, he decides to climb the Empire State Building. He wants to end it all by killing himself by jumping off the building. His plan is that it will be a fitting end.

text: The first sentence should go into more detail about the devastation caused by the virus.

refinement: Despite the fact that the world has been ravaged by a virus and Adrian believes he is the only surviving human, he decides to climb the Empire State Building. He wants to end it all by killing himself by jumping off the building. His plan is that it will be a fitting end.

answer: It's unclear where the narrator is. Despite the fact that the city is in ruins and only Adrian is left, he decides to climb the Empire State Building. He wants to end it all by killing himself by jumping off the building. His plan is that it will be a fitting end.

answer: No answer

answer: The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the human race has been wiped out by a virus. Adrian is the last human left alive and has been searching for others for months. He finally decides to end his life by jumping off the Empire State Building. However, as he jumps, he is suddenly saved by another person.

answer: The story takes an apocalyptic setting.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the story say about the "curse"?

answer: Adrian is the only one left in the world after a virus killed everyone else. He is alone and no one can help him. He feels the curse is the fact that he survived while his family and everyone he knew died. The fact that he is the only one left means he feels he must kill himself to end the human race.

answer: Adrian is the only one left in the world after a virus killed everyone else. He is alone and no one can help him. He feels the curse is the fact that he survived while his family and everyone he knew died.

answer: Adrian seeks comfort in thinking he is the last man on earth. The last man on planet Earth. The last man to inhabit what was once human. He's the last man on Earth and each day his thoughts were on the past and his loneliness that ensued. Disbelief enveloped him as he walked around Manhattan alone, as reflected by his thoughts: "He could not walk around his own city without people. Because every ambitious and industrious person began as a single mind, a single being, and until they gathered with others and expanded, they were nothing. All too quickly, it seemed his mind had again been molded into a hopeless and broken individual. He longed for that community again. But the city – New York City - the great, sprawling mass of people, machines, concrete and asphalt, and the rumble of the underground trains would not seep away from him."

text: Incomprehensible

text: The answer should explain what the curse is.

refinement: At first, Adrian saw his immunity to the virus as a gift. But as his family died off one by one and he was left seemingly as the last human being alive, he came to view his immunity as a curse instead.

answer: Adrian Lucus' family are killed by the virus and he survives. He initially considers this as a blessing, but realizes that being alive means to live alone--and he doesn't want that. He travels, hoping to find survivors, but sees no sign of life. Adrian thinks that if he commits suicide, everyone else would die and it would be a better world for other animals. However, before he commits suicide, an unexpected voice stops him and tells him he's not getting away from them that easy. He finally doesn't feel so alone.

text: The irrelevant details should be trimmed.

refinement: Adrian Lucus' family are killed by the virus and he survives. He initially considers this as a blessing, but realizes that being alive means to live alone--and he doesn't want that.

text: The phrasing could be more accurate so it doesn't seem like he considers it a blessing that his family is killed.

refinement: Adrian Lucus' family are killed by the virus and he survives. He initially saw his immunity to the virus to be a blessing but came to see it as a curse when everyone died and he was left alone in a seemingly empty world.

answer: The "curse" refers to Adrian's immunity to the virus. At first, it seemed like a blessing, but gradually, the joys of survival turned sour in his mouth. He was glad he was managing to avoid infection, but his family was picked off one by one, leaving him alone. His immunity revealed its true colors as a curse.

answer: Adrian seeks comfort in thinking he is the last man on earth. The last man on planet Earth. The last man to inhabit what was once human. There are no other survivors. Disbelief enveloped him as he walked around Manhattan alone, as reflected by his thoughts: "He could not walk around his own city without people. Because every ambitious and industrious person began as a single mind, a single being, and until they gathered with others and expanded, they were nothing. All too quickly, it seemed his mind had again been molded into a hopeless and broken individual. He longed for that community again. But the city – New York City - the great, sprawling mass of people, machines, concrete and asphalt, and the rumble of the underground trains would not seep away from him."

answer: Adrian Lucas' family are killed by the virus and he survives. He initially considers this as a blessing, but realizes that being alive means to live alone--and he doesn't want that. He travels, hoping to find survivors, but sees no sign of life. When he is on the Empire State Building, he decides that the only good thing to do is to die with the human race, only to be stopped by an unexpected voice. He's happy to be rescued not just because he no longer lost to the virus and humanity, but because he no longer feels lonely.


split: train

text:
Thirty-one years, one day, twenty hours and forty minutes my husband and I have been married. Not starting from when we exchanged ceremonious “I Do’s” at the altar on a heady summer day in 1980; no, starting from midnight that night, sipping cheap white wine in a cheap beige dress, the first day of my new life, the beginning of three long decades that would result in me waiting in the cold outside our favourite restaurant, a day after our anniversary, ten minutes late for the reservation.

The sun was still lingering around the clouds on the horizon. It was the latest I had seen it all summer; especially in London. Not a single car passed and only the occasional pedestrian stepped on the other side of the street, but I still didn’t notice Joseph until he was standing by my side. It was something you got used to, depending on your relationship with him of course. I stubbed my cigarette into the ground and turned to him, staring with quiet but clear indignation. From the look of Joe you wouldn’t place him in his profession, let alone think he was one of the best. He was skinny, but not tall, content to wearing pullover hoodies and expensive trainers. Hardly appropriate wear. Apart from his wrinkled face and white hair, you’d think him juvenile if his stern eyes didn’t demand respect. He spoke with a deep rumble, betraying his age with a rasping echo, making everything sound intensely morbid. It was depressing for a moment that this man was almost ten years younger than me.

“Your husband’s debts have been settled, Mrs McMahon.” It was a cold way to tell me Felix had just been murdered, even for him. “Perhaps we should go inside.”

“You’re late, our table’s probably gone by now.”

“My apologies, Mrs McMahon.”

“*Miss*.”

title: Something I wrote a few years ago and just tidied. Feedback appreciated!

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

How many years has it been since the narrator and her husband were married?

answer: Thirty-one years.

answer: Exactly thirty-one years.

answer: 31

answer: Thirty-one years.

answer: Thirty-one years.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

In which city did the narrator meet Joe?

answer: In London.

answer: It is implied that the narrator lives in London.

answer: London

answer: London.

answer: London.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What did Joe say to the narrator?

answer: That her husband was murdered.

answer: He tells her that her husband's debt has been settled - his way of saying her husband is dead.

answer: Joe informed the narrator that her husband's debts had been settled through Felix's death.

answer: That her husband's debts were settled and that she may want to enter the restaurant

text: Tell us the significance

refinement: That her husband's debts were settled and that she may want to enter the restaurant, meaning that he had been murdered.

answer: Joseph told the narrator that her husband's debts had been settled, meaning that he had been murdered.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

n/a

answer: n/a

question: Write a ~4 sentence summary.

answer:
Mrs. McMahon and Joe (presumably her bodyguard) have been married for 31 years.
Joseph finds Mrs. McMahon waiting on the steps of her favorite restaurant. She is wearing her favorite cheap see-through dress, and Joe tells her that her husband has been killed. It is suggested that discussion of it should be had in the restaurant where they were taking a reservation that started from midnight the night before.

text: Mrs. McMahon has been married to Felix.

refinement:
Mrs. McMahon and Felix have been married for 31 years.
Joseph finds Mrs. McMahon waiting on the steps of her favorite restaurant. She is wearing her favorite cheap see-through dress, and Joe tells her that her husband has been killed. It is suggested that discussion of it should be had in the restaurant where they were taking a reservation that started from midnight the night before.

answer: Mrs McMahon and her husband Joseph have been married a for a long time. They have a favourite restaurant around the corner and have a reservation at 8:30 pm on 31 August which is also their 31st anniversary. However, not 10 minutes late, Mr McMahon arrives to inform Mrs McMahon that her husband has been murdered. Mrs McMahon is not phased by the content of the message. She is still irritated for Mr McMahon's 7:40 showtime.

text: She is married to Felix

refinement: Mrs McMahon and her husband Felix have been married a for a long time. They have a favourite restaurant around the corner and have a reservation at 8:30 pm on 31 August which is also their 31st anniversary. However, not 10 minutes late, Joe arrives to inform Mrs McMahon that her husband has been murdered. Mrs McMahon is not phased by the content of the message. She is still irritated for Mr McMahon's 7:40 showtime.

answer:
The narrator (Mrs McMahon) reflects on the years she has been married. As she ruminates on her relationship, she notices Joe move closer to her. Joe is 10 years young than she is, yet looks quite old - the sheer thought depresses her.

Joe tells Mrs McMahon that her husband has been murdered.

answer: Married for 31 years, Jane receives news that her husband has been murdered. His debt has been settled and she is informed by Joseph, her husband's debt collector, on the day of their anniversary. She is angry at being kept waiting, but is also horrified to learn the news.

text: No way of knowing her name is Jane

refinement: Married for 31 years, Mrs. McMahon receives news that her husband has been murdered. His debt has been settled and she is informed by Joseph, her husband's debt collector, on the day of their anniversary. She is angry at being kept waiting, but is also horrified to learn the news.

text: She is unfazed by the news.

refinement: Married for 31 years, Mrs. McMahon receives news that her husband has been murdered. His debt has been settled and she is informed by Joseph, her husband's debt collector, on the day of their anniversary. She is angry at being kept waiting, but is unfazed by the news.

answer: This essay describes the surprise and grief that fills a relationship after one spouse has been murdered on their anniversary. The narrator's husband Felix has been killed and she is notified by a detective named Joe. In spite of their rocky relationship, the death leaves a hole in their lives and the anniversary marking their thirty-one years of marriage feels silenced and little important. The detective tells her that Felix's debts have been settled, making the whole situation even more tragic.

text: She does not feel grief. Clearly she is in on it.

refinement: The narrator reflects on the years of marriage to her husband. It is her husband's anniversary and she waits outside the restaurant. The twist comes when the narrator's husband Felix has been killed and she is notified by a man named Joe, presumably an assassin. She enters the restaurant with Joe.


text:
NAZARETH COLLEGE was a Catholic college in Kalamazoo, Michigan that operated from 1914 until 1992.

Origins

Nazareth Academy opened in 1897 and received a charter from the State of Michigan which provided for the future extension of the school to the collegiate level. On May 7, 1913, Monsignor O’Brien announced the formation of the O’Brien scholarship and the opening of Nazareth College. In 1914, Margaret Packard became the first recipient of the O’Brien scholarship and Nazareth’s first graduate in 1918 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Sister Mary Celestine Connors, S.S.J., served as Acting Dean of the college from 1918–1932 when she became the college’s first President, a post she held until 1938.

Chartering

Under the auspices of Bishop Michael J. Gallagher, of the Diocese of Detroit, Nazareth College was chartered in 1924 at Nazareth, Michigan by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth. At that time the college was granted its Articles of Incorporation by the State of Michigan as a four-year liberal arts college.

Construction

A seven million dollar campus construction project was begun in the 1950s. In 1959, groundbreaking began on Albers Hall, named after Bishop Joseph Albers of the Diocese of Lansing, which by then was the local diocese. Construction began on Connors Hall in 1959. Originally named Immaculata Hall, it was renamed in honor of Sister Mary Celestine Connors, S.S.J. In 1962, the administration building was begun, closely followed by Dooley Hall in 1963, initially called Madonna Hall. The change of name was to honor the famed Naval officer, Dr. Tom Dooley, who had worked in refugee camps in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War and later went to Laos to help the people there. He received a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously for his humanitarian work in that country. Work on Dillon Hall and the library was completed in 1967.

The next major addition to the physical campus was the completion of the Athletic Center in 1989, though it was never truly finished. This provided the students with a much needed outlet for physical fitness and activities as well as contributing to the college sponsored varsity sports for men in soccer, basketball and baseball; and for women in volleyball, basketball and softball. It surely also contributed to the victory of the women’s volleyball team in 1991 at nationals.

Change in admissions

Under the Presidency of Sister Mary Bader, S.S.J., (1962-1974),[1] the decision was made in 1971 to admit men to the college, thus changing the campus culture forever. By the late 1980s, twenty-three undergraduate majors and two graduate programs were being offered. Nazareth College was also noted for its night and weekend classes designed to meet the needs working adult students. Off-campus programs were located at Glen Oaks Community College in Centerville, Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, and Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek.

Degree offerings

In 1987 it offered bachelor's degree programs in: accounting, America studies, biology, business administration, computer information management, elementary education, English, fine arts, fine arts management, human services, learning disabilities, liberal studies, medical technology, natural science, nursing, pharmaceutical and medical services representative, pre-medical pre-dental and pre-veterinary, secondary education, social psychology, and social work.

Closure

The Nazareth College Board of Trustees announced their decision to close the college in April 1991. The college closed slowly and gracefully over the course of the next 18 months, allowing many students to finish their degrees. Ownership of the physical college campus reverted to the Sisters of Saint Joseph. The Sisters wanted to find a purpose for the buildings that fit with their mission of service. Connors, Dooley and Albers Halls have been leased to Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department. Borgess Medical Center purchased the athletic center and has converted it into Borgess Health and Fitness Center. Unfortunately a purpose for the administration building and the library could not be found and they were torn down in 1995 and 1996, respectively.

The college seal, that was inlaid in the main floor of the administration building, was saved and is now on display on the grounds of former campus. It is located on the west side of the main entrance road to Nazareth, close to where the administration building was.

[1] Nazareth Alumni Association “News”

title: Nazareth College (Michigan)

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the text say about Sister Mary Celestine Connors, S.S.J.?

answer: Sister Mary Celestine Connors, S.S.J. served as Acting Dean of the college from 1918-1932. She eventually became the college's first President, a post she held until 1938. In 1959, construction began on Immaculata Hall, later renamed Connors Hall in honor of Sister Mary.

answer: Sister Mary Celestine Connors, S.S.J. became Nazareth College's first Dean and held that post until 1938. She played a critical role in the founding and establishment of the college. She also received the honor of having a building named in her honor.

answer: Sister Mary Celestine Connors, S.S.J. served as Acting Dean of the college from 1918–1932 when she became the college's first President, a position she held until 1938. She also started the college's football program.

answer: Moses Sister Mary Celestine Connors, S.S.J. served as the first acting dean of Nazareth College from 1918-1932 and was its first President from 1938 until 1938. She oversaw all the initial construction of the college, including the fund raising and architectural plans. Following a decision to admit men to the college, she also oversaw some change in the campus culture.

answer: The first recipient of the Michael J. O'Brien scholarship, she was also the college's first graduate, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. She also served as the college's first Deo from 1918-1932 when she became the college's first President.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the text say about the origins of Nazareth College?

answer: Nazareth opened as an Academy in 1897. It received a charter from the State of Michigan for the future expansion of the school to the collegiate level. On May 7, 1913, Nazareth College formally opened together with the formation of Monsignor O'Brien scholarship. In 1914, Margret Packard became the first recipient of the O'Brien scholarship and Nazareth's first graduate in 1918 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

answer: Nazareth College opened in 1914 and was founded as a Catholic college by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth. It originally served as a four-year liberal arts college with the mission of educating students. Noble purpose and decisions such as admitting men to the school have contributed to its growth and change.

answer: Nazareth College was founded in 1914 by the Sisters of St. Joseph at Kalamazoo, Michigan as a Catholic four-year liberal arts college. It was chartered in 1924 and in 1971 it began admitting male students. Nazareth offered bachelor's programs in 1987. In 1991, the Board of Trustees decided to close the college. The college closed over the course of 18 months, and the administration building and library were torn down in 1995 and 1996 respectively.

answer: Zetha College Academy started in 1897 and received a charter from the State of Michigan to expand to the collegiate level in 1913. The first undergraduate course began in 1914.

answer: The school opened in 1870 and began granting a Catholic education to young women; it was later extended to use a Catholic education to educate men. In 1913 Catholic bishop Monsignor O'Brien announced the foundation of the O'Brien scholarship, which he hoped would serve to fund nurses and towards his dream of a Catholic college in Kalamazoo. The decision was made in 1928 to extend the college to four-year programs, and it was formally chartered as a four-year facility in 1924. An addition seven million dollar campus construction project begun in 1957; the project focus ranged from 1959 until 1962, when the Sisters of Saint Joseph sold all of their earthly belongings to fund the project. Immaculata Hall was renamed Connors Hall in 1969.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the text say about the closure of Nazareth College?

answer: In 1991, the Nazareth College Board of Trustees announced their decision to close the college. The college closed slowly over the course of 18 months, allowing many students to finish their degrees. The administration building and the library were torn down in 1995 and 1996 respectively.

answer: Rush room the Board of Trustees announced they decision to close the college in April 1991. It closed slowly and gracefully over the course of the next 18 months and allowed many students to finish their degrees. The Sisters wanted to find a purpose for the buildings that fit with their mission of service. Connors, Dooley and Albers Halls were leased to the County Health and Community Services Department. Borgess Medical Center purchased the athletic center and has converted it into Borgess Health and Fitness Center. The administration building and the library could not be found and were torn down in 1995 and 1996, respectively.

answer: The Nazareth College Board of Trustees announced their decision to close the college in April 1991. The college closed slowly and graciously, allowing many students to finish their degrees. Ownership of the physical college reverted to the Sisters of Saint Joseph. The Sisters wanted to find a purpose for the buildings with their mission of service, so they leased several to the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department. Borgess Medical Center purchased the athletic center, while the administration building and library had to be torn down in 1995-1996.

answer: The Nazareth College Board of Trustees announced their decision to close the college in April 1991. The college closed slowly and gracefully over the course of the next 18 months, allowing many students to finish their degrees. Ownership of the physical college campus reverted to the Sisters of Saint Joseph. The Sisters wanted to find a purpose for the buildings that fit with their mission of service. Connors, Dooley, and Albers Halls were leased to Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department. Borgess Medical Center purchased the athletic center and has converted it into Borgess Health and Fitness Center. The administration building and the library were torn down in 1995 and 1996, respectively.

answer: In 1991, the Nazareth College Board of Trustees decided to close the college. The reasons for this closure included that the admissions policy had changed to admit male students, and that the college lacked purpose with no foreseeable future. The administration building and library were torn down in 1995 and 1996 respectively.


text:
JEMS GEFFRARD (born 26 August 1994) is a Haitian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for HFX Wanderers and the Haiti national team.

He has previously played in the Canadian Soccer League, USL Premier Development League, United Soccer League, Ykkönen and the Veikkausliiga.

Club career

Montreal Impact

Geffrard began his career in 2011 by signing with the Montreal Impact Academy, and competed in the Canadian Soccer League, and USL Premier Development League.[1][2] In 2016, he signed with FC Montreal in the United Soccer League.[3] He made his debut on 17 March 2016 against Wilmington Hammerheads FC.[4] In his debut season in the USL he appeared in eight matches.

Ekenäs IF

In 2017, Geffrard left Canada to play for Ekenäs IF in Finland's second division.[5]

RoPS

The following season he signed to play in the Veikkausliiga with Rovaniemen Palloseura.[6] He left the club after the 2018 season.[7]

Fresno FC

Geffrard made his debut for Fresno FC on 15 May 2019, in a U.S. Open Cup match against El Farolito Soccer Club.

HFX Wanderers

On 18 February 2020, Geffrard signed with Canadian Premier League side HFX Wanderers.[8] On August 15 he made his Wanderers debut against Pacific FC.[9]

Honours

HFX WANDERERS

-   CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE
    -   Runners-up: 2020

International career

Internationally, Geffrard represents the Haiti national football team,[10] and made his debut against Japan on 10 October 2017.[11][12] In May 2019 he was named to the Haitian squad for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.[13]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7] Veikkausliigan siirrot talvella 2018-2019, veikkausliiga.com, 23 December 2018

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

title: Jems Geffrard

question: Where did Jems Geffrard play before HFX Wanderers and the Haiti national team?

answer: Jems Geffrard had played in the Canadian Soccer League, USL Premier Development League, United Soccer League, Ykkönen, and the Veikkausliiga before he started playing in HFC Wanderers, and the Haiti national team.

answer: Since he was a child, Geffrard has played for the Montreal Impact Academy, FC Montreal in the United Soccer League, Ekenäs IF in Finland's second division, and Rovaniemen Palloseura.

answer: United Soccer League, Ykkönen and the Veikkausliiga

question: When did Jems Geffrard begin his career?

answer: He began his career in 2011 by signing with Montreal Impact Academy.

answer: Jems Geffrard began his career in 2011.

answer: 2009.

text: Wrong.

question: Why did Jems Geffrard leave Canada in 2017?

answer: Based on the passage, it appears that Jems Geffrard quit his native Canada in order to play professional football in Finland, specifically with Ekenäs IF in the Veikkausliiga.

answer: Jems Geffrard left Canada in 2017 to play or Ekenäs IF in Finland's second division.

answer: Geffrard left Canada to play for a club in Finland's second division in 2017 most likely because he wanted more competitive soccer.

question: List national teams that Jems Geffrard played in.

answer: Haiti, Japan, Canada.

answer: Jems Geffrard plays in the Haiti national team.

text: Wrong

answer: Haiti, Japan

text: Incomplete.

question: Write a ~3 sentence summary.

answer: Jems Geffrard is a professional footballer who primarily plays as a center-back, and currently plays for HFX Wanderers in the Canadian Premier League. Geffrard has previously excelled in leagues like the Canadian Soccer League and the USL Premier Development League. Geffrard has also represented Haiti internationally.

answer: Jems Geffrard (born in 1994) is a Haitian professional footballer who plays as a center-back for HFX Wanderers and the Haiti national team. He made his international debut against Japan in 2017. He has previously played in the Canadian Soccer League, USL Premier Development League, United Soccer League, Ykkönen, and the Veikkausliiga.

answer: Jems Geffrard is a professional footballer for the USL club HFX Wanderers and the Haiti national team. Geffrard has experience competing in both the MLS and Finland's Veikkausliiga leagues.

answer: Jems Geffrard is a Haitian professional footballer who currently plays for HFX Wanderers in Canada's Premier League. He has experience with the Montreal Impact Academy, FC Montreal in the USL, and RoPS in the Veikkausliiga. Internationally, Geffrard has represented Haiti.

answer: Jems Geffrard is a professional footballer, who currently plays as a central defender for HFX Wanderers in Canada's inaugural Premier League. Geffrard previously played for FC Montreal and Ekenäs IF in Finland's second division before joining HFX Wanderers in 2019. He has also represented the Haiti national team.

answer: Jems Geffrard is a Haitian footballer who has played for clubs in the Canadian Soccer League, USL Premier Development League, United Soccer League, Ykkönen and the Veikkausliiga. He recently signed with HFX Wanderers, and has represented Haiti internationally.


text:
[]

President Barack Obama traveled to the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant in Redford, Mich., Monday to issue a speech on the economy, pressure Republicans in Congress to raise taxes on the nation's top earners, and highlight Daimler's new $120 million investment in the plant.

But it was the president's criticism of Michigan's right-to work legislation that stole the show for the audience of Daimler union employees.

"What we shouldn't be doing is trying to take away your rights to bargain for better wages," the president told the audience, which immediately roared with cheers, applause and whistles. "These so-called right-to-work laws, they don't have to do with economics, they have everything to do with politics." They're about "giving you the right to work for less money," he added, noting that Michigan's history shows how unions have helped "build a better America."

New state right-to-work legislation, which forbids requiring all employees who benefit from a labor contract to pay union dues, is scheduled to move through the Michigan Legislature for final action this week. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has pledged to sign the final version.

Activists have mobilized against the legislation, which they view to be an anti-union effort, resulting in a state Capitol lockdown last Thursday.

The president's comments Monday were his first public statements on the situation in Michigan.
His appearance was pegged to Daimler's announcement of its investment in the Detroit Diesel plant, which created 115 good, new "union" jobs, the president said. "That's great for this plant, good for this community, but it's also good for American manufacturing."

The president highlighted the plant as a symbol of how American manufacturing and auto industries are rebounding and growing in the new global economy.

"The competitive balance is tipping a little," the president said.

Obama appealed to the audience, which he characterized as middle-class, on the issue of the "fiscal cliff" by warning that the average middle-class family stands to pay $2,200 more in taxes next year if the automatic spending cuts and tax increases go into effect Jan. 1.

The president said America will head into a "downward spiral" if this happens, and placed the onus once again on Republicans to resolve the crisis by agreeing to raise taxes on households making more than $250,000.

"We've got to get past this whole situation where we've manufactured crises because of politics," Obama said.

Obama met Sunday with House Republican Speaker John Boehner, the GOP's lead voice on "fiscal cliff" negotiations, but no details of that conversation have been offered.

White House spokesman Jay Carney, during Monday's briefing on Air Force One en route to Michigan, also would not reveal any information. "I won't characterize yesterday's meeting or other conversations, but the president does believe we can reach an agreement," Carney said.

question: Why does President Obama oppose the right-to-work legislation in Michigan?

answer: He criticizes the legislation as being political rather than economical. He says the legislation gives the workers the right to work for less money.

answer: The president opposes the right-to-work legislation in Michigan because he believes it will take away workers' rights to bargain for better wages.

answer: President Obama opposes the right-to-work legislation in Michigan because he believes it is an anti-union measure that will result in lower wages for workers. He believes that such legislation will hurt the economy as a whole, as well as the middle class specifically.

answer: He believes that it will take away the rights of workers to bargain for better wages.

question: Why did the President go to Michigan?

answer: He traveled to a new Daimler Diesel Plant to give a speech about the economy.

answer: The President went to Michigan to highlight the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant's new investment and to speak about the economy and the "fiscal cliff" negotiations.

answer: He went to Michigan to issue a speech on the economy, pressure Republicans in Congress to raise taxes on the nation's top earners, and highlight Daimler's new $120 million investment in the plant.

answer: The President went to Michigan to issue a speech on the economy, pressure Republicans in Congress to raise taxes on the nation's top earners, and highlight Daimler's new $120 million investment in the plant.

question: What does the President say about the "fiscal cliff"?

answer: He says that if the automatic spending cuts and tax increases go into effect Jan. 1, the average middle-class family will pay $2,200 more in taxes.

answer: The President says that if the automatic spending cuts and tax increases go into effect on January 1st, the average middle-class family will pay $2,200 more in taxes. He also says that if this happens, America will head into a "downward spiral." The President urges Republicans to agree to raise taxes on households making more than $250,000.

answer: He says the average middle-class family will pay $2200 more per year, which can propel America into a downward spiral.

answer: The President says that if the "fiscal cliff" is not resolved, the average middle-class family will pay $2,200 more in taxes next year.

question: Who did the President talk with about the "fiscal cliff"?

answer: He spoke with the House Republican John Boehner.

answer: He met with House Republican Speaker John Boehner.

answer: President Obama met with House Republican Speaker John Boehner.

answer: The President met with House Republican Speaker John Boehner.

question: Write a ~4 sentence summary.

answer: President Obama traveled to the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant in Redford, Mich., Monday to issue a speech on the economy, pressure Republicans in Congress to raise taxes on the nation's top earners, and highlight Daimler's new $120 million investment in the plant. But it was the president's criticism of Michigan's right-to work legislation that stole the show for the audience of Daimler union employees. "What we shouldn't be doing is trying to take away your rights to bargain for better wages," the president told the audience, which immediately roared with cheers, applause and whistles. "These so-called right-to-work laws, they don't have to do with economics, they have everything to do with politics." They're about "giving you the right to work for less money," he added, noting that Michigan's history shows how unions have helped "build a better America." New state right-to-work legislation, which forbids requiring all employees who benefit from a labor contract to pay union dues, is scheduled to move through the Michigan Legislature for final action this week. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has pledged to sign the final version. Activists have mobilized against the legislation, which they view to be an anti-union effort, resulting in a state Capitol lockdown last Thursday. The president's comments Monday were his first public statements on the situation in Michigan. His appearance was pegged to Daimler's announcement of its investment in the Detroit Diesel plant, which created 115 good, new "union" jobs, the president said. "That's great for this plant, good for this community, but it's also good for American manufacturing." The president highlighted the plant as a symbol of how American manufacturing and auto industries are rebounding and growing in the new global economy. "The competitive balance is tipping a little," the president said. Obama appealed to the audience, which he characterized as middle-class, on the issue of the "fiscal cliff" by warning that the average middle-class family stands to pay $2,200 more in taxes next year if the automatic spending cuts and tax increases go into effect Jan. 1. The president said America will head into a "downward spiral" if this happens, and placed the onus once again on Republicans to resolve the crisis by agreeing to raise taxes on households making more than $250,000. "We've got to get past this whole situation where we've manufactured crises because of politics," Obama said. Obama met Sunday with House Republican Speaker John Boehner, the GOP's lead voice on "fiscal cliff" negotiations, but no details of that conversation have been offered. White House spokesman Jay Carney, during Monday's briefing on Air Force One en route to Michigan, also would not reveal any information. "I won't characterize yesterday's meeting or other conversations, but the president does believe we can reach an agreement," Carney said.

text: Not a summary. I don't even know where to begin

refinement: President Barack Obama travels to a new Daimler Diesel Plant to give a speech on economics. The most emphasized point is his critique of the right-to-work law in Michigan as giving the right to work for less money. He also praises unions and warns against a "fiscal cliff" if new taxes go into effect next year. Then, he says the Republicans need to agree to raise taxes on households earning more than $250,000.

answer: President Barack Obama travels to a new Daimler Diesel Plant to give a speech on economics. The most emphasized point is his critique of the right-to-work law in Michigan as giving the right to work for less money. He also praises unions and warns against a "fiscal cliff" if new taxes go into effect next year. Then, he says the Republicans need to agree to raise taxes on households earning more than $250,000.

answer:
President Obama traveled to the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant in Redford, Michigan, to issue a speech on the economy, pressure Republicans in Congress to raise taxes on the nation's top earners, and highlight Daimler's new $120 million investment in the plant.

The president's criticism of Michigan's right-to-work legislation stole the show for the audience of Daimler union employees.

The president's appearance was pegged to Daimler's announcement of its investment in the Detroit Diesel plant, which created 115 good, new "union" jobs.

answer: President Obama traveled to the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant in Redford, Michigan on Monday to speak about the economy and pressure Republicans in Congress to raise taxes on the nation's top earners. Obama also criticized Michigan's new right-to-work legislation, which is set to move through the state legislature this week. Obama met with House Republican Speaker John Boehner on Sunday, but no details of the conversation have been released.


text:
I was in the Starbucks all quiet and tucked away in my scarf, checking something on my phone, can't remember what for the life of me. The only thing running through my mind, *I don't need to be set up, I can take care of myself.*

*Look where that's got you, genius.* It was the voice of my friend, his words ringing through my head again. It was as if the conversation was repeating itself like a mental DVR. *Look, I'm not saying this girl's gonna be the love of your life, just give her a chance, coffee would suffice. All I know is me and Lindsay are getting real tired of you third-wheeling like a trike.*

*You know, you could just say she doesn't like me. It's not gonna be that big a blow to my ego.*

*Give this girl one chance. Please, for my sanity. If you turn down another girl she's gonna talk my ear off over it. And not to mention, ever since Lilian left you've been a grumpy little shit.*

He had to go there. *Fine. Whatever pleases the queen, I guess.* That thought carried me through up until the day of the date. It wasn't a blind date, but she's not really the, how do you say, vocal type. Then again, neither was Lilian. Not at first. I smirk as I remember what it took for her to even go out for coffee. I had to find the most remote coffee shop and bring her a complete menu and jump through all these hoops, come to think of it, I barely remember why I thought she was worth the trouble. Her smile, her giggle, her touch as I jumped through all these hoops just sent me over. I shake my head *snap out of it Dave, she's gone now.* I look up at the door and she's trying to find me, I wave her over and she makes her way to the couch/seat-thingy.

"Hey,"

"Hi. Can I get you a coffee?"

"No thanks, not really a coffee person, just a cocoa please." I get her drink and sit back down. She sips it and grins. She keeps sipping until she starts a bead of sweat. "Is it just me or is it hot in here?" She undoes her overcoat and unzips her jacket, and there's a Walk the Moon t-shirt

"You listen to Walk the Moon?"

"Yeah, I saw them in Cleveland a while back."

"No way, I tried to get tickets but they'd sold out. How'd you get tickets?" She looks down, the smile diminishes, but is still there.

"My, erm, ex-boyfriend, he- his brother was the drummer." She chokes over the end of the sentence.

"Um, I'm sorry to hear that."

"Lindsay had to drag me out of the apartment to come here. He was just such a big part of me, you know?"

"Oh god, tell me about it. When my ex left it was soooo messy. Don't even get me started. Drew and Lindsay spent hours trying to talk me into this whole date, I honestly didn't really have any expectations for today to be honest..."

"Oh really? They were telling me you were DYING to meet me for coffee after that party at Roland's"

"That was the first time I'd been out since the break up."

"Oh wow, that recent huh?"

"No, I sulked that long. Drew actually talked me into this with the same pitch,"

In unison, as if we'd rehearsed, "Oh, (he/she)'s just DYING to meet you. You really made an impression at Roland's."

She continues on, "So, uh, how long were you, erm, sulking, since your breakup?"

"A solid 2 months. I'm just glad that I had online classwork to wrap up the term or I'd have flunked. I barely pulled myself out of bed for finals."

"Oh god, she must've done a number on you. We broke up just after finals. Us moving out of the dorm was almost a fitting farewell, but I didn't leave my new dorm all during winter break and then near a month into the first term. Of course I picked up syllabuses. Syllabi?"

"I get what you mean. So, erm, who else do you listen to besides Walk the Moon?"

"I listen to a lot of synth pop. MGMT, Passion Pit, Two Door Cinema Club..."

"Oh, have you heard Passion Pit's iTunes session? I have it on my phone if you wanna listen."

"I wanna hear it so bad. I'm too poor to afford that kinda stuff."

"The Pirate Bay, girl, it's where it's at."

"You're terrible!" She grabbed an ear bud and listened to the songs all the same. We listened, sang along, laughed at each other's terrible voices, and then shared other stories about broken bones, high school idiots, concert tales, even the occasional poke or hold of the hand. We sat there and talked for hours, and could've for hours more, but we'd heard the infamous words,

"Closing time. Wrap it up you two lovebirds." At this point we're the only ones left aside from that mighty bold barista.

"Can I get another hot chocolate for the road?" She asks.

"Ugh, fine," The barista took his time in making the cup. "Want anything on top?"

"Caramel'll do fine." He finishes up, and I get up and reach for my back pocket when he stops me,

"This one's on the house," I walk her out to her car. We continue talking until we reach her little old Civic in the back of the lot.

"Weellll, this is my mighty humble ride."

"Better than me and my ride."

"Why, what's your ri-" I stop her and point at my feet. "Ooh. Want a ride to the dorms?"

"No, I live in the apartments right across the street."

"Ok. Well, until next time," She hugs me and gets in her car.

"I'll be waiting," I continue mumbling, finishing the conversation. "For the first time since the break up."

title: Since the break up

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What are the names of the main characters?

answer: Dave and Kagami

text: There's no evidence to suggest that there is a character named Kagami in the story.

answer: Dave and the girl he meets with in Starbucks

answer: The main characters are Dave and Lilian.

text: It incorrectly mentions Lilian as a main character.

refinement: The main characters are Dave and his blind date.

answer: The main characters are Dave and Lilian's ex.

text: It incorrectly mentions Lilian's ex as a main character which is actually Dave himself.

refinement: The main characters are Dave and his blind date.

answer: Dave and an unnamed woman

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Who sets up the date?

answer: The friend, Drew, set up the date.

text: It misses to include Lindsay as setting up the date along with Drew.

refinement: The friend, Drew, set up the date along with Lindsay.

answer: Drew and Lindsay.

text: "Drew and Lindsay spent hours trying to talk me into this whole date" is evidence of Drew and Lindsay setting up the date.

answer: Drew and Lindsay

text: "Drew and Lindsay spent hours trying to talk me into this whole date" is evidence of Drew and Lindsay setting up the date.

answer: Dave's friend, Lindsay, talks Dave into setting up a date with a girl he met at a party.

text: It misses to include Drew in setting up the date, along with Lindsay.

refinement: Dave's friends, Lindsay and Drew, talks Dave into setting up a date with a girl he met at a party.

answer: It is the friend of the protagonist who sets up the date.

text: It misses to specify that it is Drew and Lindsay who set up the date.

refinement: It is the friend of the protagonist who sets up the date.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

How long has it been since Dave's ex left him?

answer: 2 months

text: "'So, uh, how long were you, erm, sulking, since your breakup?' -'A solid 2 months'" is evidence that its been two months since Dave's ex left.

answer: Over two months

text: There's no evidence to suggest that it's been over two months. "A solid 2 months" is evidence that it's been two months.

answer: At least 2 months ago, since he barely got out of bed for finals.

text: It incorrectly measures finals as a way to describe the time since Dave's ex left him. "A solid 2 months" is evidence that it's been two months.

answer: It has been two months since Dave's ex left him.

text: "'So, uh, how long were you, erm, sulking, since your breakup?' -'A solid 2 months'" is evidence that its been two months since Dave's ex left.

answer: Dave's ex left him about two months prior to the date.

text: "'So, uh, how long were you, erm, sulking, since your breakup?' -'A solid 2 months'" is evidence that its been two months since Dave's ex left.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the couple bond over?

answer: Their shared taste in music

answer: The couple bond over common experiences following break up and loneliness. They end up discussing music and various other topics throughout the evening and form a bond.

answer: The couple bond over their shared experience of breakups. They also bond over music, shared tastes, and stories from their pasts.

answer: through the music.

answer: Their thoughts on Walk the Moon music and swiping technology in their respective college campuses.

text: There's no evidence to suggest they bond over swiping technology.

refinement: Their thoughts on Walk the Moon music and shared tastes.

question: Write a ~4 sentence summary.

answer: Traditionally a third-wheel, Dave was set up on a blind date by friend of a friend. He was dating Lilian and was sad about her departure. On the date he mingled with a barista and speech Center student. He's accustomed to sulking over the troubles of love, but for the first time since parting with Lilian, Dave is hopeful again.

text: It incorrectly says Dave was set up by a friend of a friend, however it is his friends Drew and Lindsay who set him up.

refinement: Traditionally a third-wheel, Dave was set up on a blind date by his friends Drew and Lindsay. He was dating Lilian and was sad about her departure. On the date he mingled with a barista and speech Center student. He's accustomed to sulking over the troubles of love, but for the first time since parting with Lilian, Dave is hopeful again.

text: It incorrectly mentions that Dave mingles with the barista

refinement: Traditionally a third-wheel, Dave was set up on a blind date by his friends Drew and Lindsay. He was dating Lilian and was sad about her departure. On the date he mingled with speech Center student. He's accustomed to sulking over the troubles of love, but for the first time since parting with Lilian, Dave is hopeful again.

text: There's no evidence to suggest that his date is a Speech Center student and misses mentioning he bonds with his date over tastes in music.

refinement: Traditionally a third-wheel, Dave was set up on a blind date by his friends Drew and Lindsay. He was dating Lilian and was sad about her departure. On the date he bonds with his date over tastes in music. He's accustomed to sulking over the troubles of love, but for the first time since parting with Lilian, Dave is hopeful again.

answer: Dave goes on a date with a girl after being urged by his friends. They end up having an enjoyable conversation and a long discussion about their breakups. The girl offers him a ride home and he agrees. Dave realizes that for the first time since his breakup, he's beginning to feel hopeful for the future.

text: It misses to mention that they bond over shared tastes in music.

refinement: Dave goes on a date with a girl after being urged by his friends. They end up having an enjoyable conversation and a long discussion about their breakups and their shared tastes in musuc. The girl offers him a ride home and he agrees. Dave realizes that for the first time since his breakup, he's beginning to feel hopeful for the future.

text: It incorrectly mentions that Dave accepts a ride home, he walks.

refinement: Dave goes on a date with a girl after being urged by his friends. They end up having an enjoyable conversation and a long discussion about their breakups and their shared tastes in musuc. The girl offers him a ride home but he rejects since he lives across the street. Dave realizes that for the first time since his breakup, he's beginning to feel hopeful for the future.

answer: The narrator is pressured by Drew and Lindsay to meet a girl after his ex, Lilian, had left him. They are walking to Starbucks, where Drew promised that both the narrator and the girl have chemistry. The girl shows up late, and they immediately get to talking about breakups and shares similar music tastes. The narrator discusses his current life plan with the girl at Starbucks as well.

text: There's no evidence that Drew and Dave walk to the Starbucks together.

refinement: The narrator is pressured by Drew and Lindsay to meet a girl after his ex, Lilian, had left him. He is at the Starbucks, waiting for his date to arrive. The girl shows up late, and they immediately get to talking about breakups and shares similar music tastes. The narrator discusses his current life plan with the girl at Starbucks as well.

text: There's no evidence to suggest the girl was late.

refinement: The narrator is pressured by Drew and Lindsay to meet a girl after his ex, Lilian, had left him. He is at the Starbucks, waiting for his date to arrive. The girl shows up and they immediately get to talking about breakups and shares similar music tastes. The narrator discusses his current life plan with the girl at Starbucks as well.

text: It incorrectly mentions that Dave discusses his life plan.

refinement: The narrator is pressured by Drew and Lindsay to meet a girl after his ex, Lilian, had left him. He is at the Starbucks, waiting for his date to arrive. The girl shows up and they immediately get to talking about breakups and shares similar music tastes. It was closing time and the narrator walks the girl to her car before walking across the street to his aparment.

answer: Dave's ex left him over two months ago, and he's been sulking since then. After being pressured by his friend Drew, Dave reluctantly agrees to go on a date with a woman he met recently at a party. They meet at a Starbucks and quickly bond over their shared taste in music. They stay until closing, and Dave says he's looking forward to seeing her again.

answer: After his break up, Dave decided to give the dating scene another try. He meets Lilian at a Starbucks date, and falls for her over hours of conversation. They bond over concerts, shared sadness, and commonalities. They hug and say goodbye at the end of the day, and plan to see each other again.

text: It incorrectly says that Dave meets Lilian at Starbuck, however Lilian is his ex. The girl he meets his unnamed.

refinement: After his break up, Dave decided to give the dating scene another try. He meets the girl at a Starbucks, and falls for her over hours of conversation. They bond over concerts, shared sadness, and commonalities. They hug and say goodbye at the end of the day, and plan to see each other again.


text:
In a question-and-answer session in parliament on June 13, the U.K. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling batted away claims from the official opposition that climate change is an existential threat to our planet, and said that any attempt to row back on road building was tantamount to the Labour Party waging a “war with the motorist.”

Grayling claimed that the “more congested our roads are, the higher the emissions.” And he added:

  We cannot destroy our economy and get rid of our roads. We have to decarbonize road transport, but we also have to ensure that our roads flow smoothly. Those on the Labour benches do not get that. They want to scrap road improvements, and they want more traffic jams. Those traffic jams increase emissions.”

Labour’s Rachael Maskell had asked the secretary of state why he had “failed to undertake a full environmental audit of [the latest] road investment strategy—the most ecologically and environmentally damaging road building program for a generation?”

Responding, Grayling claimed that Labour was “anti-motorist” and “anti-road improvements.”

Last year, the government announced billions of pounds for the Strategic Road Network–which comprise freeways and major “A-roads”–and billed the cash injection as the “largest ever investment of this kind.”

A very similar pledge was made in 2013 by the so-called “greenest government ever.” The then Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander–part of the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government–promised the “greatest investment in our roads since the 1970s.”

This, it seemed, was ignorant of a similar 1989 pledge made by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. With the _Roads to Prosperity_ report, Thatcher promised her government’s road building program would be the “biggest since the Romans.”

Some of Thatcher’s roads got built–including the M25 freeway around London, which, at peak times, is now more of a car park than a fast motor road–but the program was halted when it came to be understood that building more roads leads to more congestion. This was a radical idea when floated by anti-roads campaigners, but it became an orthodox government position–briefly–following advice to government from the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment (SACTRA) study of 1994.

The then Transport Secretary Dr. Brian Mawhinney–a Conservative–told parliament that the Department for Transport “recognized that, as economic growth over the last 15 years has greatly increased traffic levels, the number of congested areas has gone up and with them, the cases where a road scheme might bring costs as well as benefits.”

He admitted that “roads do, to some degree, increase traffic.”

This concept is known to transport wonks as “induced demand” and is often summarized with a quote usually attributed to the great American urbanist Lewis Mumford: “Building more roads to prevent congestion is like a fat man loosening his belt to prevent obesity.”

Transport academics tend to credit the discovery of induced demand in transport to J.J. Leeming, a British road-traffic engineer and county surveyor, writing in 1969. He observed that the more roads are built, the more traffic there is to fill these roads. The idea was conceived shortly after German mathematician Dietrich Braess released the Braess’s paradox which shows that “selfish” motorists can’t be relied upon to consider the optimal travel times for all rather than just themselves, leading to delays for all. These ideas were further expanded in the Lewis–Mogridge Position of 1990 and the Downs–Thomson paradox of 1992.

But the mechanics of induced demand was known about long before 1969. Writing in 1866, surveyor and engineer William J. Haywood, one of the builders of London’s Holborn Viaduct, said the new thoroughfare would attract more travelers: the “facility of locomotion stimulates traffic of itself.” His solution? Build more and more roads, of course. This was also the conclusion of Sir Charles Bressey’s Highway Development Survey for London, published in 1937. In his report–penned with the great architect, Sir Edward Lutyens–Bressey wrote:

  As a typical instance may be quoted the new Great West Road which parallels and relieves the old Brentford High Street route. According to the Ministry's traffic census extracts … the new route as soon as it was opened carried four and a half times more vehicles than the old route was carrying. No diminution, however, occurred in the flow of traffic along the old route and from that day to this the number of vehicles on both routes has steadily increased … These figures serve to exemplify the remarkable manner in which new roads create new traffic.”

Bressey’s solution? Same as Haywood’s. More roads.

Writing in 1932, the British town planner Thomas Sharp pointed out the futility of building more roads:

  A motorist is apt to complain of the overcrowded condition of the road if he finds he has not continually got a whole mile-long stretch of it to himself, but is one of a widely spaced and rapidly moving queue of half a dozen or so. He will declare there is no pleasure in motoring under such conditions. He will search his map for some alternative route by quiet lanes where he can speed along with the road to himself. And when others find that alternative route and all further alternatives are exhausted, he proceeds to demand a new road system so that his motoring may again become a pleasure.”

Despite knowing that building more roads would lead to more traffic, Sharp still advocated for road building.

Famously, Southern California built hundreds of miles of wide, expansive freeways, but soon after they were built they filled to capacity, as can be seen from this 1950s film of bumper to bumper queues:

Writing in _The New Yorker_ in 1955, Mumford suggested that “people … find it hard to believe that the cure for congestion is not more facilities for congestion.”

He added:

  Most of the fancy cures that the experts have offered for … congestion are based on the innocent notion that the problem can be solved by increasing the capacity of the existing traffic routes, multiplying the number of ways of getting in and out of town, or providing more parking space for cars that should not have been lured into the city in the first place. Like the tailor’s remedy for obesity–letting out the seams of the trousers and loosening the belt–this does nothing to curb the greedy appetite that [has] caused the fat to accumulate …”

And, as evidenced by the transport secretary on June 13, the planet can burn while the fat man–that’s us–loosens his belt in a futile attempt to prevent obesity.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the text say about induced demand?

answer: Induced demand is the idea that building more roads creates more traffic than existed before the new roads were built. Despite being acknowledged by transportation experts, this concept is often ignored in favor of building more and wider roads.

text: It would be beneficial to cite the origins of induced demand.

refinement:
Induced demand is the idea that building more roads creates more traffic than existed before the new roads were built. It was a theory popularized by J.J. Leeming, a British road-traffic engineer, in 1969 though the concept itself was conceived by German mathematician Dietrich Braess who showed that selfish motorists cannot be trusted to consider others when traveling, leading to congestion for other drivers.

Despite being acknowledged by transportation experts, this concept is often ignored in favor of building more and wider roads.

answer: The text says that building more roads leads to more traffic, due to the principle of induced demand. This results in more congestion and higher emissions.

answer: Induced demand is the idea that increasing the number of roads will lead to more traffic. The idea is that when people have more routes available to them, they opt for the longer and more traffic-filled route.

text: The second sentence of the response contradicts the statements made in the article about induced demand.

refinement: Induced demand is the idea that increasing the number of roads will lead to more traffic. The idea is that when people have more routes available to them, they opt for quieter routes which, in turn, get crowded as other drivers abandon congested routes for quieter ones.

text: Adding a bit of background on the theory of induced demand would benefit the response.

refinement:
Induced demand is the idea that increasing the number of roads will lead to more traffic. The idea is that when people have more routes available to them, they opt for quieter routes which, in turn, get crowded as other drivers abandon congested routes for quieter ones.

The theory of induced demand was conceived by the German mathematician Dietrich Braess, who believed the selfish motorist is at the heart of induced demand as they cannot be trusted to put their own convenience and desires above other motorists, leading to congestion and delay on roads.

answer: Induced demand is the term for the concept that building more roads creates additional traffic, rather than alleviating it. Lewis Mumford is often quoted as saying "building more roads to prevent congestion is like a fat man loosening his belt to prevent obesity." The discovery of the phenomenon is often attributed to J. J. Leeming, a British road-traffic engineer and county surveyor, who described it in 1969. However, the basic mechanics of induced demand were seen earlier by William J. Haywood, a surveyor and engineer, in 1866.

answer: Induced demand demonstrates that building more roads usually induces more road traffic. This was first proposed by British road-traffic engineer J.J. Leeming, who observed that the more roads are built, the more traffic there is to fill these roads. I the idea was further expanded in the 1980s.

text: - The response does not give a nuanced explanation on the origins of induced demand as it only states one source of the theory.

refinement: Induced demand demonstrates that building more roads usually induces more road traffic. This theory is often credited to the British road traffic engineer J.J. Leeming, who observed that the more roads are built, the more traffic there is to fill these roads. However, the theory of induced demand has been in existence since 1866 when surveyor and engineer, William J. Haywood, explains that the construction of a new thoroughfare would draw more travelers. I the idea was further expanded in the 1980s.

text: The last sentence of the response has the incorrect date. Also, the first word of the sentence has a typo.

refinement: Induced demand demonstrates that building more roads usually induces more road traffic. This theory is often credited to the British road traffic engineer J.J. Leeming, who observed that the more roads are built, the more traffic there is to fill these roads. However, the theory of induced demand has been in existence since 1866 when surveyor and engineer, William J. Haywood, explains that the construction of a new thoroughfare would draw more travelers. The idea was further expanded in the 1990s by Lewis-Mosgridge and Downs-Thomson.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the text say about the current discussion over roads?

answer: According to Chris Grayling, a huge infrastructure funding in road construction and improvements will not do much better. The more congested a road is, the more emissions and motorist trips there will be, heightened if road building and improvements continue. When new roads are built, traffic is not only diverted from old routes, but also additional traffic flows.

text: - The response position on Grayling's statement is in conflict with the Transport secretary's statements in the article.

refinement: According to Chris Grayling, a huge infrastructure funding in road construction and improvements will improve road congestion and reduce carbon emissions. The more congested a road is, the more emissions and motorist trips there will be, heightened if road building and improvements continue. When new roads are built, traffic is not only diverted from old routes, but also additional traffic flows.

text: There are no clear attributions on the second and third sentences - the response does not make clear who said them or if they are just statements of fact. The sentences, the way they are constructed, create a disconnect in the paragraph.

refinement:
According to Chris Grayling, a huge infrastructure funding in road construction and improvements will improve road congestion and reduce carbon emissions. The Transport Secretary believes the more congested a road is, the more emissions and motorist trips there will be. He is strong against not building new roads as suggested by the Labor Party as he believes this will destroy the British economy and increase emissions.

however, critics have pointed out that new roads don't necessarily reduce carbon emissions nor reduce traffic congestion as the theory of induced demand makes it so that the more roads are built, the more traffic increase and contest those roads over the long term.

answer: The U.K. Transport Secretary charded the latest ecological claim that climate change is an existential threat as an excuse to improve road traffic by expanding its routes and emissions. This idea has been discussed before, most recently during the so-called 'greenest government ever.' The 1990 Road to Prosperity proposal failed as the theory saying that building more roads leads to more traffic.

text:
- The response fails to reference which of the government piloted the "greenest government ever" scheme.

-  The word "charded" in the first sentence has no relevance to the topic discussed.

refinement:
The U.K. Transport Secretary used the latest ecological claim that climate change is an existential threat as an excuse to improve road traffic by expanding its routes and emissions. The idea of expanding and building more roads to combat carbon emission has once been floated by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat government (2010 to 2015), a scheme that came to nothing considering the level of investment planned.

Similarly, there was a scheme by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1989 to build so many roads that would be the "biggest since the Romans". Once it was understood that building more roads would lead to more congestion, the plan was abandoned.

answer: The U.K. Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, pushed for the construction of more roads in a question-and-answer session in parliament on June 13. Responding to Labour Party environmental concerns, he claimed that roadway congestion would lead to increased emissions, supporting the construction of new roads. Rachael Maskell of the Labour Party questioned why a full environmental audit of the road investment strategy was not carried out.

text: A little bit on the history side of the argument would make this a bit better.

refinement:
The U.K. Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, pushed for the construction of more roads in a question-and-answer session in parliament on June 13. Responding to Labour Party environmental concerns, he claimed that roadway congestion would lead to increased emissions, supporting the construction of new roads. This particular argument has been made before by the last Conservative governments including Thatcher's. However, they all had abandoned this logic as soon as they realize more roads meant more traffic and hence, more congestion.

Rachael Maskell of the Labour Party questioned why a full environmental audit of the road investment strategy was not carried out. Grayling, in turn, responded that the Labor was “anti-motorist” and “anti-road improvements.”

answer: The text argues that while roads are acknowledged to contribute to worsened congestion, the government continues to fund road building programs and this makes Labour anti-road and anti-motorist. The text thus implies that the current discussion around roads is flawed, failing to grapple with the reality that building more roads just leads to more traffic and environmental harm.

answer: The text says that the current discussion over roads is misguided, since building more roads leads to more traffic, and not less congestion. According to the author, this approach will never solve the problem of traffic.