text:
Find Your E-collar Remote Training Product

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[The Art of Training Your Dog]

[Consider the Dog]

Our Most Popular Training Solutions

E-Collar Remote Training Feedback & Results

[] What Makes Us Different
E-Collar Technologies has been helping owners train their dogs of all temperaments and obedience levels. Learn more about how our e-collars are made and how you can use them to improve your relationship with your dog! Continue Reading

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[] How an E-Collar Saved Our Reactive Aussie
Have a dog struggling with reactivity? Read Layla's amazing turn-around story.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Remote Dog Training Collar Buyers Guide: E-Collar Technologies] Dog Training Collar Buyers Guide
Don’t let their similar appearances confuse you; there are some very important differences among dog training collars. Consider these factors to evaluate options and find the right one for you.

[E-Collar Technologies EZ Educator Remote Training Collars - E-Collar Technologies]

An E-Collar is a remote dog training system that usually consists of a wireless remote and a wireless receiver. E-collars allow you to remotely send signals to your dog to help them understand "good behavior" and "bad behavior." The different E-collar models you can select from have functions that allow you to send either a tone, vibration, or a stimulating sensation to the dog.

Why Are E-Collars Better for Your Dog?

Unlike most traditional "shock collars" our E-Collars use a form of stimulus that targets the neck muscles of the dog; mimicking the loving touch of their mother.  With stimulation levels ranging from 1 to 100, our E-Collars allow you to adjust the stimulation to a level that is best suited to gently communicate with your dog. This “best level” can be locked to prevent over-stimulation and easily adjusted for a higher distraction environment when necessary. This level of control gives our electronic dog collars the clear advantage. The choice is clear: When it comes to getting the best dog collar for training your dog, without applying too much stimulus, then an E-Collar Remote Dog Trainer is the choice for you!

Are you considering which dog training collar IS BEST?

-   The size of dog (shock collars for small dogs are different than big dog shock collars)
-   The dog training collar range (hunting dog collars and working dog collars typically need a longer range than a pet training collar for average yards)
-   Do you need bark collar functionality? No bark collars differ from remote dog trainers.
-   How many dogs are you training? Some dog training collars feature multiple receivers, so you don't need to carry additional remotes.
-   Do you need waterproofing and shock resistance? Don't worry, all of our dog training collars are shock resistant (up to 5000 G-force) and water resistant (up to 500' below sea level).

Simply put, our superior construction, durability, and features make E-Collar Technologies' products the best dog collars available on the market today.

Shock Collars VS E-Collars

The term "shock collars" for some, has a negative connotation. Many people incorrectly assume that shock collars cause physical harm or lasting damage to a dog as a form of punishment. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Electric collars are designed to get your dog's attention, not as a form of punishment. When used in combination with positive reinforcement, E-collars provide the feedback that dogs need to learn when to pay attention to the handler. E-collars do not burn or cause lasting damage to a dog. Our educational videos and guides can help to dispel some of the myths associated with dog shock collars.

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

What does the text say about the definition of an E-Collar?

answer: An E-Collar is a remote dog training system that consists of a wireless remote and a wireless receiver. It allows dog owners to remotely send signals to their dogs to help the animals understand good behavior and bad behavior. There are different E-Collar models based on function. Dog owners can choose from E-Collar models that either send a tone, vibration, or a stimulating sensation to the dog.

answer: An E-Collar is a remote dog training system consisting of a wireless remote and a wireless receiver that sends signals to the dog to aid in understanding good behavior and bad behavior. E-Collars use a form of stimulus that targets the neck muscles of the dog in order to efficiently communicate with the dog.

answer: An E-Collar is a remote training system that sends a stimulating sensation to the dog to help them understand "good behavior" and "bad behavior." The stimulating sensation originates from a remote and is designed to imitate a mother's gentle touch. E-Collars also provide better control and more precise feedback than a traditional "shock collar". Lastly, E-Collars do not cause physical harm or lasting damage to dogs.

answer: An E-Collar is a remote dog training system that usually consists of a wireless remote and a wireless receiver. E-collars normally have a specific function of sending either a tone or vibration or a stimulating sensation to the dog.

answer: An E-Collar is a remote dog training system that usually consists of a wireless remote and a wireless receiver. It uses electric stimulation signals to train dogs and dictate their attention. The process of getting a dog's attention is not punishment.

text: Strange English

refinement: An E-Collar is a remote dog training system that usually consists of a wireless remote and a wireless receiver. It uses electric stimulation signals to train dogs and attract their attention. The process of getting a dog's attention is not punishment.

text: Irrelevant and not clear

refinement: An E-Collar is a remote dog training system that usually consists of a wireless remote and a wireless receiver. It uses electric stimulation signals to train dogs and attract their attention.

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

Why should dog owners get an E-Collar instead of a traditional shock collar?

answer: Unlike most traditional shock collars, E-Collars use a form of stimulus that targets the neck muscles of the dog. The stimulus mimics the loving touch of their mother and the stimulation level (1-100) can be adjusted to a level that is best suited to gently communicate with the dog. Optimal levels can be locked to prevent over-stimulation and easily adjusted for a higher distraction environment when necessary, giving owners more control.

answer: E-Collars are more humane than traditional shock collars because they use a form of stimulus that targets the neck muscles of the dog, mimicking the loving touch of the mother. Additionally, E-Collards have levels of adjustable stimulation that allow for gentle communication with your dog, unlike traditional shock collars which are typically underpowered, resulted in over-stimulation, and cause lasting damage. Due to these reasons, E-Collars are the better choice for training your dog.

answer: The E-Collar is adjustable and uses a different form of stimulation to mimic the mother's soggy caress hence it is less harmful and scary.

text: interesting adjective

refinement: The E-Collar is adjustable and uses a different form of stimulation to mimic the mother's caress hence it is less harmful and scary.

answer: E-Collars are a better choice for dog owners because they use a form of stimulus that is more humane than traditional shock collars. E-collars are also versatile, with adjustable settings. This makes them a more reliable option for training purposes.

answer: Traditional shock collars used pain to train dogs and are thought tou cause physical harm or lasting damage to a dog. Most E-Collar Devices use humane stimuli that mimicks the loving touch of its mother.

text: Spelling and grammatical errors

refinement: Traditional shock collars used pain to train dogs and are thought to cause physical harm or lasting damage to a dog. Most E-Collar Devices use humane stimuli that mimic the loving touch of their mother.

text: Incomplete answer

refinement: Traditional shock collars used pain to train dogs and are thought to cause physical harm or lasting damage to a dog. Most E-Collar Devices use humane stimuli that mimic the loving touch of their mother. E-Collars allow you to adjust the stimulation to a level that is best suited to gently communicate with your dog.

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

What is the general misconception about electronic dog collars?

answer: Many people incorrectly assume that shock collars cause lasting damage on a dog. This is not true. It is an electronic dog training collar that provides a safe form of communication to animals. The biggest misconception about electronic dog training collars is that electronic dog training collars cause physical harm to dogs.

text: Grammatical error

refinement: Many people incorrectly assume that shock collars cause the dog lasting damage. This is not true. It is an electronic dog training collar that provides a safe form of communication to animals. The biggest misconception about electronic dog training collars is that electronic dog training collars cause physical harm to dogs.

text: repetition

refinement: Many people incorrectly assume that shock collars cause the dog lasting damage. This is not true. It is an electronic dog training collar that provides a safe form of communication to animals.

answer: The misconception is that electric collars cause physical harm or lasting damage to a dog as a form of punishment. In reality, E-collars are designed to help a dog learn when to pay attention to their owner. They do not cause physical harm or damage.

answer: The term "shock collar" often has a negative meaning. Many people incorrectly assume that shock collars "shock" or electrocute the dog, causing physical harm or lasting damage to a dog as a form of punishment. This is simply not true, and E-Collars don't burn or cause lasting damage to a dog. Electric collars (E-Collars) are designed to get a dog's attention, not as a form of punishment. When used with positive reinforcement, E-Collars provide the feedback that dogs need to learn when to pay attention to the handler.

answer: The misconception about electronic dog collars is many people mistakenly believe that these devices cause physical harm or lasting damage to the dog. In reality, electronic collars are designed to provide the feedback necessary for dogs to learn when to pay attention to their handlers. These collars do not cause any long-term damage.

answer: People incorrectly assume that shock collars cause physical harm or lasting damage to a dog as a form of punishment.


split: train

text:
The ZIMBABWEAN DIASPORA refers to the diaspora of immigrants from the nation of Zimbabwe. The term RHODESIAN DIASPORA only describes a specific subset of former Rhodesian/Southern Rhodesian residents who left the country during or after the Rhodesian Bush War.

Countries with the biggest diaspora populations include South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the United States.[1] There is mobility within the diaspora. For example, some Zimbabweans have moved to the UK before deciding to settle in Australia.[2]

History

Temporary labour migration to South Africa has long been a feature of Rhodesian and then Zimbabwean society. A 2002 survey by the Southern African Migration Project show that almost 25% of adult Zimbabweans' parents or grandparents had worked in South Africa at some point in their lives.[3] However, permanent emigration is a relatively new phenomenon. There have been two major waves of emigration from Zimbabwe. The first was that of whites in Zimbabwe who left the country soon after independence; they were followed by black Zimbabweans beginning in the 1990s. In both cases, South Africa was again their primary destination; however, from 1994 onwards, the South African government displayed increasing hostility to skilled immigration from the rest of Africa, leading Zimbabwean emigrants to seek other pastures.[4]

Overall statistics

It is estimated that there are millions of residents outside of Zimbabwe's borders who were either born in the country or are descended from immigrants; Many recent emigrants are illegally residing in other countries because of the fall of the standard of living and economic conditions in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwean diaspora has a 95% literacy rate in English and a very highly educated adult population. The main languages spoken are English, Shona, and Ndebele.

By country

Australia

Zimbabweans form a significant community in Australia with their numbers having grown to over 30,000 as of 2011.[5] The community is now well established, with some of the highest incomes in the country,[6] as well as with community institutions such as Zimbabwean language schools.[7] One in three of Australia's Shona and Ndebele-speakers live in Sydney.[8][9]

Botswana

There are estimated to be between 40,000-100,000 Zimbabweans in Botswana .[10]

Canada

The Zimbabwean community in Canada is concentrated in Toronto; Calgary; Edmonton; Hamilton, Ontario and Kitchener-Waterloo in Ontario. Vancouver; Victoria, British Columbia in British Columbia. Their numbers have been slowly but steadily increasing since 2000.

South Africa

There are estimated to be between one and five million Zimbabweans in South Africa .[11]

United Kingdom

The UK Zimbabwean community is said to be close to 100,000. They are mainly concentrated in London and other urban areas.

United States

There are various conflicting unofficial figures about the number of Zimbabweans in the US. The RAND Corporation estimated in 2000 that there were 100,000 in the state of New York alone.[12] In contrast, a 2008 estimate from the Association of Zimbabweans Based Abroad put the population of Zimbabweans in the whole US at just 45,000.[13] They make up just a small part of the Zimbabwean diaspora compared to the larger communities in South Africa and the United Kingdom.[14] However, of Zimbabweans who have not yet emigrated but are considering it, a somewhat higher proportion state that the United States, rather than the United Kingdom, is their preferred destination; this may be due to harassment and discrimination which Zimbabweans have faced in the UK.[15]

There is a small community of Zimbabweans in Chicago, perhaps 80 to 100 people, consisting primarily of former students at area universities. [16]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5] http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/comm-summ/_pdf/zimbabwe.pdf

[6]

[7]

[8] http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABSNavigation/prenav/ViewData?action=404&documentproductno=105&documenttype=Details&order=1&tabname=Details&areacode=105&issue=2006&producttype=Census%20Tables&javascript=true&textversion=false&navmapdisplayed=true&breadcrumb=POLTD&&collection=Census&period=2006&productlabel=Language%20Spoken%20at%20Home%20(full%20classification%20list)%20by%20Sex&producttype=Census%20Tables&method=Place%20of%20Usual%20Residence&topic=Language&

[9] http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABSNavigation/prenav/ViewData?action=404&documentproductno=0&documenttype=Details&order=1&tabname=Details&areacode=0&issue=2006&producttype=Census%20Tables&javascript=true&textversion=false&navmapdisplayed=true&breadcrumb=POLTD&&collection=Census&period=2006&productlabel=Country%20of%20Birth%20of%20Person%20(full%20classification%20list)%20by%20Sex&producttype=Census%20Tables&method=Place%20of%20Usual%20Residence&topic=Birthplace&

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

title: Zimbabwean diaspora

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

Summarize the negative aspects of the Zimbabwean diaspora.

answer: There are millions of Zimbabweans living and working externally to their home country. This is because of the severe decline in the standard of life and economic conditions of Zimbabwe. While many have returned back to Zimbabwe after the restoration of the country after Mugabe, the diaspora is still considered a large gathering of Zimbabweans outside the borders of their home country.

text: The last sentence is not supported

refinement: There are millions of Zimbabweans living and working externally to their home country. This is because of the severe decline in the standard of life and economic conditions of Zimbabwe.

answer: It is estimated that millions of Zimbabweans live outside of its borders and due to poor standard of living and economic conditions, most emigrants are illegal. From 1994 onwards the South African government displayed increasing hostility to skilled immigration from the rest of Africa, this led to Zimbabwean emigrants to seek other pastures. A high proportion of Zimbabweans that want to emigrate are aiming for the USA, rather than the United Kingdom, this could be due to harassment and discrimination which Zimbabweans have faced in the UK.

answer: The Zimbabwean diaspora has experienced widespread poverty and discrimination in their country of residence. Additionally, they face barriers to immigration due to hostile immigration laws and governmental policies in host countries. The gap between their quality of living compared to that in Zimbabwe creates a burden on the diaspora. Finally, due to emigration in recent years, Zimbabweans abroad are often lacking leadership or are spread out across many countries making it difficult to develop a cohesive voice.

text: The last two sentences are not supported

refinement: The Zimbabwean diaspora has experienced widespread poverty and discrimination in their country of residence. Additionally, they face barriers to immigration due to hostile immigration laws and governmental policies in host countries.

answer: No answer

text: Provide a response

refinement: Zimbabwean immigrants have faced hostility and discrimination from their new home countries, and many recent emigrants are illegally residing in other countries because of the fall of the standard of living and economic conditions in Zimbabwe.

answer: The major negative aspects of the Zimbabwean diaspora relate primarily to their precarious existence in exile. Estimates regarding their population vary widely, and this leads to significant challenges in obtaining accurate data and facilitating proper reception in new countries. This can lead to overcrowding and inadequate housing in receiving areas, as well as poor provisioning for those in need. Increasing xenophobia in some receiving nations poses new risks for members of the diaspora. Finally, because they represent a highly educated but economically disadvantaged population, members of the diaspora often find themselves without work and without prospects for the future.

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

Summarize the historical context around the Zimbabwean diaspora.

answer: There were two historical waves of emigration - during which Zimbabweans left the country. The first was whites, who left shortly after Independence. The second was black Zimbabweans, beginning in the 1990s.

text: Remove the dash

refinement: There were two historical waves of emigration during which Zimbabweans left the country. The first was whites, who left shortly after Independence. The second was black Zimbabweans, beginning in the 1990s.

answer: There have been two major waves of emigration from Zimbabwe. The first happened when white Zimbabweans left the country soon after independence, presumably when the Rhodesian Bush War ended. The second wave was that of black Zimbabweans beginning in the 1990's. South Africa was the primary destination for both waves. The Zimbabwean diaspora are highly literate and very highly educated. They speak English, Shona and Ndebele.

text: The Rhodesian Bush War was not described as connected to the country's independence

refinement: There have been two major waves of emigration from Zimbabwe. The first happened when white Zimbabweans left the country soon after independence. The second wave was that of black Zimbabweans beginning in the 1990's. South Africa was the primary destination for both waves. The Zimbabwean diaspora are highly literate and very highly educated. They speak English, Shona and Ndebele.

answer: There have been two major waves of emigration from Zimbabwe in recent history. White Zimbabweans left the country soon after independence, while black Zimbabweans emigrated primarily beginning in the 1990s and with increasing frequency after 1994. Many recent emigrants have been forced to move due to the fall in living standards and economic conditions within Zimbabwe. While the official numbers are unconfirmed, it is estimated that there are over one million Zimbabweans living outside their country of origin. The diaspora community is extremely well educated and English is the primary language. The diaspora is most concentrated in South Africa, the UK, and Canada, though there is also a small population in the United States.

answer: The diaspora of Zimbabweans is starting to really pick up steam in the second half of the 1900s. The significant population was due to Whites, that left the country soon after independence from the UK. Then, in the 90s, black Zimbabweans started to follow. They were deported to South Africa, many hoping to make it north to the UK. Permanent emigration had been a relatively new phenomenon for Zimbabweans.

text: Very misleading response

text: Provide a response

refinement: There have been two major waves of emigration from Zimbabwe. The first was that of whites in Zimbabwe who left the country soon after independence; they were followed by black Zimbabweans beginning in the 1990s.

answer: There have been two major waves of emigration from Zimbabwe since the country achieved independence. The first wave of emigration was that of whites in Zimbabwe who left the country after independence. More recently, since the 1990s, black Zimbabweans have begun emigrating in increasing numbers, with South Africa being the primary destination. Estimates place the size of the Zimbabwean diaspora at millions with high literacy rates and high levels of education. The community is particularly concentrated in South Africa, the UK, and Australia. There is also a small community in Chicago.

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

Summarize the distribution of Zimbabweans over the world.

answer: Millions of highly educated Zimbabweans live outside the country's borders. The largest communities of Zimbabweans immigrants are in South Africa and the United Kingdom. In Australia, there is a significant community with high incomes in Sydney with its own language schools. Botswana, Canada and the USA also house Zimbabwean immigrants, although the number is uncertain.

answer: Hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans are spread throughout several countries including South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States. The vast majority of these Zimbabweans reside in South Africa, and their primary spoken languages are English, Shona, and Ndebele. Within the diaspora, Zimbabweans are generally educated, with a literacy rate of 95%.

answer: In Australia, the community of Zimbabweans is established but only recently started absorbing people. Only a small population migrated over to Canada. They occur in large numbers in London, New York and in South Africa. While they are not well established yet because of their few numbers in America, most of the Zimbabweans are moving to this country since they answer the economic and social needs of the people.

text: What does "absorbing people" mean?

refinement: In Australia, the community of Zimbabweans is established. Only a small population migrated over to Canada. They occur in large numbers in London, New York and in South Africa. While they are not well established yet because of their few numbers in America, most of the Zimbabweans are moving to this country since they answer the economic and social needs of the people.

text: The last sentence doesn't make sense

refinement: In Australia, the community of Zimbabweans is established. Only a small population migrated over to Canada. They occur in large numbers in London, New York and in South Africa.

text: Rephrase "occur in large numbers"

refinement: In Australia, the community of Zimbabweans is established. Only a small population migrated over to Canada. There is a large population of Zimbabwean immigrants in London, New York and in South Africa.

answer: Countries with the biggest diaspora populations include South Africa, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the US. There have been two major waves of emigration from Zimbabwe that characterize the Zimbabwean Diaspora. The first was that of whites left shortly after independence, later followed by black Zimbabweans beginning in the 1990s. Many immigrants are living illegally in other countries due to the fall of the standard of living and economic conditions in Zimbabwe.

text: The waves of the diaspora are irrelevant

refinement: Countries with the biggest diaspora populations include South Africa, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the US. Many immigrants are living illegally in other countries due to the fall of the standard of living and economic conditions in Zimbabwe.

answer: The Zimbabwean diaspora can be found in countries all over the world, primarily South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States. The diaspora has a high literacy rate and consists primarily of skilled workers and educated adults. There are an estimated millions of Zimbabweans living outside the country of origin. There is also a small community of Zimbabweans in Chicago.


text:
Based on the collection of novellas, The Decameron, by Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio, _The Little Hours_ is an outrageous raunchy comedy that follows a young man who takes refuge in a convent in an effort to escape his master. During his stay, the young man realises the sisters at the convent might not behave the way you would expect them too. Jeff Baena directs _The Little_ Hours, which stars Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Aubrey Plaza, Kate Micucci, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Jemima Kirke, Nick Offerman, Fred Armisen, and Paul Reiser.

[The-Little-Hours]
Image via Gunpowder & Sky
To really get a feel for what you are going to see in _The Little Hours_ I would recommend the Red Band trailer, because that way you will get the perfect example for the kind of movie and its crude humour you are about to watch. The setting might be Middle Ages Italy but the language and characters feel straight out of 2017. Having foul-mouthed, sexually frustrated nuns swearing and violently beating people is the main joke of the movie, but it is something that is able to spawn off several humorous and outright weird moments.

[The-Little-Hours-Franco-Plaza]
Image via Gunpowder & Sky
_The Little Hours_ might have one humour trope it relies on but it is the cast that make the joke work. Many of the characters feel like R Rated versions of characters that the main cast has portrayed before. Aubrey Plaza appears to be in her element as Fernanda, one of the main nuns who might have some anger issues. She gives off a foul-mouthed, April Ludgate vibe, but with a different type of charm. Allison Brie’s Alessandra is similar to some of her previous roles, the rich girl who wants to get married and then begins to rebel. Like Plaza, Brie is in her natural acting element, which allows her to have fun with the role and keep the character engaging. The supporting cast do a fantastic job as well, adding to the raunchy humour in what I could only imagine would have been an impossible shoot, or at least there must be a large number of outtakes. The scenes between Dave Franco and John C Reilly were some of my favourites, in particular the confessing of the sins. The combination of Middle Ages dialogue with modern day speak blends together hilariously throughout _The Little Hours_, but it is in these scenes that it works best.

[The-Little-Hours-John-C-Reilly]
Image via Gunpowder & Sky
This film is definitely an interesting viewing experience. I believe this is the film that when viewed with a group may become more humorous, but on a solo viewing you can pick up on some of the films subtlety. The film itself is interesting, because it doesn’t feel like a conventional story; it doesn’t have a typical three-act structure, or a through line. Baena also uses some interesting shots throughout the movie that set the setting for the presumed period piece that would typically accompany a film set in the middle ages.

[The-Little-Hours-Plaza-Brie]
Image via Gunpowder & Sky
_The Little Hours_ has one joke that is used throughout the film, but somehow it works. I had fun viewing this movie and felt that there was some very interesting filmmaking techniques used through out. I don’t think it will make my favourite movies of the year but it is something that is easy to watch and have a few laughs at.

Recommendations:

If you are a fan of raunchy, sex comedies, or the actresses in this movie then it’s definitely worth checking out.

_The Little Hours_ scores a 6/10

Thanks for reading my review. Have you seen _The Little Hours_? Does this seem like something that would interest you? Be sure to check out the Red Band trailer below.

Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date with everything happening with Millennial Movies. Just put your email in the box below to subscribe. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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

What is the main subject of this article?

answer: The main subject of this article is _The Little Hours_, a raunchy comedy about a young man who takes refuge at a convent in Middle Ages Italy and realizes that the nuns might behave differently than one would expect.

text: Quotation marks.

refinement: The main subject of this article is 'The Little Hours', a raunchy comedy about a young man who takes refuge at a convent in Middle Ages Italy and realizes that the nuns might behave differently than one would expect.

text: '_The Little Hours_ is an outrageous raunchy comedy that follows a young man who takes refuge in a convent in an effort to escape his master. During his stay, the young man realises the sisters at the convent might not behave the way you would expect them too' supports the answer.

answer: The main subject of this article is the movie _The Little Hours_. This film is an outrageous comedy about Middle Ages nuns swearing and violently beating people. The film is notable for its raunchy humour and interesting filmmaking techniques.

text: It is omitted that the nuns are sexually frustrated.

refinement: The main subject of this article is the movie _The Little Hours_. This film is an outrageous comedy about Middle Ages sexually frustrated nuns swearing and violently beating people. The film is notable for its raunchy humour and interesting filmmaking techniques.

text: Quotation marks; spelling.

refinement: The main subject of this article is the movie 'The Little Hours'. This film is an outrageous comedy about Middle Ages sexually frustrated nuns swearing and violently beating people. The film is notable for its raunchy humor and interesting filmmaking techniques.

text: 'Having foul-mouthed, sexually frustrated nuns swearing and violently beating people is the main joke of the movie,' supports the answer.

answer: The film The Little Hours

answer: The article details some of the characters in a raunchy sex comedy, their roles, demeanor, and a synopsis of the movie.

answer: A review of the film The Little Hours

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

List some of the actors appearing in the film The Little Hours.

answer: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Aubrey Plaza, Kate Micucci, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Jemima Kirke, Nick Offerman, Fred Armisen, and Paul Reiser.

answer: Aubrey Plaza, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Jemima Kirke, Nick Offerman, Fred Armisen, and Paul Reiser.

answer: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Aubrey Plaza, Kate Micucci, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Jemima Kirke, Nick Offerman, Fred Armisen, and Paul Reiser.

answer: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Aubrey Plaza, Kate Micucci, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon, Jemima Kirke, Nick Offerman, Fred Armisen, and Paul Reiser

answer:
- Alison Brie
- Alison Brie
- Alexandra
- Dave Franco
- John C. Riley
- John Reilly

text: Alison Brie is listed twice.

refinement:
- Alison Brie
- Alexandra
- Dave Franco
- John C. Riley
- John Reilly

text: Alexandra is not mentioned.

refinement:
- Alison Brie
- Dave Franco
- John C. Riley
- John Reilly

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

Who directed the film?

answer: Jess Baena

answer: Jeff Baena

answer: Jeff Baena directed _The Little Hours_.

answer: Jeff Baena directed _The Little Hours_.

answer: Jeff Baena

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

What, according to the article, are some of the shortcomings of the film?

answer: It doesn't have the three-act structure that "conventional stories" seem to have.

text: It is not stated that the three-act structure is a shortcoming.

refinement: The article doesn't explicitly list any shortcomings.

answer: Several aspects of the film, namely its crude humour and lack of traditional structure, are considered shortcomings by the article. The humour is primarily focused on raunchy scenes of swearing nuns and violence, and the lack of structure prevents the film from having a strong through line.

text: It is not stated that its crude humour and lack of traditional structure, are considered shortcomings by the article. The humour is primarily focused on raunchy scenes of swearing nuns and violence, and the lack of structure prevents the film from having a strong through line are shortcomings of the movie.

refinement: The article doesn't explicitly list any shortcomings.

answer: It fails to establish a through line to the story.

text: It is not stated that it is a shortcoming of the movie.

refinement: The article doesn't explicitly list any shortcomings.

answer: The article doesn't explicitly list any shortcomings.

answer: Some of the shortcomings of _The Little Hours_ according to the article are that it relies heavily on one humour trope and may not have a traditional storyline structure.

text: It is not stated that relying heavily on one humour trope and not having a traditional storyline structure are shortcomings of the movie.

refinement: The article doesn't explicitly list any shortcomings.

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

What did the writer enjoy most about the film?

answer: The writer enjoyed the scenes between Dave Franco and John C. Reilly.

text: 'The scenes between Dave Franco and John C Reilly were some of my favourites, in particular the confessing of the sins.' supports the answer.

answer: They enjoyed the cast the most who appeared to be in their element despite the theme so it seems.

text: It is not stated that they enjoyed the cast the most who appeared to be in their element despite the theme so it seems.

refinement: The scenes between Dave Franco and John C. Reilly, especially the confessing of sins.

answer: The scenes between Dave Franco and John C. Reilly, especially the confessing of sins.

text: 'The scenes between Dave Franco and John C Reilly were some of my favourites, in particular the confessing of the sins.' supports the answer.

answer: The writer enjoyed the raunchy humour, particularly between the main cast.

text: It is not stated that the author enjoys most the raunchy humor, particularly between the main cast.

refinement: The scenes between Dave Franco and John C. Reilly, especially the confessing of sins.

answer: The writer enjoyed the crude humour and the R Rated characters.

text: It is not stated that the writer enjoyed the crude humor and the R Rated characters.

refinement: The scenes between Dave Franco and John C. Reilly, especially the confessing of sins.

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

What rating does the writer give the film?

answer: 6 out of 10

text: '_The Little Hours_ scores a 6/10' supports the answer.

answer: The writer gives the film a 6/10.

text: '_The Little Hours_ scores a 6/10' supports the answer.

answer: The writer rates the film a six (6).

text: It is omitted that scoring is up to 10.

text: '_The Little Hours_ scores a 6/10' supports the answer.

answer: 6/10

text: '_The Little Hours_ scores a 6/10' supports the answer.

answer: The writer gives the film a 6/10.

text: '_The Little Hours_ scores a 6/10' supports the answer.

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

When was The Little Hours released?

answer: Implied to be 2017, but that is not confirmed in the review

text: 'the setting might be Middle Ages Italy but the language and characters feel straight out of 2017. ' supports the answer.

answer: The Little Hours was released in 2017.

text: It is implied, not stated.

refinement: It is implied, not stated that The Little Hours was released in 2017.

answer: The Little Hours was released in June of 2017.

text: June is not mentioned.

text: It is implied, not stated.

refinement: It is implied that The Little Hours was released in 2017.

text: 'The setting might be Middle Ages Italy but the language and characters feel straight out of 2017.' implies the answer.

answer: not answered

text: There is no answer.

answer: This is not mentioned in the article.

text: There is no answer.

refinement: It is implied that it was released in 2017.

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: _The Little Hours_ is an outrageous raunchy comedy following a young man who takes refuge in a convent and encounters sexually frustrated nuns.

text: '_The Little Hours_ is an outrageous raunchy comedy that follows a young man who takes refuge in a convent in an effort to escape his master. During his stay, the young man realises the sisters at the convent might not behave the way you would expect them too.' supports the answer.

answer: The text is a movie review of The Little Hours, a movie based on Giovanni Boccaccio's The Decameron, which follows a young man who takes refuge in a convent to escape an evil torturer in the Middle Ages.

answer: _The Little Hours_ is an outrageous and raunchy comedy about a young man out to escape his master who finds himself at a convent full of foul-mouthed nuns.

text: 'Having foul-mouthed, sexually frustrated nuns swearing and violently beating people is the main joke of the movie, but it is something that is able to spawn off several humorous and outright weird moments.' supports that the nuns are foul-mouthed.

answer: A review of the film The Little Hours, which the writer scores at a 6 out of 10, recommending the film to fans of raunchy sex comedies or fangs of the actresses who star in the film.

text: A typo.

refinement: A review of the film The Little Hours, which the writer scores at a 6 out of 10, recommending the film to fans of raunchy sex comedies or fans of the actresses who star in the film.

answer: The article is a movie review of The Little Hours, a 2017 comedy.


text:
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE: _SWAN LAKE_ -
LYRIC THEATRE, QPAC, 28 AUGUST -

There was disappointment voiced by some diehard balletomanes when _Swan Lake_ was announced as one of the ballets American Ballet Theatre (ABT) would be performing in Brisbane. Too clichéd! But as the measure of a company, this classic cannot be matched, and besides, the 2000 revival by ABT Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie had been described as spectacular and breathtakingly beautiful, therefore promising much.

Visually it certainly delivered – I don’t think I have seen a more opulent setting of the ballet. The bucolic village scene of Act One and sumptuous gold and silver decorated Great Hall of Act Three are in sharp contrast to the gothic lakeside setting of gnarled woods and dank looking rocky outcrops.

Zack Brown, who designed both sets and costumes, has located the ballet somewhere in Europe around the 17th century, with the Elizabethan styled costuming of lilac, oranges, saffron and lime green in the third act particularly striking.

McKenzie has massaged the original story only a little, using the overture to create a prologue, which effectively explains Odette’s bewitchment, and at the same time revealing Von Rothbart as both the sorcerer and nobleman, well before the third act. It gives logic to the ensuing tale.

In spite of its visual splendour, this evening the ballet took some time to get off the ground with a decided lack of urgency in Act One and some of the dancers appearing less than fully engaged. While the traditional pas de trois was danced with finesse and vivacity by Melanie Hamrick and Stella Abrera, Blaine Hoven, (also Benno in this production) gave quite an expressionless performance. Perhaps the sometimes rather slow delivery of the Tchaikovsky score, otherwise lusciously played by the Queensland Orchestra under Ormsby Wilkins, was a contributing factor.

The second act however, conveyed all the requisite magic, with the familiar shapes and moving patterns of the Ivanov choreography danced on the whole, with exquisite precision. The entrance of the swans by the well-drilled corps de ballet was quite thrilling, while the four cygnets were as one.

As Odette, Hee Seo was beautiful looking and dramatically convincing. Long tapering legs, beautifully articulated feet and fluid, almost boneless arms made her interpretation of fragility and vulnerability quite spellbinding. In contrast, her glittering Odile was delivered with a killer smile and razor sharp technique that oozed seduction. It was a pity that her fouettes, executed through rather than on the beat, were less secure.

Cory Stearns, as Siegfried, has a glorious ballon, with huge juicy landings, beautiful phrasing and a seamless line. Although there was little in the first act to give much support to any development of his character beyond that of a lovelorn prince (his first act solo is also largely done away with), his wonderment on meeting Odette was palpable, as we saw his hesitation before touching her. It was a lovely moment.

The third act has all the requisite princesses and dances from distant lands; the Neapolitan dancers, Joseph Gorak and Zhiyao Zhang in particular bringing energy and chutzpah to the proceedings with a duet of snappy turns and beaten jumps.

Von Rothbart, in his guise as a nobleman, is more central to the action in McKenzie’s version. The bearded Alexandre Hammoudi was both sorcerer and seducer as he ‘bewitched’ the court with a very controlled and mesmeric solo to music usually for the Russian Dance.

With the lavish third act set taking up over a third of the stage, some of the broader movement particularly in Siegfried’s solo and coda appeared a little compromised. In fact slight difficulties managing the space were noticed throughout.

However, aside from what I assume were first night issues only, this is a _Swan Lake_ worth seeing. And with a different principal cast on almost every performance, probably more than once.

– DENISE RICHARDSON

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

What does the story say about how Denise Richardson likes the American Ballet Theatre's performance of Swan Lake in Brisbane?

answer: She sees the ballet as beautifully designed. She was disappointed with Act 3, which was bogged down by the space and choreography disruptions.

text: The author's criticism wasn't really focused on Act 3; replace that with her comments on the show as a whole

refinement: She sees the ballet as beautifully designed. She noted that the play had a slow start, but it picked up by the Second Act, and there were slight difficulties managing the space throughout the show.

text: Note that despite the issues, she still recommends seeing the show

refinement: She sees the ballet as beautifully designed. She noted that the play had a slow start, but it picked up by the Second Act, and there were slight difficulties managing the space throughout the show. Despite the issues, she considers Swan Lake worth seeing, and since there's a different principal cast on almost every performance, probably more than once.

answer: The author thinks that the production is an opulent visual delight with excellent choreography, though the first and second acts were a little slower starting. However, the third act was spellbindingly beautiful and full of energy. Overall, the author likes the ABT's performance of Swan Lake.

answer: Denise thinks that the performance was not perfect. The setting is opulent, but McKenzie does not make it to massage the original story completly. Denice notices that some dancers are not fully engaged and that some of them give an expressionless performance but likes the entrance of the swans. Hee Seo (Odette) is convincing, and Gorak's and Zhang's turns and jumps bring energy. In spite of some issues, Denise recommends watching the balley.

text: The author's comment about McKenzie massaging the story were meant as a positive, not a negative

refinement: Denise thinks that the performance was not perfect. The setting is opulent, and McKenzie only massaged the original story a little. Denice notices that some dancers are not fully engaged and that some of them give an expressionless performance but likes the entrance of the swans. Hee Seo (Odette) is convincing, and Gorak's and Zhang's turns and jumps bring energy. In spite of some issues, Denise recommends watching the balley.

text: Spelling corrections

refinement: Denise thinks that the performance was not perfect. The setting is opulent, and McKenzie only massaged the original story a little. Denise notices that some dancers are not fully engaged and that some of them give an expressionless performance but likes the entrance of the swans. Hee Seo (Odette) is convincing, and Gorak's and Zhang's turns and jumps bring energy. In spite of some issues, Denise recommends watching the ballet.

answer: Despite some initial reservations, Denise Richardson enjoyed American Ballet Theatre's performance of Swan Lake. The ballet delivered an opulent setting, as well as Nicol and Hee Seo portrayed the title character and prince with sensitivity and precision. The score and choreography delivered magic in the second act, with problems managing space less apparent in the third. Overall, this is a performance worth seeing.

text: Sentence would flow better if "as well as" were replaced with "and"

refinement: Despite some initial reservations, Denise Richardson enjoyed American Ballet Theatre's performance of Swan Lake. The ballet delivered an opulent setting, and Nicol and Hee Seo portrayed the title character and prince with sensitivity and precision. The score and choreography delivered magic in the second act, with problems managing space less apparent in the third. Overall, this is a performance worth seeing.

answer: The ballet was flawed, but she thought the audience should see it because she felt it had a different principal cast on almost every performance, so more than once. It was disappointing for some diehard balletomanes, but others were delighted with its set and how it tried to explain the ballet's story.

text: The first sentence should be separated into two separate thoughts

refinement: The ballet was flawed, but she thought the audience should see it, and because it has a different principal cast on almost every performance, more than once too. It was disappointing for some diehard balletomanes, but others were delighted with its set and how it tried to explain the ballet's story.

text: It wasn't the performance, but the selection of Swan Lake, that the author says was disappointing for diehard balletomanes

refinement: The ballet was flawed, but she thought the audience should see it, and because it has a different principal cast on almost every performance, more than once too. The selection of Swan Lake was disappointing for some diehard balletomanes, but the author was delighted with its set and how it tried to explain the ballet's story.


text:
I look down at my feet, swinging them back and forth because my legs can’t reach the ground. It’s dark, and my seat is wet with a mixture of old rain and early-morning dew. I’m tired; I’ve been awake all night. I’m cold; there’s a slight breeze that I hadn’t noticed before now. But I am not afraid. Back to the West, over my shoulder, the sky is dark as night. Clouds that drenched the previous day with rain are passing off into the distance, leaving a shining trail of puddles and wet pavement like an enormous snail. Toward the horizon in front of me, however, I see the sky is clear, and just starting to brighten.

I feel the cool breeze again, and I shift uncomfortably. I hear the faint crinkling of paper. I reach into my jacket and pull out the incomplete letter. I unfold it carefully, making no sudden movements, and press it flat against my thigh. I pull a pen out of my other jacket pocket, and study the blank space after the word “Dear.” I wrote this final letter after two rough drafts, but I can’t think of who I wrote it for. My parents are long dead. I have no friends, no other family. No one to apologize to. I can’t say goodbye to any loved ones, but hopefully I’ll get to say hello to a few.

I glance at my watch. Twenty minutes after five. I set my pen down beside me and fold my letter, placing it back in my jacket pocket, the salutation still incomplete. I look down at my swinging legs again. I remember when I used to climb the tree in our back yard, and sit with my feet dangling. In my young imagination I’d always thought that tree was as tall as a skyscraper. I lean forward a few inches and look down through my dangling feet at the sidewalk forty-two stories below. I hope I get to see my parents again.

I very carefully hold the edge of the building as I get my feet under me, and very slowly stand up. The sun will be rising soon, and I want to see it one more time.

I stand up very carefully and look forward, toward the East. I can see the rim of the bright orange sun peeking over the horizon, drawing long shadows from all the buildings. I sigh and say a silent prayer. I ask God to understand why I want this. Why I need this. I hope he’ll forgive me, or at least let me see my family, just once, just for a moment. I miss my mom, and my dad.

I can feel tears starting to flow; not for me, but for my family. I want to tell them I love them, and that I’m sorry for what I’m doing. Maybe I’ll get to.

I can’t see the sun anymore, my tears have blurred it too much, but I can still feel its warm rays on my face. I turn slowly away from the light. I extend my arms straight out on either side, then immediately feel stupid and lower them again. I settle for keeping my hands about six inches from my pockets, palms facing forward. I wipe my eyes and look down to see the heels of my shoes are hanging off the edge, before my eyesight blurs again. I lift my gaze again, wipe my eyes one last time, and slowly lean backward, inch by inch. When gravity finally takes hold, it catches me by surprise and I hunch forward as my body instinctively tries to save itself, but it’s too late. I can only face up toward the clear sky, which is framed by buildings that seem to be shooting upward. And then I’m gone.

title: My first short story

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

Who is the narrator?

answer: The narrator is a teenaged boy who is alone and contemplating suicide.

text: There's no evidence to suggest that the narrator is a teenager, however he is young.

refinement: The narrator is a young boy who is alone and contemplating suicide.

answer: The narrator is someone who cries after writing a letter, and is on the edge of suicide.

text: It incorrectly mentions that the narrator writes a letter, however the letter was not completed.

refinement: The narrator is young boy who cries after trying to write a letter, and is on the edge of suicide.

answer: The narrator is a young person spending the night outdoors, soon to commit suicide.

answer: That information can't be found

text: It misses to mention that the narrator is a young boy on the verge of suicide.

refinement: The narrator is a young boy on the verge of suicide.

answer: They go by the name you (not a typo).

text: It misses to mention that the narrator is a young boy on the verge of suicide.

refinement: The narrator is a young boy on the verge of suicide.

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

Where does the story take place?

answer: The story takes place on the edge of a building.

text: "I very carefully hold the edge of the building" is evidence that the story takes place on the edge of a building.

answer: At the top of a tall building

text: "I very carefully hold the edge of the building" is evidence that the story takes place on the edge of a building.

answer: The story takes place on the edge of a tall building.

text: "I very carefully hold the edge of the building" is evidence that the story takes place on the edge of a building.

answer: The story takes place on a roof top.

text: There's no evidence to suggest the story takes place on a roof top, however it takes place on an edge of a building.

refinement: The story takes place on the edge of a building.

answer: The story is describing a suicide of an unnamed person from a skyscraper.

text: There's no evidence to suggest that the story takes place on a skyscraper, however it does take place on the edge of a building.

refinement: The story is describing a suicide of an unnamed person from the edge of a building.

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

What does the narrator hope God will understand?

answer: His decision to kill himself

answer: They hope to be forgiven or at least to see their parents one more time.

text: It misses to specify that he hopes God will understand why he's committing suicide.

refinement: They hope to be forgiven for committing suicide or at least to see their parents one more time.

answer: The narrator hopes God will understand why the narrator wants to jump off the building and commit suicide.

answer: The narrator hopes God will understand why they want to commit suicide.

answer: He hopes God will understand why he is doing this, and that he has no one to say goodbye to.

text: It misses to specify that he hopes God will understand why he's committing suicide.

refinement: He hopes God will understand why he is committing suicide.

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

What kind of letter does the narrator write?

answer: It can be assumed the narrator writes a suicide note.

answer: This information is not presented in the text.

text: There is no direct evidence but it is implied that the letter is a suicide note.

refinement: This information is not presented in the text, however it is implied that the letter is a suicide note.

answer: The narrator writes a farewell letter to his family.

text: there's no evidence to suggest the letter is to his family since the narrator mentions he has no family.

answer: A suicide note

answer: The narrator writes a farewell letter to their family.

text: there's no evidence to suggest the letter is to his family since the narrator mentions he has no family.

question: Write a ~3 sentence summary.

answer: The narrator prepares to jump from the 42nd floor of a building just as dawn approaches. He has written a goodbye letter and mourns for his parents who are dead. He feels bittersweet emotions and says a silent prayer hoping to see his family again, one day.

answer: The narrator is sitting at a chair on the top of a building. He writes a letter but doesn't know whom it is for. He notes that the sun is rising and decides the best way to greet it would be by jumping off the top of the building.

text: It misses to specify that the narrator is sitting on the edge of a building.

refinement: The narrator is sitting on the edge of a building. He writes a letter but doesn't know whom it is for. He notes that the sun is rising and decides the best way to greet it would be by jumping off the top of the building.

text: It misses to mention that the narrator is alone, contemplating suicide and parents are dead.

refinement: The narrator is sitting on the edge of a building. He writes a letter but doesn't know whom it is for. The narrator is alone, his parents are long dead and is contemplating suicide.

answer: A lone figure leans over the edge of a building at sunrise, wanting to see the life and warmth of the sun one last time before taking their own life. Struggling with internal guilt and regret, they take a final step toward the edge, bidding farewell to their loved ones before letting gravity take its course.

text: There's no evidence that suggests the narrator struggles with guilt and regret.

refinement: A lone figure leans over the edge of a building at sunrise, wanting to see the life and warmth of the sun one last time before taking their own life. Struggling with being alone in the world with his parents long dead, they take a final step toward the edge, bidding farewell to their loved ones before letting gravity take its course.

text: It misses to mention that the narrator pray and hopes God will understand.

refinement: A lone figure leans over the edge of a building at sunrise, wanting to see the life and warmth of the sun one last time before taking their own life. Struggling with being alone in the world with his parents long dead, they take a final step toward the edge, bidding farewell to their loved ones before letting gravity take its course. He prays in silence, hoping God will understand his decision and that he'll get a chance to see his family one last time.

answer: The narrator is sitting at the top of a tall building, and a storm has just passed. He takes out a letter and wonders who to address it to. He watches the sun rise one last time and then jumps from the building.

text: It misses to mention that the narrator is young boy alone in the world with parents long dead.

refinement: The narrator is a young boy, alone in the world with parents long dead and is contemplating suicide sitting at the edge of a tall building. He takes out a letter and wonders who to address it to. He watches the sun rise one last time and then jumps from the building.

answer: The narrator waits at the edge of the building, watching the sunrise. He is reflecting on his dead parents and family as he slowly leans backwards and falls off the building. He questions whether he will ever see his loved ones again before his body falls and disappears into the horizon.

text: It misses to mention that the narrator hopes from God for forgiveness and to see his family one last time.

refinement: The narrator waits at the edge of the building, watching the sunrise. He is reflecting on his dead parents and family as he slowly leans backwards and falls off the building. He prays and hopes to God that he will be forgiven and to at least see his loved ones again before his body falls and disappears into the horizon.


text:
Didn't get any feedback there, thought I'd try here.

**Father’s Time**

On this particular morning, Edward woke up feeling a little different. As his achy, still half-asleep muscles slowly loosened with each deliberate movement, a discomfort built inside him. It hurt him to stand up. It drained him to take a step. He didn’t feel like himself. When Edward made his way to his washroom mirror, he didn’t quite look like himself either. His once shiny, shaggy blonde hair now seemed dull and faded. His ocean blue eyes looked back at him, only now they resembled a sea of darkness and regret. His body felt fragile, his thoughts lacked understanding, and his heart seemed to wince with every beat.

A tear began to form in Edward’s eye.  *When did I get so old?* He thought. As the ice cold tear trickled down, journeying through the creases on his face, all Edward could do was stare blankly back at his own, sad reflection. Minutes passed. Edward had stared into his own dark eyes for too long, and he was now lost at sea. He tried to collect his thoughts, but each one eluded the next. He looked down at his pocket watch that lay open on the stone white counter.

AHA! Finally, something made sense to Edward. His grandfather had given him this particular timepiece some fifty years ago. Or wait… was it his father? It had to of been his father, right? Edward’s mind backtracked. All Edward could remember was the brilliance the pocket watch once exhibited. It was a shiny gold watch that had given him a false sense of pride. Only now, the watch was dim and scuffed. The second hand on the faded gold watch ticked up, but it quickly retreated. It ticked again, and again fell down. More seconds passed, but according to the timepiece, time did not move. Edward closed the golden timepiece.

Suddenly, a bright ray of sunshine cleared the horizon and before Edward knew it, the golden sun was high in the sky. The brightness was as brilliant as ever. Edward was young again and no longer lost. His heart was warm, and his thoughts were coherent. Diana was back in his arms; his son Tommy was swinging high into that sun filled sky. A new tear made its own journey across Edward’s face, traveling its own path, falling ever so slowly onto the gold pocket watch below. Edward wiped the warm drop of ocean water from the timepiece, and opened it back up. The second hand ticked no longer.

title: Father's Time [418] (x-post r/shortstoriescritique)

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

If Edward woke up feeling different, how does he usually feel?

answer: Edward usually feels energetic and optimistic. He feels youthful and full of energy. However, upon the morning in question, Edward feels drained and old. He feels out of sorts and unbalanced.

text: It hurt him to stand up. It drained him to take a step. He didn’t feel like himself.

answer: He probably isn't usually in pain or confused like this morning.

text: It hurt him to stand up. It drained him to take a step. He didn’t feel like himself.

answer: Feeling different implies he is feeling discomfort and a lack of coherence.

text: You've described how he feels this morning. Since you know that, and that he usually feels different, then how he normally feels would be somewhat opposite of that.

refinement: Feeling different implies that since he is feeling discomfort and a lack of coherence this morning, he usually feels energetic and together.

text: It hurt him to stand up. It drained him to take a step. He didn’t feel like himself.

answer: Usually, he feels young and vibrant.

text: It hurt him to stand up. It drained him to take a step. He didn’t feel like himself.

answer: Edward usually feels vibrant and alive. However, on this particular morning, he wakes up feeling tired and worn down.

text: It hurt him to stand up. It drained him to take a step. He didn’t feel like himself.

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

What makes Edward say "AHA"?

answer: The pocket watch.

text:
He looked down at his pocket watch that lay open on the stone white counter.

AHA! Finally, something made sense to Edward. His grandfather had given him this particular timepiece some fifty years ago.

answer: He sees his pocket watch given to him by a family member, and something clicks in his mind.

text:
He looked down at his pocket watch that lay open on the stone white counter.

AHA! Finally, something made sense to Edward. His grandfather had given him this particular timepiece some fifty years ago.

answer: The realization that the pocket watch used to represent pride for him but is now faded makes Edward realize that time moves on and he has aged. This makes him realize that he is older.

text:
He looked down at his pocket watch that lay open on the stone white counter.

AHA! Finally, something made sense to Edward. His grandfather had given him this particular timepiece some fifty years ago.

answer: The passing of time. Edward wakes up feeling old and lost, but after looking at and handling his pocket watch (a reliable timepiece he's had for fifty years or more), he realizes time is continuing to pass. This makes sense to him, and allows him to regain his clarity and piece together a memory of who he is and where he came from.

text:
He looked down at his pocket watch that lay open on the stone white counter.

AHA! Finally, something made sense to Edward. His grandfather had given him this particular timepiece some fifty years ago.

answer: He comes across his grandfather's or father's gold pocket watch.

text:
He looked down at his pocket watch that lay open on the stone white counter.

AHA! Finally, something made sense to Edward. His grandfather had given him this particular timepiece some fifty years ago.

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

What is Edward's relationship with his grandfather?

answer: That information isn't included in the text.

answer: That information can't be found

answer: Edward's relationship with his grandfather is one of love and thanksgiving.

text: There's nothing to corroborate this statement but the watch does give him warm feelings so we can safely assume the relationship wasn't horrible.

refinement: Edward's relationship with his grandfather seems to make him feel warm but the text doesn't provide much information.

answer: Edward likely has a deep and loving relationship with his grandfather based on the symbolism with the watch and the sudden veil of clarity when the sun rises. Edward's relationship with his grandfather may have been one of his most cherished relationships over the years as he ages and reflects on his life.

text: I think this is reading a lot into a passage that doesn't indicate or outright state any of this. It does seem the watch invokes feelings of warmth in Edward, but he also doesn't recall if it came from his father or from his grandfather, and his memories seem less than sharp.

refinement: Edward likely had a good relationship with his grandfather based on the symbolism with the watch and the sudden veil of clarity when the sun rises.

answer: His grandfather gave him the pocket watch, but Edward may or may not have been Edward's father.

text: This doesn't make sense.

refinement: His grandfather might have given him the pocket watch, and Edward feels warm toward the watch.

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

What is this story's main conflict?

answer: Edward sees himself in the mirror and is upset that he has aged.

text: That's part of it. The main part seems to be he doesn't feel like himself; it may be the case that he hasn't felt his inner life was reflected in his looks for some time. However, none of that is explored in concrete terms.

refinement: Edward sees himself in the mirror and is upset that he has aged, and that he's finding his thoughts incoherent.

answer: The main conflict in this story seems to be between frail old age and the bright, vibrant youthfulness that Edward has lost. Edward's memories of his father's timepiece and the way younger, happier days were contrast with how he feels now, and this conflict is what ultimately leads him to tears.

answer: The main conflict of this story is the realization that Edward has gotten old. He feels fragile and lost, and he doesn't recognize himself. Once the sun rises, the conflict is resolved, and Edward is reminded of his youth, energy, and vitality. The conflict is Edward's realization and subsequent acceptance of his age.

answer: Edward is old.

text: It's more about Edward's confusion regarding his jumbled thoughts, and the fact that his reflection doesn't match what he's felt inside and how he's seen himself.

refinement: Edward is old, and has confusion regarding his jumbled thoughts, and the fact that his reflection doesn't match what he's felt inside and how he's seen himself.

answer: Edward wakes up not feeling like himself, seemingly older and more fragile than he remembered.

question: Write a ~5 sentence summary.

answer: Edward wakes up feeling a little different. He looks at himself in the mirror and thinks how old he looks. He has a feeling of being lost and lacking understanding. He remembers his grandfather giving him a gold watch fifty years ago. He looks at it and the no longer ticking seconds clear his head.

answer: Edward wakes up and feels different. He gets lost in his memory of 50 years after his pocket watch. When the pocket watch moves ahead, a bright light fills the room but his son is gone. This breaks his heart and when he closes the pocket watch his deceased wife Diana reappears and his son, Tommy, comes right back at full force. He wipes the warm ocean water from the timepiece and opens it back.

text: I don't understand the sentence about getting his memory 50 years later-he isn't suddenly awash in memories. It's more that the timepiece opens up a channel for Edward to see things now, in a way that sort of seems like he has died.

refinement: Edward wakes up and feels different, but he's happy and comforted to locate his pocket watch, which he remembers. When the pocket watch moves ahead, a bright light fills the room but his son is gone. This breaks his heart and when he closes the pocket watch his deceased wife Diana reappears and his son, Tommy, comes right back at full force. He wipes the warm ocean water from the timepiece and opens it back.

answer: Edward wakes up feeling different than usual one morning. He is in pain, drained, confused, and his appearance is more haggard. When he looks at his pocket watch, which had once been shiny and gold, he sees that it is dim and scuffed. Despite time passing, the watch shows that no time is moving at all. Suddenly, Edward is young again surrounded by some of those he loved, and it's assumed he has made it to heaven.

answer: On a seemingly normal morning, Edward wakes up feeling lost, tired, and old. However, when the sun rises, the memories of his life flood back into him. The pocket watch his grandfather gave him aged over time, but could now be used as a reminder of the time he has spent alive. Suddenly, the second hand on the watch no longer ticks, and Edward remembers his life more vividly. He is renewed, both physically and mentally, and sheds a tear for himself and his life.

answer: Edward had felt old and worn-out upon waking that morning, but the presence of the family he had long forgotten spurred a change within him. When he looked at his pocket watch, he remembered the time when that watch had shone with brilliance. In the end, the sun brought back the boy Edward had once been- his heart warm, his thoughts coherent, and his love alive. In turn, he closed the timepiece, wiping a tear off its tarnished surface. Time was no longer trickling by; it was moving again.


text:
This is the ending of the first dream I ever remember. It was the only time I ever "met" my grandfather who died six months before I was born. I was three when I had it.

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The air was ephemeral.

It was more of a concept than anyone that young should embrace, but it was. The air, what else could you call it? It was ephemeral. Each breath lasted within the nostrils for only a moment and then they scintillated through his flesh as does daybreak from the pupils. That's all the longer it needed to and then it was gone. Thick and heady, but then only a memory. It was just as the colors, the sounds, the smells...everything; so ephemeral.

The cousins, they bounded off into the distance. They were free, joyous, and ignorant. All of them knew nothing except what was in front of them except one. She looked back. Her eyes filled with fear, resentment, and longing from beneath inky bangs. She wanted what she could never ask for, for what she'd eventually bridle herself with, but for what could never be given. Even she turned away.

"This is your responsibility. I wish I could spare you some of it. It is yours...all of it."

These were ancient words, far older concepts, more than a young mind could bear. The elderly man stooped down among crimson leaves hanging from emerald capped mushrooms beneath lavender skies.

"This is as far as I can bring you. You will have to carry them the rest of the way."

The young boy, still silent, looked to the rest of his party. They were his age and a bit older. They were smarter, wiser, more independent. As they bounded off he wondered what else he could possibly have to offer them. The fear and turmoil was nothing to them. They didn't register the terror as he did. What more guidance could he offer them?

"There are far more my boy. They have much farther to go; much farther than you or I have traveled and much farther than you can imagine. They are your responsibility though. You have to pull them through."

The boy's eyes watered. It was the stress of responsibility and the weight of inevitability. It was the strain weighing on nerves and thoughts which could barely sustain their own mass, much less the heaving of eternity. Yet here it all met. Timelines, seemingly so incongruent yet so inevitable, meeting at the crossroads of ancient history and fate's inexorable rails.

"It isn't fair, I know. We've done the best we can for you, and I admit, it's not enough. I don't think it is enough, but I know it must be enough. You will bring them, not just *them*," nodding to the little girls bounding off to consciousness, "but all of them. It won't be pretty and you probably won't think you'll do it well, but you must believe me -- if you won't believe anyone else --  no one else can do this thing. You will bring them through. You will bring them through the darkness, the forest, the things that they fear, and the things which fear you. Most importantly, only you can bring them through that which you fear most."

That was what broke the dam of tears. That elicited fear and sadness and doubt. The boy shuddered under the weight of this promise. This was the promise which would break anyone, the one not made by a man but made to a man. It incapacitated him, it emancipated him, and still it endowed him with a lifetime of duty.

"In the end this will hurt more than any pain I could inflict," and now the old man began to cry, slow streams of tears down a creased face as he knelt to hold the boys trembling cheeks in his hands for one last time, "but it will save them, it will save me, and most importantly my boy, it will save you."

They embraced. The boy's tiny arms struggled to wrap around the elderly man's withering frame. It was the first time. It was the last time. It was the only time.

The boy looked at him in his somber pinstriped suit. The navy lines barely registered among  the dark charcoal wool which covered him from saddle shod toes to fedora lined brow. The subdued colors shone brightly against the ghastly hued landscape. The boy walked away towards both liberty and incarceration.

Of all the colors he looked back on the only one he could truly remember were those refracted through his grandfather's tears. The light that passed through the drops of his eyes carried everything. They carried hope, doubt, strength, weakness, triumph, and failure. They carried lifetimes. They carried the weight, the eternal weight, the weight no sane man could accept and no honorable man could reject.

Then he awoke. For the first time, he truly awoke.

title: The First Dream's Farewell

question: Who spoke the words: "This is your responsibility. I wish I could spare some of it. It is yours... all of it."?

answer: The old man speaks the words.

text: It is indicated that the old man is also the boy's grandfather

refinement: The old man, the boy's grandfather, speaks the words.

text: Provide a response

answer: The boy's grandfather.

question: Who is the boy?

answer: Information not found.

text: The boy can be described relative to the old man

answer: The boy is young. He is meeting his grandfather for the first and last time. According to the prologue his grandfather died 6 months before he was born.

answer: The boy appears to be a child, grandson of the old man.

question: What did the boy receive from the old man?

answer: The boy's grandfather reveals that he is responsible for leading others on their journey and must do so despite not having been given all the tools or having been given all the information. In the end, the boy must persevere in order to bring them all through. He receives the weight of their collective fate, in sadness and in strength.

answer: Responsibility for his cousins. They have much farther to go and he has to pull them through.

answer: The boy received the responsibility of guiding his cousins through their journeys. Despite the weight of this obligation, his grandfather assures him that he will succeed.

question: Who were the other children?

answer: The other children were his cousins.

text: Provide an answer

refinement: The other children are said to be his cousins

answer: The other children were his cousins, all being watched by their grandfather.

question: Write a ~4 sentence summary.

answer: The boy wakes up in a dream with children bounding off into the distance. An old man speaks to him about his responsibility to look after them. By facing what he fears most he will be able to save them, his grandfather and himself. He hugs his grandfather for the first and last time, then he truly wakes up for the first time.

answer: After coming into contact with some of his younger relatives, the titular character remembers a dream in which he meets with his grandfather before their first meeting. In the dream, his grandparent tells him he must carry some responsibility for not just his younger relatives, but all the people in the world. Eventually he wakes up from the dream, but the introspection he feels afterwards prevents him from going back to sleep.

text: The story starts in a dream; seeing the younger relatives occurs in the dream

refinement: The titular character remembers a dream in which he sees some of his younger relatives and he meets with his grandfather before their first meeting. In the dream, his grandparent tells him he must carry some responsibility for not just his younger relatives, but all the people in the world. Eventually he wakes up from the dream, but the introspection he feels afterwards prevents him from going back to sleep.

text: There is no "titular character;" the author is recalling this story

refinement: The author recalls a dream in which he sees some of his younger relatives and he meets with his grandfather before their first meeting. In the dream, his grandparent tells him he must carry some responsibility for not just his younger relatives, but all the people in the world. Eventually he wakes up from the dream, but the introspection he feels afterwards prevents him from going back to sleep.

text: "He meets with his grandfather before their first meeting" is nonsense; he's meeting with his grandfather for the first time

refinement: The author recalls a dream in which he sees some of his younger relatives and he meets with his grandfather for the first time. In the dream, his grandparent tells him he must carry some responsibility for not just his younger relatives, but all the people in the world. Eventually he wakes up from the dream, but the introspection he feels afterwards prevents him from going back to sleep.

text: The grandfather doesn't say "all the people in the world," he just says that "there are far more" and it's very vague

refinement: The author recalls a dream in which he sees some of his younger relatives and he meets with his grandfather for the first time. In the dream, his grandparent tells him he must carry some responsibility for not just his younger relatives, but far more as well. Eventually he wakes up from the dream, but the introspection he feels afterwards prevents him from going back to sleep.

text: The author describes feeling like they were truly awake for the first time, not that they were prevented "from going back to sleep"

refinement: The author recalls a dream in which he sees some of his younger relatives and he meets with his grandfather for the first time. In the dream, his grandparent tells him he must carry some responsibility for not just his younger relatives, but far more as well. Eventually he wakes up from the dream, feeling like he is truly awake for the first time.

text: No response provided

refinement: The author recalls a dream in which he see some of their younger relatives and then meet his grandfather for the first time. The grandfather tells him that he must bear responsibility for the others and far more, and they both begin to cry. The author wakes up and feels like he is truly awake for the first time.

answer: The protagonist dreams of his grandfather. They meet for only a short time, but the grandfather gives the protagonist something that he will never forget. He says goodbye and he tells the protagonist that he is responsible for a lot of people. He will bring them through everything they have to go through. Even if it's "ugly, not pretty, and not done well."

text: There is no source for the quote "ugly, not pretty, and not done well"

refinement: The protagonist dreams of his grandfather. They meet for only a short time, but the grandfather gives the protagonist something that he will never forget. He says goodbye and he tells the protagonist that he is responsible for a lot of people. He will bring them through everything they have to go through.

text: Note how the protagonist feels when he wakes up

refinement: The protagonist dreams of his grandfather. They meet for only a short time, but the grandfather gives the protagonist something that he will never forget. He says goodbye and he tells the protagonist that he is responsible for a lot of people. He will bring them through everything they have to go through. He wakes up and feels that he is truly awake for the first time.

answer: The dream recounted in the excerpt tells the story of a young boy and his grandfather, and their trip into the forest. They walk through the forest towards the colors of reddish mushrooms, eerily blue skies, and lavender leaves, and then the boy falls asleep constructing the dream. The boy, made aware of the inevitable if he accepts his responsibility, remembers the promise that the grandfather has made to him, and the dream comes to a bittersweet end.

text: Confuses many of the colors in the imagery, but the imagery is also unnecessary for a summary

refinement: The dream recounted in the excerpt tells the story of a young boy and his grandfather, and their trip into the forest. The boy falls asleep constructing the dream. The boy, made aware of the inevitable if he accepts his responsibility, remembers the promise that the grandfather has made to him, and the dream comes to a bittersweet end.

text: "The boy falls asleep constructing the dream" is nonsense

refinement: The dream recounted in the excerpt tells the story of a young boy and his grandfather, and their trip into the forest. The boy, made aware of the inevitable if he accepts his responsibility, remembers the promise that the grandfather has made to him, and the dream comes to a bittersweet end.

text: Note that the boy is meeting the grandfather for the first time

refinement: The dream recounted in the excerpt tells the story of a young boy and his grandfather, who he is meeting for the first time, and their trip into the forest. The boy, made aware of the inevitable if he accepts his responsibility, remembers the promise that the grandfather has made to him, and the dream comes to a bittersweet end.

text: "The boy, made aware [...]" is very confusing and unclear

refinement: The dream recounted in the excerpt tells the story of a young boy and his grandfather, who he is meeting for the first time, and their trip into the forest.

text: Note what the grandfather tells the boy about his relatives

refinement: The dream recounted in the excerpt tells the story of a young boy and his grandfather, who he is meeting for the first time, and their trip into the forest. The grandfather tells the boy that he must be responsible for his younger relatives and many others, and that it will not be easy.

text: Note how the boy feels when he wakes up

refinement: The dream recounted in the excerpt tells the story of a young boy and his grandfather, who he is meeting for the first time, and their trip into the forest. The grandfather tells the boy that he must be responsible for his younger relatives and many others, and that it will not be easy. The boy wakes up and feels he is truly awake for the first time

answer: Even though the boy is a young child and the scene in his memory is from many years before, he realizes that he is being asked to shepherd a greater and older group to educate them about the responsibilities awaiting them in the future.

text: This is a dream being written about years later

refinement: The author recalls a dream from many years earlier in which he met his grandfather for the first and only time. He realizes that he is being asked to shepherd a greater and older group to educate them about the responsibilities awaiting them in the future.

text: His grandfather asks him to shepherd people

refinement: The author recalls a dream from many years earlier in which he met his grandfather for the first and only time. His grandfather asks him to shepherd a greater and older group to educate them about the responsibilities awaiting them in the future.

text: The group of people to be shepherded are his younger relatives and others

refinement: The author recalls a dream from many years earlier in which he met his grandfather for the first and only time. His grandfather asks him to shepherd his younger relatives and others to educate them about the responsibilities awaiting them in the future.

text: The grandfather asks the boy to take responsibility for them

refinement: The author recalls a dream from many years earlier in which he met his grandfather for the first and only time. His grandfather asks him to shepherd his younger relatives and others and to take responsibility for them.

text: Note how the boy feels when he wakes up

refinement: The author recalls a dream from many years earlier in which he met his grandfather for the first and only time. His grandfather asks him to shepherd his younger relatives and others and to take responsibility for them. When he wakes up, he feels that he is truly awake for the first time.