text:
The SOUND OF THE SOUTH is the official marching band of Troy University. The marching band was established in 1939 and has been referred to by its current name since 1965. The band was named by John M. Long soon after he was hired as band director. The band, now boasting over 300 members on a regular basis, has enjoyed major success in performing at hundreds of marching band competitions, dozens of different college and professional football venues, and follows the football team to almost every away game. The band's “trademark” piece that is played before every performance of the band is called “The Fanfare” and was written by John M. Long in 1965.

Early history

The Troy University Band has been a part of the university since 1939 when Lawrence Peterson was appointed the first director in the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College. A year later the marching band made its first public appearance during the 1940 Homecoming festivities. Peterson held his position for seven years and in 1947 Gilbert Stephenson accepted the position as the school's second director. The following year brought many changes for the band including the first show with marching uniforms, the first guest appearance (by Dr. Paul Yoder), and the first spring band festival in 1948. In 1953 the band hired its third director, John P. Graham. Two years following, in 1955, James Patrenos was appointed as fourth director of the then Troy State College band. In 1960 Richard Melvin was selected to replace Patrenos and became the band's fifth director. Dr.Carl Vollrath held the position of Interim Director from 1964–1965.

The band as it is known today (“Sound of the South”) was founded in 1965 by John M. Long. In addition to building what has become a nationally recognized band program, he has also served in his tenure as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dean of the School of Fine Arts and special assistant to Chancellor Dr. Ralph Adams. He was one of the first bandmasters in the Southern United States to be elected as president of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. In 1996, he was elected to the National Band Association Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors. It was during the thirty-two year tenure of Johnny Long, as he was commonly referred to, that the band program at Troy University established a prominent national reputation through its many featured appearances at music conventions, concert tours and recordings with the symphony band, as well as several nationally televised appearances with the “Sound of the South” Marching Band.

Recent history

[Troy University's Sound of the South performing their halftime show at the 2006 New Orleans Bowl.]

The “Sound of the South” plays halftime shows at all Troy home football games and many of the away games; Some recent trips have been to the University of Nebraska, University of Miami, University of Arkansas, Mississippi State University, University of Florida, and the University of Georgia. The “Sound” has been featured at numerous bowl games, including the Peach Bowl, the Senior Bowl, the Blue–Gray Football Classic, the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, and most recently the Dollar General Bowl. The band has also been featured in halftime performances for the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Over the past few years, the band has performed for over 500,000 fans.

Directors of the Sound of the South

-   John M. Long (1965–1996)
-   Ralph Ford (_interim_) (1996–1997)
-   Robert W. Smith (1997–2001)
-   Ralph Ford (2001–2010)
-   Mark J. Walker (2010–present)

Recordings

The band has recorded for the Warner Bros. Records Marching Band Promotional Compact Disc since 1998, which is distributed to over 38,000 bands. This is thanks in part to former director of bands Ralph Ford who has composed and arranged over 130 pieces of music for symphonic band, concert band, jazz band, and marching band 1.

title: Sound of the South Marching Band

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

What does the article say about the history of marching bands in the US?

answer: Marching bands have been an instrumental part of collegiate institutions since the early 1900s. Bandmasters have been held in high esteem through musical and academic circles for the better part of the 20th century, and their presence is evident today. Bands, while they head up and punctuate sporting events, have their own fanbases.

text: The article only talks about the "Sound of the South" Marching Band of Troy University. It doesn't talk about marching bands in general.

answer: No answer

answer: The marching band at Troy University began as part of the university in 1939, and was named the "Sound of the South" in 1965 by John M. Long. The band program has since gained a national reputation through its many appearances at music conventions, concert tours, and numerous halftime performances for football teams. Recently, the band has recorded for Warner Bros. Records and has composed and arranged more than 130 pieces of music.

answer: No answer

answer: The marching band at Troy University, known as the “Sound of the South”, was founded in 1965 during a time when many bands were gaining popularity nationwide. The band has enjoyed significant success in performing at competitions, football venues for teams across the country, and at bowl games. The Sound of the South recording appeared on a promotional compact disc since 1998 as a result of work by former director of bands Ralph Ford.

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

Summarize the kinds of events for which a marching band might perform.

answer: They might perform for a tailgating event before  football or basketball game. Typically in the US, marching bands do not perform for every sport-for example, it would be rare for a swimming team or a tennis match to have a marching bands. However, there are events just for marching bands-without the sports attachment. They have competitions and showcases across the country. They also sometimes record and put out records.

text: The answer only mentions football as a sport where the marching band performs. There, they can perform at half-time or before the match.

refinement: They might perform for a football game, either before the match or at half-time. Typically in the US, marching bands do not perform for every sport-for example, it would be rare for a swimming team or a tennis match to have a marching bands. However, there are events just for marching bands-without the sports attachment. They have competitions and showcases across the country. They also sometimes record and put out records.

text: The article doesn't say anything about sports that don't have a marching band. The related sentence is made up and should be removed.

refinement: They might perform for a football game, either before the match or at half-time. However, there are events just for marching bands-without the sports attachment. They have competitions and showcases across the country. They also sometimes record and put out records.

answer: In this article, the University's Sound of the South plays halftime shows at all Troy home football games and many of the away games. Other performances can be  at national or international sporting events. They may also record and produce CDs.

text: The marching bands compete at special events for them. The answer says "sporting events" mistakenly.

refinement: In this article, the University's Sound of the South plays halftime shows at all Troy home football games and many of the away games. Other performances can be at marching band competitions. They may also record and produce CDs.

answer: The marching band plays for many different events, including football games, competitions, and following the football team on away games. They have also performed concerts and been on television, including over 500,000 fans at some point.

text: "The marching band plays for many different events, including football games, competitions, and following the football team on away games." The answer repeats itself in mentioning football matches twice.

refinement: The marching band plays for many different events, including football games and competitions. They have also performed concerts and been on television, including over 500,000 fans at some point.

text: "They have also performed concerts and been on television, including over 500,000 fans at some point." The band performed for 500,000 fans over the course of its lifetime. The answer conveys this confusingly.

refinement: The marching band plays for many different events, including football games and competitions. They have also performed concerts and been on television, performing for over 500,000 fans over their lifetime.

answer: The marching band at Troy University performs at many different kinds of events, such as marching band competitions, football games, and special performances. Their main goal is typically to put on energetic halftime shows to entertain crowds.

answer: A marching band might perform at college and professional football games, bowl games, and concerts. They might also create recordings to be distributed to bands across the country.

text: The answer omits that marching bands also perform at marching band competitions.

refinement: A marching band might perform at college and professional football games, bowl games, and concerts. They might also create recordings to be distributed to bands across the country in addition to competing at marching band competitions.

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

Describe the succession and roles of the band directors/leaders in the early history of the Sound of the South.

answer: The early history of the Sound of the South Band includes: first director Lawrence Peterson, second director Gilbert Stephenson, third director John P. Graham, fourth director James Patrenos, and fifth director Richard Melvin. John Long became the band's leader in 1965 and under his leadership the marching band experienced major success in performing at several collegiate and professional games. Ford took over after Long and composed and arranged 130 pieces of music for the band. Current band director Mark J. Walker has been in charge since 2010.

text: The answer lists all directors of the band despite the question requesting only the early history. A natural dividing even is the tenure of John Long as director. The answer should only cover the period up to and including Long.

refinement: The early history of the Sound of the South Band includes: first director Lawrence Peterson, second director Gilbert Stephenson, third director John P. Graham, fourth director James Patrenos, and fifth director Richard Melvin. John Long became the band's leader in 1965 and under his leadership the marching band experienced major success in performing at several collegiate and professional games.

answer: The first director of the Sound of the South was Lawrence Peterson, who held the position from 1939 until 1947. Gilbert Stephenson became the second director in 1947 and directed the Sound of the South for seven years. John P. Graham was the third director of the band from 1953 until 1960. Richard Melvin succeeded Patrenos in 1960 and was the fourth director. Dr. Carl Vollrath served as interim director from 1964-1965. John M. Long was hired in 1965 to become the fifth director. Long was the band's director until 1996 and retired in that year. Robert W. Smith took over as sixth director in 1997 and held the position until 2001. Ralph Ford became the seventh director in 2001 and held the position until 2010. Mark J. Walker is currently the eighth and current director.

text: Graham's tenure lasted only two years. James Patrenos was hired as director in 1955.

refinement: The first director of the Sound of the South was Lawrence Peterson, who held the position from 1939 until 1947. Gilbert Stephenson became the second director in 1947 and directed the Sound of the South for seven years. John P. Graham was the third director of the band from 1953 until 1955 when James Patrenos was hired. Richard Melvin succeeded Patrenos in 1960 and was the fourth director. Dr. Carl Vollrath served as interim director from 1964-1965. John M. Long was hired in 1965 to become the fifth director. Long was the band's director until 1996 and retired in that year. Robert W. Smith took over as sixth director in 1997 and held the position until 2001. Ralph Ford became the seventh director in 2001 and held the position until 2010. Mark J. Walker is currently the eighth and current director.

text: Melvin was the fifth director.

refinement: The first director of the Sound of the South was Lawrence Peterson, who held the position from 1939 until 1947. Gilbert Stephenson became the second director in 1947 and directed the Sound of the South for seven years. John P. Graham was the third director of the band from 1953 until 1955 when James Patrenos was hired. Richard Melvin succeeded Patrenos in 1960 and was the fifth director. Dr. Carl Vollrath served as interim director from 1964-1965. John M. Long was hired in 1965 to become the fifth director. Long was the band's director until 1996 and retired in that year. Robert W. Smith took over as sixth director in 1997 and held the position until 2001. Ralph Ford became the seventh director in 2001 and held the position until 2010. Mark J. Walker is currently the eighth and current director.

text: Long was the seventh director.

refinement: The first director of the Sound of the South was Lawrence Peterson, who held the position from 1939 until 1947. Gilbert Stephenson became the second director in 1947 and directed the Sound of the South for seven years. John P. Graham was the third director of the band from 1953 until 1955 when James Patrenos was hired. Richard Melvin succeeded Patrenos in 1960 and was the fifth director. Dr. Carl Vollrath served as interim director from 1964-1965. John M. Long was hired in 1965 to become the seventh director. Long was the band's director until 1996 and retired in that year. Robert W. Smith took over as sixth director in 1997 and held the position until 2001. Ralph Ford became the seventh director in 2001 and held the position until 2010. Mark J. Walker is currently the eighth and current director.

text: The answer lists all directors of the band despite the question requesting only the early history. A natural dividing even is the tenure of John Long as director. The answer should only cover the period up to and including Long.

refinement: The first director of the Sound of the South was Lawrence Peterson, who held the position from 1939 until 1947. Gilbert Stephenson became the second director in 1947 and directed the Sound of the South for seven years. John P. Graham was the third director of the band from 1953 until 1955 when James Patrenos was hired. Richard Melvin succeeded Patrenos in 1960 and was the fifth director. Dr. Carl Vollrath served as interim director from 1964-1965. John M. Long was hired in 1965 to become the seventh director. Long was the band's director until 1996 and retired in that year.

answer: The first director of the band was Lawrence Peterson, who was appointed in 1949. Then, the band was led by John M. Long, who also named it in the year 1965. Next, Gilbert Stephenson accepted the position. Next was a guest appearance by Dr Paul Yoder, followed by John P. Graham. James Patrenos,Richard Melvin, and Dr Carl Vollrath. John M. Long is credited with establishing the trademark song and style of the band, in 1965, for which it is still known today.

text: The answer completely misrepresents the progression of directors. It should be re-written.

refinement: The early history of the Sound of the South Band includes the first director Lawrence Peterson, second director Gilbert Stephenson, third director John P. Graham, fourth director James Patrenos, and fifth director Richard Melvin. John Long became the band's leader in 1965 and under his leadership, the marching band experienced major success in performing at several collegiate and professional games. John M. Long is credited with establishing the trademark song and style of the band, in 1965, for which it is still known today.

answer: Lawrence Peterson, who was the first director of the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College, began his tenure in 1939. He would stay for 7 years and then Gilbert Stephenson, a year after being appointed as the school's second director, would accept his position as the band's third director. In 1953 the band hired its third director, John P. Graham. Two years following, in 1955, James Patrenos replaces Patrenos as its fourth director. He took the position for a two-year term until 1960 when Richard Melvin arrived to assume the position. Melvin stayed for a little over a year until Dr. Carl Vollrath was appointed as its Interim Director. Vollrath held the position for a short span of time before appointing John M. Long to oversee the band's activities in 1965.

text: "Gilbert Stephenson, a year after being appointed as the school's second director, would accept his position as the band's third director." This sentence contradicts itself. Stephenson was the second director, and his tenure lasted seven years.

refinement: Lawrence Peterson, who was the first director of the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College, began his tenure in 1939. He would stay for 7 years and then Gilbert Stephenson took the role of director for seven years. In 1953 the band hired its third director, John P. Graham. Two years following, in 1955, James Patrenos replaces Patrenos as its fourth director. He took the position for a two-year term until 1960 when Richard Melvin arrived to assume the position. Melvin stayed for a little over a year until Dr. Carl Vollrath was appointed as its Interim Director. Vollrath held the position for a short span of time before appointing John M. Long to oversee the band's activities in 1965.

text: Patrenos doesn't replace himself as the director. He replaces Graham.

refinement: Lawrence Peterson, who was the first director of the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College, began his tenure in 1939. He would stay for 7 years and then Gilbert Stephenson took the role of director for seven years. In 1953 the band hired its third director, John P. Graham. Two years following, in 1955, James Patrenos replaces Graham as its fourth director. He took the position for a two-year term until 1960 when Richard Melvin arrived to assume the position. Melvin stayed for a little over a year until Dr. Carl Vollrath was appointed as its Interim Director. Vollrath held the position for a short span of time before appointing John M. Long to oversee the band's activities in 1965.

text: Graham's tenure lasts for five years, not two.

refinement: Lawrence Peterson, who was the first director of the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College, began his tenure in 1939. He would stay for 7 years and then Gilbert Stephenson took the role of director for seven years. In 1953 the band hired its third director, John P. Graham. Two years following, in 1955, James Patrenos replaces Graham as its fourth director. He took the position for a five-year term until 1960 when Richard Melvin arrived to assume the position. Melvin stayed for a little over a year until Dr. Carl Vollrath was appointed as its Interim Director. Vollrath held the position for a short span of time before appointing John M. Long to oversee the band's activities in 1965.

text: Melvin served as Director for four years until Vollrath's interim term.

refinement: Lawrence Peterson, who was the first director of the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College, began his tenure in 1939. He would stay for 7 years and then Gilbert Stephenson took the role of director for seven years. In 1953 the band hired its third director, John P. Graham. Two years following, in 1955, James Patrenos replaces Graham as its fourth director. He took the position for a five-year term until 1960 when Richard Melvin arrived to assume the position. Melvin stayed for four years until Dr. Carl Vollrath was appointed as its Interim Director. Vollrath held the position for a short span of time before appointing John M. Long to oversee the band's activities in 1965.

text: The answer claims Vollrath appointed Long, which is not true.

refinement: Lawrence Peterson, who was the first director of the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College, began his tenure in 1939. He would stay for 7 years and then Gilbert Stephenson took the role of director for seven years. In 1953 the band hired its third director, John P. Graham. Two years following, in 1955, James Patrenos replaces Graham as its fourth director. He took the position for a five-year term until 1960 when Richard Melvin arrived to assume the position. Melvin stayed for four years until Dr. Carl Vollrath was appointed as its Interim Director. Vollrath held the position for a short span of time before John M. Long was appointed to oversee the band's activities in 1965.

text: The answer should mention that Long's term lasted until 1965.

refinement: Lawrence Peterson, who was the first director of the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College, began his tenure in 1939. He would stay for 7 years and then Gilbert Stephenson took the role of director for seven years. In 1953 the band hired its third director, John P. Graham. Two years following, in 1955, James Patrenos replaces Graham as its fourth director. He took the position for a five-year term until 1960 when Richard Melvin arrived to assume the position. Melvin stayed for four years until Dr. Carl Vollrath was appointed as its Interim Director. Vollrath held the position for a short span of time before John M. Long was appointed to oversee the band's activities in 1965. His term lasted until 1965.

answer:
Lawrence Peterson was the first director in the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College. He held the position for 7 years and in 1947, Gilbert Stephenson grabbed the position as the school's second director of the Troy State College band. The following year brought many changes for the band including the first show with marching uniforms, the first guest appearance (by Dr. Paul Yoder), and the first spring band festival in 1948.

The band hired its third director, John P. Graham in 1953, then two years later, James removed him in 1955. Richard Melvin, who replaced Patrenos, became the band's fifth director. Then from 1964-1965, Dr. Carl Vollrath held the position of Interim Director. In 1965, John M. Long became bandmaster, and has been referred to as the Sound of the South. Over the next thirty years, he served as the Dean of both College Arts & Sciences and School of Fine Arts and as special assistant to Chancellor Dr. Ralph Adams. He was one of the first bandmasters in the Southern U.S to be elected as president of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.

Due to the advancement of the band and its leaders, they established a prominent national reputation through its many featured appearances at music conventions, concert tours and recordings with the symphony band, as well as several nationally televised appearances with the “Sound of the South” Marching Band.

text: The general commentary of the third paragraph is outside the context of the question. It should be removed.

refinement:
Lawrence Peterson was the first director in the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College. He held the position for 7 years and in 1947, Gilbert Stephenson grabbed the position as the school's second director of the Troy State College band. The following year brought many changes for the band including the first show with marching uniforms, the first guest appearance (by Dr. Paul Yoder), and the first spring band festival in 1948.

The band hired its third director, John P. Graham in 1953, then two years later, James removed him in 1955. Richard Melvin, who replaced Patrenos, became the band's fifth director. Then from 1964-1965, Dr. Carl Vollrath held the position of Interim Director. In 1965, John M. Long became bandmaster, and has been referred to as the Sound of the South. Over the next thirty years, he served as the Dean of both College Arts & Sciences and School of Fine Arts and as special assistant to Chancellor Dr. Ralph Adams. He was one of the first bandmasters in the Southern U.S to be elected as president of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.

text: James Patrenos should be referred to with his last name. He also isn't the person removing the previous director, only replacing.

refinement:
Lawrence Peterson was the first director in the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College. He held the position for 7 years and in 1947, Gilbert Stephenson grabbed the position as the school's second director of the Troy State College band. The following year brought many changes for the band including the first show with marching uniforms, the first guest appearance (by Dr. Paul Yoder), and the first spring band festival in 1948.

The band hired its third director, John P. Graham in 1953, then two years later, James Patrenos replaced him in 1955. Richard Melvin, who replaced Patrenos, became the band's fifth director. Then from 1964-1965, Dr. Carl Vollrath held the position of Interim Director. In 1965, John M. Long became bandmaster, and has been referred to as the Sound of the South. Over the next thirty years, he served as the Dean of both College Arts & Sciences and School of Fine Arts and as special assistant to Chancellor Dr. Ralph Adams. He was one of the first bandmasters in the Southern U.S to be elected as president of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.

text: The band was named "Sound of the South", not John Long.

refinement:
Lawrence Peterson was the first director in the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College. He held the position for 7 years and in 1947, Gilbert Stephenson grabbed the position as the school's second director of the Troy State College band. The following year brought many changes for the band including the first show with marching uniforms, the first guest appearance (by Dr. Paul Yoder), and the first spring band festival in 1948.

The band hired its third director, John P. Graham in 1953, then two years later, James Patrenos replaced him in 1955. Richard Melvin, who replaced Patrenos, became the band's fifth director. Then from 1964-1965, Dr. Carl Vollrath held the position of Interim Director. In 1965, John M. Long became bandmaster, and the band was named the Sound of the South. Over the next thirty years, he served as the Dean of both College Arts & Sciences and School of Fine Arts and as special assistant to Chancellor Dr. Ralph Adams. He was one of the first bandmasters in the Southern U.S to be elected as president of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.

text: John Long's career accomplishments are beyond the scope of this question. They should be removed.

refinement:
Lawrence Peterson was the first director in the newly formed band at what was then Troy State Teacher's College. He held the position for 7 years and in 1947, Gilbert Stephenson grabbed the position as the school's second director of the Troy State College band. The following year brought many changes for the band including the first show with marching uniforms, the first guest appearance (by Dr. Paul Yoder), and the first spring band festival in 1948.

The band hired its third director, John P. Graham in 1953, then two years later, James Patrenos replaced him in 1955. Richard Melvin, who replaced Patrenos, became the band's fifth director. Then from 1964-1965, Dr. Carl Vollrath held the position of Interim Director. In 1965, John M. Long became bandmaster, and the band was named the Sound of the South.


split: train

text:
TOYOTA 86 FACELIFT
PREVIEW DRIVE
OYAMA, JAPAN

_TOYOTA’S UPDATED 86 WAS LAUNCHED IN JAPAN THIS WEEK WITH REVISED LOOKS AND A LITTLE EXTRA OOMPH; WELL, AT LEAST FOR MANUAL VARIANTS. THERE’S ALSO MORE EQUIPMENT AND A MILD UPDATE TO THE MODEL’S INTERIOR — CHANGES AIMED AT KEEPING THE POPULAR AND AFFORDABLE COMPACT COUPE FRESH. DUE TO GO ON SALE LOCALLY IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, IT IS HOPED THE REVISED 86 WILL STAY CLOSE TO ITS CURRENT SUB $30K KICK-OFF PRICE._

The 86 was something of a revelation when it launched in Australia in mid-2012. It returned Toyota to the budget sports car segment with a stellar blend of involving dynamics, athletic good looks and, importantly, a price that made it attainable.

Since then the 86 has maintained its popularity with monthly sales figures that defy sports car trends — even those of Toyota’s former affordable sports car challenger, the Celica.

Now, the 86 has been revised with sharper looks, more equipment and a little extra oomph, at least for manual variants. There’s worthwhile changes to the suspension and interior, too, and though we’re unsure of any price movement at this stage, expect little change in the enormous value equation already on offer. The 86 currently retails from $29,990 (plus on-road costs).

[]
Visually the facelifted 86 is recognised by a lower, sharper front bumper cover said to improve downforce and reduce aerodynamic turbulence over the wheel-wells. The vents and piston badge of the front quarter panel are now omitted, replaced by a smaller, round 86 logo behind the front wheel. All models receive LED tail-lights.

Additionally, high-grade GTS models receive an all-aluminium bootlid spoiler (to replace the plastic unit used previously) and new-look 17-inch alloy wheels, while also adopting LED headlights, DRLs (daytime running lights) and foglights.

There are changes inside, too, including the use of soft-touch Grandluxe material (similar to Alcantara) atop the instrument binnacle and door cards.

[]The instrument panel itself is faced with a new tachometer (the 7000rpm redline now set at the 12 o’clock position), while the GTS adds a new 4.2-inch MID (multi-information display) with lap-time and G meter.

All models receive Toyota’s smallest-ever steering wheel (-3mm to 362) with steering wheel controls added on GTS variants, and all-new upholstery – GT variants score new black cloth and GTS variants perforated a black Grandluxe and leather combination. The infotainment system is unchanged.

Perhaps more important are changes to the 86’s suspension. Taking lessons it learnt from Toyota’s 24 Hours of Nurburgring 86, the factory has bolstered spot welding and sheetmetal thickness in the rear-end, stiffening the frame.

The changes are balanced with softer rear springs and dampers (-15 per cent) and a slimmer anti-roll bar (-1mm to 14mm). Up front are firmer coils and dampers (+10 per cent), and an EPAS (electric power-assist steering) re-tune. And let’s not forget the inclusion of a ‘half-way’ mode for the stability control system dubbed ‘Track Mode’.

Under the bonnet we find zero changes to automatic variants – the alterations made to manual models resulting in excessive drive-by noise levels on the rev-blipping auto.

For six-speed manual variants the changes extend to a spider-style, cast aluminium intake manifold, new air intake plumbing, buffed intake and exhaust valve stems and a smoother camshaft journal.

[]Toyota has also remapped the torque curve of the modified manual to bolster response at lower engine speeds. The 212Nm of torque now available arrives 200rpm earlier than before (now 6400-6600rpm) while the 152kW now on offer arrives at an unchanged 7000rpm. Automatic variants still offer 147kW (at 7000rpm) and 205Nm (over 6400-6600rpm).

Fuel consumption figures have yet to be announced, though the 86’s chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada, indicated a slight reduction for the updated mill. Similarly, 0-100km/h times are also under wraps, though we expected little change from the current model’s 7.6sec (8.2sec for the auto).

We sampled the revised 86 back-to-back with the current model at Fuji Speedways short circuit, and found incremental differences that refine the overall experience. Power changes are appreciably small, but benefit delivery and throttle response when accelerating from corners – as does the changed final drive ratio (now 4.30:1, up from 4.10:1) — helping the 86’s boxer four to rev more freely.

[]
Changes to the suspension are likewise cumulative in effect, refining — rather than rewriting — the feel at the wheel. The softer rear-end improves turn-in while at the same time reducing the ‘stepped’ progression of the previous model.

The linearity in the way the rear-end loads is appreciably different, improving predictability and aiding placement in corners. We dare say it will also result in a more comfortable ride.

The steering is more consistent in its weighting, the revised mapping of the EPAS system tending to flatten-out the peaks and troughs the current model exhibits during heavy cornering. There’s a little more assistance at all speeds, though we wouldn’t say this comes at the cost of road feel.

[]Overall, the changes improve the 86’s liveability, as well as the way it communicates with the driver. The chassis is easier to understand, making it easier to pilot at speed and less daunting during sudden direction changes.

It’s more difficult to break cornering traction, but far easier to control once sideways, increasing its dynamic threshold and making it faster on a twisting road, while also making it easier to drift beyond the limit on a racetrack.

After our first taste at Fuji, we can’t wait to sample the upgraded 86 on our favourite roads and tracks after it arrives Down Under in November.

2017 TOYOTA 86 MANUAL PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS:
PRICE: TBC (currently from $29,990)
ENGINE: 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer petrol
OUTPUT: 152kW/212Nm
TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual
FUEL: TBC
CO2: TBC
SAFETY RATING: Five-star ANCAP

2017 TOYOTA 86 AUTO PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS:
PRICE: TBA (currently from $32,490)
ENGINE: 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer petrol
OUTPUT: 147kW/205Nm
TRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic
FUEL: TBC
CO2: TBC
SAFETY RATING: Five-star ANCAP

ALSO CONSIDER:
>> Hyundai Veloster (from $25,050 plus ORCs)
>> Kia Cerato Koup (from $24,190 plus ORCs)
>> Mazda MX-5 (from $31,990 plus ORCs)

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

What does the text say about the Toyota 86's popularity?

answer: The Toyota 86 was a revelation when it launched in Australia in mid-2012. It returned Toyota to the budget sports car segment with a stellar blend of involving dynamics, athletic good looks and, importantly, a price that made it attainable. The 86 maintained its popularity with monthly sales figures that defied sports car trends.

answer: The Toyota 86 was launched in Australia in 2012. Its new, sharp looks made it a viable competitor in the budget sports car segment. The 86's popularity skyrocketed soon after its release, with monthly sales figures that defied sports car trends even those of Toyota's former affordable sports car challenger, the Celica. The car still maintains a lot of its popularity in sales, despite other manufacturers having made other models.

text: Grammar: add a comma after "sports car trends" to separate clauses.

refinement: The Toyota 86 was launched in Australia in 2012. Its new, sharp looks made it a viable competitor in the budget sports car segment. The 86's popularity skyrocketed soon after its release, with monthly sales figures that defied sports car trends, even those of Toyota's former affordable sports car challenger, the Celica. The car still maintains a lot of its popularity in sales, despite other manufacturers having made other models.

text: "despite other manufacturers having made other models" is vague, remove this clause.

refinement: The Toyota 86 was launched in Australia in 2012. Its new, sharp looks made it a viable competitor in the budget sports car segment. The 86's popularity skyrocketed soon after its release, with monthly sales figures that defied sports car trends, even those of Toyota's former affordable sports car challenger, the Celica. The car still maintains a lot of its popularity in sales.

answer: The Toyota 86 was something of a revelation when it launched in Australia in mid-2012. It returned Toyota to the budget sports car segment with a stellar blend of involving dynamics, athletic good looks, and a price that made it attainable. Since then, the 86 has maintained its popularity with monthly sales figures that defied sports car trends. It's also a popular car among Toyota's former sports car challenger, the Celica.

text: The last sentence doesn't make sense, and can be removed without compromising the answer.

refinement: The Toyota 86 was something of a revelation when it launched in Australia in mid-2012. It returned Toyota to the budget sports car segment with a stellar blend of involving dynamics, athletic good looks, and a price that made it attainable. Since then, the 86 has maintained its popularity with monthly sales figures that defied sports car trends.

answer: The Toyota 86 was launched in Australia in 2012. Its new, sharp looks made it a viable competitor in the budget sports car segment. The Toyota 86's popularity skyrocketed soon after its release, with monthly sales figures that defied sports car trends even those of Toyota's former affordable sports car challenger, the Celica. The car still maintains a lot of its popularity in sales, despite other manufacturers having made other models.

answer: The Toyota 86's popularity is due to it being a sports car that fares well in several important categories, like good looks, the price of really being only sub-$30,000, and the delivery of aforementioned dynamics, athleticism, and good looks. It is able to maintain it's popularity despite the decline on sales of sports cars globally.

text: Remove "aforementioned" as the following traits are being mentioned for the first time in the answer.

refinement: The Toyota 86's popularity is due to it being a sports car that fares well in several important categories, like good looks, the price of really being only sub-$30,000, and the delivery of dynamics, athleticism, and good looks. It is able to maintain it's popularity despite the decline on sales of sports cars globally.

text: Grammar: "it's" should be "its" (possessive, not a contraction)

refinement: The Toyota 86's popularity is due to it being a sports car that fares well in several important categories, like good looks, the price of really being only sub-$30,000, and the delivery of dynamics, athleticism, and good looks. It is able to maintain its popularity despite the decline on sales of sports cars globally.

answer: The Toyota 86 was a revelation when it launched in Australia in mid-2012. It returned Toyota to the budget sports car segment with a stellar blend of involving dynamics, athletic good looks and, importantly, a price that made it attainable. The 86 maintained its popularity with monthly sales figures that defied sports car trends. It was a revelation because Toyota's former affordable sports car challenger, the Celica, had been discontinued.

answer: The Toyota 86 was something of a revelation when it launched in Australia in mid-2012. It returned Toyota to the budget sports car segment with a stellar blend of involving dynamics, athletic good looks, and a price that made it attainable. Since then, the 86 has maintained its popularity with monthly sales figures that defied sports car trends.

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

Summarize the aesthetic improvements of the updated 86.

answer: The 86's front bumper cover is lower and sharper. The piston badge on the front quarter panel is omitted, replaced by a smaller, round 86 logo behind the front wheel. All models receive LED tail-lights. The high-grade GTS models receive an all-aluminium bootlid spoiler and new-look 17-inch alloy wheels. The instrument panel is faced with a new tachometer. All models receive Toyota's smallest-ever steering wheel. The infotainment system is unchanged. The Grandluxe material is used on the instrument binnacle and door cards.

answer: Visually, The new 86 has lower, sharper front bumper covers. The vents at the front are omitted and a low 86 logo replaces it behind the wheel. The new car has LED tail lights. There are more changes inside including the use of soft-touch Grandluxe material atop the instrument and door cards. There are new model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights, DRLs and foglights. The instrument panel is now faced with a new tachometer. The performance GTS sports new 4.2-inch MIDs and an all-aluminium bootlid spoiler.

text: Grammar: the first "The" should be all lowercase.

refinement: Visually, the new 86 has lower, sharper front bumper covers. The vents at the front are omitted and a low 86 logo replaces it behind the wheel. The new car has LED tail lights. There are more changes inside including the use of soft-touch Grandluxe material atop the instrument and door cards. There are new model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights, DRLs and foglights. The instrument panel is now faced with a new tachometer. The performance GTS sports new 4.2-inch MIDs and an all-aluminium bootlid spoiler.

answer: The visual cues of the upgraded 86 include a lower, sharper front bumper cover that improves downforce, reduce turbulence under the wheel-wells, and all models not just GTS models receiving a new 86 nose logo which reduces the vents and piston badge on the front quarter panel since the hexagonal 86 badge was retained. The tail-lights found on the rear-end are LEDs on all variants, the GTS and probably the 86+ getting aluminum alloys. The alloy wheels are 17-inches. There is a new soft-touch Grandluxe material on top of the instrument binnacle and door cards.

text: Grammar: "that improves downforce and reduces turbulence"

refinement: The visual cues of the upgraded 86 include a lower, sharper front bumper cover that improves downforce and reduces turbulence under the wheel-wells, and all models not just GTS models receiving a new 86 nose logo which reduces the vents and piston badge on the front quarter panel since the hexagonal 86 badge was retained. The tail-lights found on the rear-end are LEDs on all variants, the GTS and probably the 86+ getting aluminum alloys. The alloy wheels are 17-inches. There is a new soft-touch Grandluxe material on top of the instrument binnacle and door cards.

text: Rephrase the selected text to be more coherent and accurate, including removing the inaccurate reference to a hexagonal badge.

refinement: The visual cues of the upgraded 86 include a lower, sharper front bumper cover that improves downforce and reduces turbulence under the wheel-wells, and all models, not just GTS models, receiving a new 86 logo which replaces the vents and piston badge on the front quarter panel. The tail-lights found on the rear-end are LEDs on all variants, the GTS and probably the 86+ getting aluminum alloys. The alloy wheels are 17-inches. There is a new soft-touch Grandluxe material on top of the instrument binnacle and door cards.

answer: The 86's front bumper cover is lower and sharper. The piston badge on the front quarter panel is omitted, replaced by a smaller, round 86 logo behind the front wheel. All models receive LED tail-lights. The high-grade GTS models receive an all-aluminium bootlid spoiler and new-look 17-inch alloy wheels. The instrument panel is faced with a new tachometer. All models receive Toyota's smallest-ever steering wheel. The infotainment system is unchanged.

answer: The 86's front bumper cover is lower and sharper, the vents and piston badge of the front quarter panel are omitted, replaced by a smaller, round 86 logo behind the front wheel. All models receive LED tail-lights. The GTS models receive an all-aluminum bootlid spoiler and new-look 17-inch alloy wheels. The instrument panel is faced with a new tachometer, while the GTS adds a new 4.2-inch MID with lap-time and G meter. The steering wheel is -3mm smaller to 362, and it has steering wheel controls on GTS variants. There are new upholstery combinations for GT and GTS variants.

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

What does the text say about steering wheels?

answer: The steering wheel of the 86 has been reduced by 3mm to 362. Steering wheel controls are added on GTS variants. All new upholstery comes with the GTS variant. The infotainment system is unchanged.

text: Remove the last two sentences, they are not relevant to the question.

refinement: The steering wheel of the 86 has been reduced by 3mm to 362. Steering wheel controls are added on GTS variants.

answer: The steering wheel of the 86 has been reduced by 3mm to 362. Steering wheel controls are added on GTS variants. All new upholstery comes with the GTS variant. The infotainment system is unchanged. The steering wheel controls are also added.

answer: The 86's steering wheel has been reduced by -3mm to 362mm. The GTS variants have steering wheel controls. The all-new upholstery comes with a black cloth and a perforated black Grandluxe and leather combination.

text: Remove the last sentence, it is irrelevant to the question.

refinement: The 86's steering wheel has been reduced by -3mm to 362mm. The GTS variants have steering wheel controls.

answer: The 86's steering wheel has been reduced by -3mm to 362mm. The GTS variants have steering wheel controls. The all-new upholstery comes with a black cloth and a perforated black Grandluxe and leather combination. The steering wheel controls are added on GTS variants.

answer: The steering wheel on the six-speed manual variants is more consistent in its weighting and the EPAS system adjusts. The steering is more responsive and less pliant. The steering wheel in automatic variants still offers 147kW at 7000rpm and 205n at over 6400rpm. The front wheels of the four-speed manual variants naturally have the larger steering diameter relative to the rear wheels, ie. 1.9mm from 0.1mm.

text: "The steering is more responsive and less pliant." - This is not in the text, so remove it from the response.

refinement: The steering wheel on the six-speed manual variants is more consistent in its weighting and the EPAS system adjusts. The steering wheel in automatic variants still offers 147kW at 7000rpm and 205n at over 6400rpm. The front wheels of the four-speed manual variants naturally have the larger steering diameter relative to the rear wheels, ie. 1.9mm from 0.1mm.

text: The last two sentences inaccurately associate details with the steering wheel, so remove them.

refinement: The steering wheel on the six-speed manual variants is more consistent in its weighting and the EPAS system adjusts.

text: Add the change in size of the steering wheel as mentioned in the text.

refinement: The steering wheel on the six-speed manual variants is more consistent in its weighting and the EPAS system adjusts. All models receive Toyota’s smallest-ever steering wheel (-3mm to 362) with steering wheel controls added on GTS variants.

answer: The steering wheel in automatic variants still offers 147kW at 7000rpm and 205n at over 6400rpm.

text: The response inaccurately associates engine details with the steering wheel, so remove it.

text: Add a response to answer the question: "The steering wheel on the six-speed manual variants is more consistent in its weighting and the EPAS system adjusts. All models receive Toyota’s smallest-ever steering wheel (-3mm to 362) with steering wheel controls added on GTS variants."

refinement: The steering wheel on the six-speed manual variants is more consistent in its weighting and the EPAS system adjusts. All models receive Toyota’s smallest-ever steering wheel (-3mm to 362) with steering wheel controls added on GTS variants.

answer: The steering wheel was previously 36mm, but was decreased to an even 32mm size. There were steering wheel controls too. The new steering wheel is smaller and has features it didn't have previously. The steering response is more consistent. The mechanisms within steering rack is completely changed.

text: Correct the measurements of the steering wheel in the first sentence, from 365mm to 362mm.

refinement: The steering wheel was previously 365mm, but was decreased to an even smaller 362mm size. There were steering wheel controls too. The new steering wheel is smaller and has features it didn't have previously. The steering response is more consistent. The mechanisms within steering rack is completely changed.

text: Remove the last sentence, it is not supported by the text.

refinement: The steering wheel was previously 365mm, but was decreased to an even smaller 362mm size. There were steering wheel controls too. The new steering wheel is smaller and has features it didn't have previously. The steering response is more consistent.

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

What does the text say about monthly installments for payment?

answer: No answer

answer: No answer

answer: The modifications are described with numerical figures in various data points. There are no monthly installments for this information.

text: This is a confusing and unnecessary way to say the information isn't available, so replace it with the simpler "No answer."

answer: No answer

answer: No answer

answer: There is no mention of monthly installments for payment.


text:
I was there when my parents told her. I watched them sit my sister down in the lounge room; I was peering around the wall. I already knew. There must have been some expression on their faces as they sat in a moment’s silence. Because she knew. She was only 10, but she knew.

The silence turned into a minute, a time during which I saw many expressions: confusion, worry, disbelief, sorrow, and pain. All in silence. Because she knew.

“Pogo,” Dad finally said, and, before he spoke another word, I watched her eyes widen and glisten with tears waiting to waterfall down those smooth cheeks. “He’s been in an accident.” That was all that needed to be said, the key to open the floodgates behind the shiny, blue eyes. Because she knew.

*She’d gotten Pogo as a puppy, only three years beforehand. A birthday gift, a basket and a bow tie and a ribbon. Sure, it was clichéd, but she didn’t care. Neither did Pogo, the bouncing bundle of fluff, who on seeing his new companion had leapt clean out of the wicker and showered her with licks. I had been there too; I had seen the eyes widen with happiness, not sorrow; I had seen the cheeks grow red with excitement, not pain; I had seen bright smiles, not quivering lips. He was hers and she was his. He knew that. She knew that.*

Mum got up and sat next to her, arm gently around her shoulder, drawing her in tight. Dad did the talking; Mum was comfort.
“Is he going to be alright?” The words were slow spoken and shaking, because in only that short time, her mind had put everything together. They would have been happier if Pogo was going to be alright; they would not have made such a big deal about it all. She’d be with Pogo right now if all would be fine, stroking his fur, and whispering comfort into those floppy ears. They would have been at the vet. But they weren’t. She wasn’t. She knew.

“I’m sorry, darling,” said Dad, as Mum squeezed just that little bit tighter.

“What happened?” She didn’t really want to know.

“There was a car.”

She stood up quickly, letting out a gasp and a squeak of shock. I reeled back from the corner as she approached, running to her room. She passed me, and in the second’s eye contact I felt her burn. I had been listening in, watching. She knew. And her heart, I feel, broke that little bit more. I wasn’t there for her. But I’m not good at comfort, at caring, knowing what to do or say, or even whether to do or say anything at all. Mum does that. Mum and Dad.

I looked around the corner again. Dad had joined Mum on the lounge. He had her in his arms.
“She’ll be alright.”

**I remember it all, running through my mind as I stand in front of her door. Do I knock? Do I open it? Do I walk away? I am lost in the moment, sent back, reliving the same feelings, the feelings that sunk into my heart as she walked past. The torture of the past. I hadn’t known what to do then. How could I know now? And so I stand in front of that door, silent and still, wanting to enter and wanting to run. She didn’t know. I had to tell her.**

I followed her to her room. I was in the hallway when I heard the door slam shut, followed by the creaking metal of the old bed springs and the muffled scream into the pillow. Again. Again.

I stood in front of the door. Over time the screams stopped, replaced by perhaps a more heart wrenching sound: sobbing. I reached forward with my hand, placing it onto the cold metal handle. It squeaked as I pushed down.

“Go away!” I turn and leave. She didn’t need me.

**She needs me now. She needs me and she doesn’t know it, doesn’t know why. I have to tell her. So many years have come and gone, but right now the memory is as clear as if it happened yesterday. The house has changed and the years have changed us, but it’s still the same. It’s still me standing at her door, wanting to run. But I have to stay.**

**The handle doesn’t squeak; she doesn’t notice me until the door is wide open. She’s lying on her bed, laptop flipped up, studying ever so hard, writing her thesis. She looks at me.**

**The demon returns, that dreadful silence. I stand there. She opens her mouth to speak but then she stops and her lips close softly. She has seen that look before, the look I do not know I am wearing. I guess it must always be the same look, no matter who gives it. The laptop closes and she sits up, turning on the side of the bed. Our eyes haven’t broken.**

**Then it’s my turn to relive the past, as her still-smooth face goes through the very same list from all those years ago: confusion, worry, disbelief, sorrow, and pain. All in silence. Because she knows. Somehow she knows.**

**I open my mouth to speak. I wish I did not have to. I wish that Dad and Mum were here to do it, here to say what has to be said. I do not want to be the one to open those floodgates, release the shimmering stream from those deeper, blue eyes. But I have to be.**

**Dad’s not here anymore, and never again will Mum hold her close.**

**So I do.**

title: [RF] Because she knew.

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

Summarize the plot of the story.

answer: The story describes the emotional journey of a sister as she gets the tragic news about her dog, Pogo, and opens up about her fear/disbelief/insecurity of future pet life events. Until she's an adult, Pogo was her only dog; the family had gotten it for her for her tenth birthday, and he was her first dog friend. He died in a car accident.

text: "for her" - delete this.

refinement: The story describes the emotional journey of a sister as she gets the tragic news about her dog, Pogo, and opens up about her fear/disbelief/insecurity of future pet life events. Until she's an adult, Pogo was her only dog; the family had gotten it for her tenth birthday, and he was her first dog friend. He died in a car accident.

text: "and opens up about her fear/disbelief/insecurity of future pet life events. Until she's an adult, Pogo was her only dog; the family had gotten it for her tenth birthday, and" - this is incorrect. She never opened up about anything, especially pet life events. There was no mention of another dog or who gave the dog as a present. Pogo was also given to the sister three years ago, so she would've only been seven years old.

refinement: The story describes the emotional journey of a sister as she gets the tragic news about her dog, Pogo, he was her first dog friend. He died in a car accident.

text: "he was her first dog friend. He died in a car accident." - this should be edited for better flow.

refinement: The story describes the emotional journey of a sister as she gets the tragic news about her dog, Pogo, who was killed when a car ran over him. Pogo was her first dog and best friend.

text: "a sister" - sounds vague. Replace with "the narrator's sister"

refinement: The story describes the emotional journey of the narrator's sister as she gets the tragic news about her dog, Pogo, who was killed when a car ran over him. Pogo was her first dog and best friend.

text: The plot of the story is not only the narrator's sister losing a dog. It's about the narrator's handling of the situation all those years ago and having to confront his sister after several years and be the bearer of bad news this time around. A full rewrite is needed.

refinement: The narrator only watched when his parents broke the news to his then 10-year old sister that her dog, Pogo, was run over by a car. Standing outside his sister's bedroom door, he didn't know what to say to her or how to provide comfort at the time but recalls how his sister somehow knew that something had happened even before their parents spoke. Fast-forward to the present, and the narrator is standing outside the same door after all these years, memories flooding back to the day he didn't know what to do because he's feeling it all again. He is the bearer of bad news this time (their dad died), and when he enters the room, he sees that somehow, his sister knows that something terrible has happened just by looking at him.

answer: The protagonist's sister finds out about the tragic accident involving her pet Pogo. Despite her age, she knows what has happened. The protagonist follows her to her room and opens her door to tell her the sad news, something the parents of the sister would normally do. Once the sister hears the news, she is overcome by emotion and begins to sob. The protagonist did not want to be the one to tell her, but knew it had to be done.

text: "The protagonist follows her to her room and opens her door to tell her the sad news, something the parents of the sister would normally do. Once the sister hears the news, she is overcome by emotion and begins to sob. The protagonist did not want to be the one to tell her, but knew it had to be done." - this is incorrect. The protagonist wasn't the bearer of bad news. He also wasn't able to go inside his sister's room and just stood outside. The sister already knew about Pogo when she ran to her room to cry.

refinement: The protagonist's sister finds out about the tragic accident involving her pet Pogo. Despite her age, she knows what has happened.

text: The response doesn't adequately summarize the plot of the story.

refinement: The protagonist watches as his parents break down the tragic news to his 10-year-old sister that Pogo, the dog that she got as a gift three years ago whom she loved dearly, got run over by a car and is dead. The protagonist sees that his sister somehow knew just by looking at their parents' expressions, but ran to her room in shock, sorrow, and anger once she learned about how Pogo died. He watched his sister run past him and into her room and felt bad for not being there for her. Being a kid at the time, he didn't know what to do or how to provide comfort, so he just stood outside her door, listening to her scream and sob. Several years pass and the protagonist is in the same situation, but this time, he plays the messenger, as their parents did all those years ago. He goes to his sister's room to tell her about the horrible news that their dad has died, but he sees that somehow, she knows what's coming just by looking at him.

answer: The story begins with the siblings watching their parents tell the younger sister that their dog Pogo has been in an accident and died. The younger sister understands what is being said and bursts into tears. The older brother linges in the hallway outside her room, eventually walking in and telling her the news. The younger sister starts sobbing but stops when the older brother tells her that the dog is gone and not coming back. With this news, she starts sobbing again.

text: The response is incorrect. There was only one sibling (the narrator) who was watching. The older brother (narrator) doesn't walk into his sister's room to tell her the news. She already knew from their parents. The entire response needs to be revised based on what the actual plot is.

refinement: The story is about the narrator's sister who somehow knows when something terrible has happened just by reading the facial expressions of the people bearing bad news even before they say anything. It happened once when she was only ten and their parents had to break the news to her that her dog, Pogo, was run over by a car and is now dead. She somehow knew what was up. The narrator was still only a kid back then and didn't know how to comfort her and just lingered outside her bedroom door. Present-day, the narrator lingers outside her door again, afraid to enter because he is now the bearer of bad news - their father died and he has to tell her. Once he goes in, he sees that somehow she knew what he was going to tell her, just like all those years ago when she knew about Pogo.

answer: A girl arrives home and her dad tells her that her dog Pogo has died in an accident. She runs to her room and breaks down. The brother overhears the conversation but doesn't go to comfort his sister. Later that night the brother goes to comfort his sister, she doesn't want him at first but she does speak to him about Pogo and breaks down in tears.

answer: The narrator remembers when their parents told their sister about her dog dying. The narrator didn't comfort their sister, she said she didn't need them. Now the narrator needs to break some news to her sister. Their parents aren't coming back, and they comfort their sister.

text: Using singular "they" only adds confusion. There needs to be a definite gender even though it is not implied. By all accounts, the narrator appears to be male and a little older.

refinement: The narrator remembers when his parents told his sister about her dog dying. The narrator didn't comfort his sister, she said she didn't need him. Now the narrator needs to break some news to his sister. Their parents aren't coming back, and he comforts his sister.

text: The response is missing a plot point about the intuition the sister has about tragic events.

refinement: The narrator remembers when his parents told his sister about her dog dying. She somehow knew that her dog was dead even before their parents said anything. The narrator didn't comfort his sister, she said she didn't need him. Now the narrator needs to break the news to his sister that their dad has died. Again, it seems that she already knew even before he said anything.

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

Summarize the narrator's sister's relationship with Pogo.

answer: The narrator got Pogo as a birthday gift three years before. He seems to have had a very strong relationship with her. The moment her parent told her that Pogo was in an accident, the narrator's sister ran to her room and burst into a heart wrenching scream.

text: "The narrator got Pogo as a birthday gift three years before." - this is incorrect. The narrator's sister got Pogo.

refinement: The narrator's sister got Pogo as a birthday gift three years before. He seems to have had a very strong relationship with her. The moment her parent told her that Pogo was in an accident, the narrator's sister ran to her room and burst into a heart wrenching scream.

text: "parent" - replace with "parents"

refinement: The narrator's sister got Pogo as a birthday gift three years before. He seems to have had a very strong relationship with her. The moment her parents told her that Pogo was in an accident, the narrator's sister ran to her room and burst into a heart wrenching scream.

text: Add that Pogo was in an accident and died.

refinement: The narrator's sister got Pogo as a birthday gift three years before. He seems to have had a very strong relationship with her. The moment her parents told her that Pogo was in an accident and was dead, the narrator's sister ran to her room and burst into a heart wrenching scream.

text: "heart wrenching" - add a hyphen.

refinement: The narrator's sister got Pogo as a birthday gift three years before. He seems to have had a very strong relationship with her. The moment her parents told her that Pogo was in an accident and was dead, the narrator's sister ran to her room and burst into a heart-wrenching scream.

answer: The narrator's sister has a close relationship with their dog Pogo. They got him as a birthday gift three years prior and she loves him dearly. When they hear that Pogo was in an accident, she reacts with shock and sadness. Pogo means a lot to her. He was her first pet, and they shared a connection that could never be replaced.

text: Singular "they" isn't needed here because it's clear that the narrator's sister is female. Also, she's the sole owner of the dog if this isn't a case of incorrect singular they usage.

refinement: The narrator's sister has a close relationship with her dog Pogo. She got him as a birthday gift three years prior and she loves him dearly. When she hears that Pogo was in an accident, she reacts with shock and sadness. Pogo means a lot to her. He was her first pet, and they shared a connection that could never be replaced.

answer: The narrator clearly cares a lot about Pogo. She knew Pogo was dead before being told, as if they had some sort of bond. She had gotten Pogo three years ago on her birthday, and they immediately companions. After she learns Pogo is dead, she runs to her room and cries and screams.

text: "The narrator clearly cares a lot about Pogo." - this is incorrect and should be about the narrator's sister.

refinement: The narrator's sister clearly cares a lot about Pogo. She knew Pogo was dead before being told, as if they had some sort of bond. She had gotten Pogo three years ago on her birthday, and they immediately companions. After she learns Pogo is dead, she runs to her room and cries and screams.

text: "they immediately companions" - this line makes little sense and can be improved.

refinement: The narrator's sister clearly cares a lot about Pogo. She knew Pogo was dead before being told, as if they had some sort of bond. She had gotten Pogo three years ago on her birthday, and they were immediately best friends. After she learns Pogo is dead, she runs to her room and cries and screams.

text: "told," - remove the comma.

refinement: The narrator's sister clearly cares a lot about Pogo. She knew Pogo was dead before being told as if they had some sort of bond. She had gotten Pogo three years ago on her birthday, and they were immediately best friends. After she learns Pogo is dead, she runs to her room and cries and screams.

answer: Pogo is a dog. She got him as a birthday present three years before the story happens. She loves him so much that her eyes widen and glisten with tears when their dad says he was in an accident. She dislodges herself from her mom and dad's arms. She needs a moment before she realizes what happened to him. She couldn't be happy thinking he would be alright because she knew he wouldn't be. She ran to her room and cuddled in her bed.

text: A majority of the response doesn't really say anything about the sister's relationship with Pogo.

refinement: Pogo is a dog. She got him as a birthday present three years before the story happens. The first time they saw each other, Pogo showered her with affection. The narrator's sister was happy and excited. The dog and the girl knew that they belonged to each other. She loves him so much that her eyes widen and glisten with tears when their dad says he was in an accident. She dislodges herself from her mom and dad's arms. She needs a moment before she realizes what happened to him. She couldn't be happy thinking he would be alright because she knew he wouldn't be. She ran to her room and cuddled in her bed.

text: "She" - this needs to be replaced with "The narrator's sister" for better context and clarity.

refinement: Pogo is a dog. The narrator's sister got him as a birthday present three years before the story happens. The first time they saw each other, Pogo showered her with affection. The narrator's sister was happy and excited. The dog and the girl knew that they belonged to each other. She loves him so much that her eyes widen and glisten with tears when their dad says he was in an accident. She dislodges herself from her mom and dad's arms. She needs a moment before she realizes what happened to him. She couldn't be happy thinking he would be alright because she knew he wouldn't be. She ran to her room and cuddled in her bed.

text: "She needs a moment before she realizes what happened to him. She couldn't be happy thinking he would be alright because she knew he wouldn't be. She ran to her room and cuddled in her bed." - this is incorrect because the narrator's sister already knew what happened even before anyone said anything. She also didn't "cuddle" in her bed. She just went there, screamed, and sobbed.

refinement: Pogo is a dog. The narrator's sister got him as a birthday present three years before the story happens. The first time they saw each other, Pogo showered her with affection. The narrator's sister was happy and excited. The dog and the girl knew that they belonged to each other. She loves him so much that her eyes widen and glisten with tears when their dad says he was in an accident. She dislodges herself from her mom and dad's arms as she ran to her room. She somehow knew that Pogo was dead even before her parents said anything.

answer: Pogo was a birthday gift to the protagonist's 10-year-old sister. She loved him dearly and they shared a deep bond. Pogo was involved in an accident and died shortly thereafter. The protagonist has to tell his sister what happened, and after a moment of initial shock, she becomes overwhelmed with grief.

text: "The protagonist has to tell his sister what happened" - this is inaccurate. That task fell on their parents, not the protagonist. At that moment, he wanted to comfort her but didn't know how.

refinement: Pogo was a birthday gift to the protagonist's 10-year-old sister. She loved him dearly and they shared a deep bond. Pogo was involved in an accident and died shortly thereafter. The protagonist wanted to comfort her but didn't know how. After a moment of initial shock, she becomes overwhelmed with grief.

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

Summarize the narrator's relationship with their sister.

answer: The narrator is a brother who knew his father and mother were going to tell their sister that their pet pogo died in a car accident, but didn't know if he could be of any comfort to her. He felt uncomfortable with expressions of grief, and bad at comforting. He went to his sister's room and witnessed her room shutting her off from the world. Later, he told her that Pogo had died in a car accident. He stood in front of her room, wanting to comfort her, but couldn't and again left her, feeling like a coward.

text: The response doesn't really explore the relationship between the narrator and his sister. It just summarizes the events of the story. There are also several inaccuracies, like him knowing that his parents were going to tell his sister about Pogo and telling her himself.

text: The response must include details about the relationship between the siblings.

refinement: By all accounts, the narrator and his sister seem to have a normal relationship and were close. This is evidenced by the sister's heartache when he wasn't there for her as their parents gave her the bad news about Pogo. He just stood somewhere hidden and listened. The narrator seems to have a hard time talking to his sister, especially when it comes to tragic events.

answer: There is palpable sibling rivalry between the siblings and not a lot of trust between them. The brother has heard about and witnessed Pogo's accident firsthand and has recurring nightmares about it. His sister has now been affected by this accident and the brother feels obligated to comfort her, as well as guilty because she's entering a PhD, which her brother doesn't feel happy about.

text: There are a lot of issues with this response. There is no "palpable sibling rivalry" between the siblings and trust issues were never mentioned. The narrator isn't having recurring nightmares about Pogo's accident. The sister isn't also getting a Ph.D. The entire response is unusable.

text: The response should summarize the relationship between the narrator and his sister based on the available text.

refinement: The narrator and his sister are pretty close and probably rely on each other much, which is why she got upset at him for not being there for her when their parents sat her down and told her the bad news about Pogo. The narrator seems to have issues with comforting and caring for others but knows he has to be there for his sister the second time around when their parents died.

answer: The narrator watches their parents break the news to their sister. As their sister runs away, she sees them, and her heart breaks more because they weren't there for her. Later the narrator tries to comfort her but she doesn't want it. Years later the narrator has to be the one to tell her that their parents are dead, and they relive those memories.

text: Using singular "they" in this instance is confusing. It appears that the narrator is male anyway, so the response needs to go with that.

refinement: The narrator watches their parents break the news to his sister. As his sister runs away, she sees him, and her heart breaks more because he wasn't there for her. Later the narrator tries to comfort her but she doesn't want it. Years later the narrator has to be the one to tell her that their parents are dead, and he relives those memories.

answer: The narrator has a close relationship with their younger sister; she was present when their parents informed her that their pet dog had died in an accident. The sister responded with shock and disbelief and sadness, and has been sobbing since hearing the news. The narrator was unable to offer any comfort at first, but walked into her room now and spoke the truth to her. The narrator feels sorry for their sister and wishes their parents were there instead.

text: The use of "singular they" is confusing at best because both the narrator and the sister aren't named. It appears the narrator is male.

refinement: The narrator has a close relationship with his younger sister; he was present when their parents informed his sister that her pet dog had died in an accident. The sister responded with shock and disbelief and sadness, and has been sobbing since hearing the news. The narrator was unable to offer any comfort at first, but walked into her room now and spoke the truth to her. The narrator feels sorry for her sister and wishes their parents were there instead.

text: "but walked into her room now and spoke the truth to her. The narrator feels sorry for her sister and wishes their parents were there instead." - this is inaccurate. The narrator just stood outside the door not knowing how to comfort his sister.

refinement: The narrator has a close relationship with his younger sister; he was present when their parents informed his sister that her pet dog had died in an accident. The sister responded with shock and disbelief and sadness, and has been sobbing since hearing the news. The narrator was unable to offer any comfort because he didn't know how.

answer: The narrator has an older sister, who they cared deeply for. When their parents had news of their brother's accident, she knew before they even said anything to her. The narrator was present when their parents told her but they were at a loss when they found her sobbing in her room. Now, many years later, the narrator has to break the news of Pogo's death to her sister again. The sister and the narrator have a strong bond and both care deeply for one another.

text: "The narrator has an older sister" - it was never established who was the older or younger sibling.

refinement: The narrator has a sister, who they cared deeply for. When their parents had news of their brother's accident, she knew before they even said anything to her. The narrator was present when their parents told her but they were at a loss when they found her sobbing in her room. Now, many years later, the narrator has to break the news of Pogo's death to her sister again. The sister and the narrator have a strong bond and both care deeply for one another.

text: "When their parents had news of their brother's accident" - this is incorrect. They didn't have a brother. The bad news was the accidental death of Pogo, the sister's dog.

refinement: The narrator has a sister, who they cared deeply for. When their parents had news about Pogo's accident, she knew before they even said anything to her. The narrator was present when their parents told her but they were at a loss when they found her sobbing in her room. Now, many years later, the narrator has to break the news of Pogo's death to her sister again. The sister and the narrator have a strong bond and both care deeply for one another.

text: Other than the response having several inaccuracies, it also doesn't really say anything about the relationship between the two siblings.

refinement: The narrator has a sister, who he cared deeply for. By all accounts, his sister feels the same way. She got hurt when the narrator just stood there and did nothing to comfort her as their parents told her about Pogo's death. It also seems that they can read each other's thoughts and expressions.


text:
MONICA KATRICE ROBERTS (May 4, 1962October 5, 2020) was an African-American blogger, writer, and transgender rights advocate. She was the founding editor of _TransGriot_, a blog focusing on issues pertaining to trans women, particularly African-American and other women of color. Roberts' coverage of transgender homicide victims in the United States is credited for bringing national attention to the issue.

Early life and education

Roberts was born and raised in segregated Houston, Texas. Her mother was a schoolteacher and her father was a DJ. Roberts graduated from Jones High School in the Houston Independent School District in 1980.[1][2] In 1984, she graduated from the University of Houston.[3]

Career and activism

Roberts was working in Houston as an airline gate agent in 1993–94 when she began her gender transition.[4] She was a founding member of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition, and served as its Lobby Chair from 1999 to 2002.[5][6] In Louisville, Kentucky, Roberts served on the board of the Fairness Campaign and its political action committee C-FAIR. In 2005 and 2006, she organized the Transsistahs-Transbrothas Conference that took place in that city.[7]

She began writing _TransGriot_ in 2004 as a newspaper column for _The Letter_, a Louisville-based LGBT newspaper;[8][9] the term “griot” refers to a storyteller from West Africa.[10] Roberts founded the _TransGriot_ blog in 2006.[11][12] Roberts was motivated by a lack of trans blogs focused on black people and other people of color.[13][14] One of the missions of her blog is to “chronicle the history of Black transpeople”.[15] The blog allowed her to address community issues in a more timely manner and allowed greater control than the column after it was taken away due to a conflict with an advertiser over her writing.[16] Through _TransGriot_, Roberts also identified transgender homicide victims in order to tribute the victims, many of whom are often misgendered in police reporting and media coverage.[17] Roberts' coverage of transgender homicides is credited for bringing national attention to the issue.[18]

As a black trans woman, Roberts has explored the intersections of cissexism and racism in her writing. In a 2009 column, she stated that people who have a problem with the word _cisgender_ “are wailing in unacknowledged cisgender privilege”, and compared this criticism to white people that “call me 'racist' anytime I criticize the underlying structural assumptions that buttress whiteness”.[19]

Awards and recognition

In 2006, Roberts won the IFGE Trinity Award for meritorious service to the transgender community; it was the transgender community's highest meritorious service award, and she was the first African-American Texan and the third African-American openly trans person to be given the award.[20] In 2015, Roberts received the Virginia Prince Transgender Pioneer Award from Fantasia Fair, making her the first African-American openly trans person to be so honored.[21][22]

In 2016, Roberts received a Special Recognition Award from GLAAD,[23] and became the first openly trans person to receive Phillips Brooks House Association's Robert Coles “Call of Service” Award.[24][25] In 2017, Roberts received the HRC John Walzel Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign.[26]

In 2018, she was named one of “8 Houston Women to Watch on Social Media” by _Houstonia._[27] and won Outstanding Blog at the GLAAD Media Awards.[28] In January 2020, Roberts received the Susan J Hyde Award for Longevity in the Movement from the National LGBTQ Task Force.[29] In June 2020, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first LGBTQ Pride parade, _Queerty_ named her among the fifty heroes “leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people”.[30][31]

Personal life and death

Roberts began her gender transition in 1993–94.[32][33] She had felt since she was five or six that “something was different about me”, but didn't have access to black trans role models at that time (the 1970s); she felt that she would have transitioned earlier if she had.[34][35]

Roberts died on October 5, 2020.[36][37][38] Her death was announced on October 8, 2020, in a Facebook post by her friend Dee Dee Watters, and was later confirmed by the Harris County Medical Examiner and local media.[39] Roberts' death was initially reported as a hit and run case, though the medical examiner later stated that the cause of death was a “medical emergency”; her family reported that she was feeling unwell in the days prior to her death.[40] The following week, the medical examiner reported the cause of death was complications of a pulmonary embolism.[41]

Many LGBT activists, writers, and other celebrities paid tribute to Roberts via social media following the announcement of her death, including Janet Mock,[42] Raquel Willis,[43] Jen Richards,[44] Darnell L. Moore,[45] and Human Rights Campaign president Alphonso David.[46]

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title: Monica Roberts

question: Who is Monica Katrice Roberts?

answer:
A. Monica Roberts (May 4, 1962October 5, 2020) was an African-American blogger, writer, and transgender rights advocate.

B. Monica Roberts (0711 - 2020) was a veteran of the United States Army that attended University of Houston in 1984 and died in 2020.

C. Monica Roberts (May 4, 1962October 5, 2020) was an African-American blogger, writer, and transgender rights advocate. Monica Roberts died at the age of 57 in 2020.

text: There are repeats of the same information.

refinement: C. Monica Roberts (May 4, 1962-October 5, 2020) was an African-American blogger, writer, and transgender rights advocate. Monica Roberts died at the age of 57 in 2020.

answer: Monica Katrice Roberts (May 4, 1962October 5, 2020) was a transgender rights advocate and founder of _TransGriot_, a blog focusing on issues pertaining to trans women, particularly African-American and other women of color, and the first African-American openly trans person to receive the Trinity Award in 2006. She received other awards and recognition for her accomplishments in activism, but is most well known for her Transgriot blog, which she started in 2006.

text: Some grammar/punctuation.

refinement: Monica Katrice Roberts (May 4, 1962-October 5, 2020) was a transgender rights advocate and founder of TransGriot, a blog focusing on issues pertaining to trans women, particularly African-American and other women of color, and the first African-American openly trans person to receive the Trinity Award in 2006. She received other awards and recognition for her accomplishments in activism, but is most well known for her Transgriot blog, which she started in 2006.

text: Many LGBT activists, writers, and other celebrities paid tribute to Roberts via social media following the announcement of her death, including Janet Mock,[42] Raquel Willis,[43] Jen Richards,[44] Darnell L. Moore,[45] and Human Rights Campaign president Alphonso David.[46]

answer: Roberts was an African-American blogger, writer, and transgender rights advocate.

question: Where and when was Roberts born?

answer: Monica Roberts was born on an unknown date in Houston, Texas.

text: Monica Roberts was born on May 4, 1962 in Houston, Texas.

refinement: Monica Roberts was born on an unknown date in Houston, Texas.

answer: According to the passage, Monica Roberts is from Houston and was born in 1962.

answer: Roberts was born in Houston, Texas on May 4, 1962, at a time of racial segregation.

text: There was no corroboration for the mention of racial segregation.

refinement: Roberts was born in Houston, Texas on May 4, 1962, at a time of racial segregation.

text: "Roberts was born and raised in segregated Houston, Texas."

question: Define the term "griot" in TransGriot.

answer: A griot is someone who is a storyteller from West Africa. This term is often applied to Monica Roberts when describing the blog she founded.

text: "... the term “griot” refers to a storyteller from West Africa."

answer: According to the passage, "griot" refers to a storyteller from West Africa, which Monica Roberts uses as a title for her blog on transgender issues.

text: "... the term “griot” refers to a storyteller from West Africa."

answer: The term "griot" refers to a storyteller from West Africa.

text: It is also the name of her blog, which is the point of bringing the definition to light.

refinement: The term "griot" refers to a storyteller from West Africa.

question: What caused Roberts' death?

answer: Roberts passed away as a result of complications from a pulmonary embolism. Her family had indicated that she might have had some health issues in the days leading up to her death.

answer: Roberts' death was initially reported as a hit and run case, but the medical examiner later said that the cause of death was complications of a pulmonary embolism. Roberts' family also said that she was feeling unwell days prior to her death.

answer: It was initially reported as a hit-and-run, but the medical examiner found that the cause of death was a "medical emergency". The following week, the medical examiner reported the cause of death as complications of a pulmonary embolism [bronchial artery blocked].

question: Write a ~5 sentence summary.

answer: Monica Katrice Roberts was a long-time activist and blogger who focused on social justice concerns for trans women of color. Over time, she received many accolades for her advocacy work, including awards and acknowledgements. Roberts passed away in October of 2020.

text: This could mention her blog by name.

refinement: Monica Katrice Roberts was a long-time activist and blogger who focused on social justice concerns for trans women of color. Over time, she received many accolades for her advocacy work, including awards and acknowledgements. Roberts passed away in October of 2020.

answer: Monica Roberts was an African-American blogger and trans rights advocate best known for her column "TransGriot." Roberts began her gender transition in 1993-1994 and her earliest writings on the subject were anonymous. Roberts helped found National Transgender Advocacy Coalition and, among many activist and social justice projects, was a founding member of C-FAIR, an LGBT political action committee based in Louisville, Kentucky. The founding editor of the TransGriot blog, Roberts' coverage of transgender homicides brought national attention to the issue. Monica Roberts was 44 years old when she died on October 5, 2020. She died in a hit and run car accident and the following week the cause of death was reported as a "medical emergency." An outpouring of support and activism in response to her death honored Roberts' life and her work.

answer: Monica Roberts campaigned for black transgender rights and outreach for over 20 years, ultimately founding a blog to help with these endeavors. In her later life, she established herself as a respected figure in the trans rights movement. Her death was reported as a hit and run, though it was later revealed to be an underlying medical emergency.

text: This could include the name of her blog.

refinement: Monica Roberts campaigned for black transgender rights and outreach for over 20 years, ultimately founding a blog to help with these endeavors. In her later life, she established herself as a respected figure in the trans rights movement. Her death was reported as a hit and run, though it was later revealed to be an underlying medical emergency.

answer: Monica Karice Roberts was an African-American blogger, writer, transgender rights advocate, and one of the first to focus on the plight of transgender black people and other people of color. Born in Houston, Texas during segregation, Roberts began her transition in 1993-94 and was a founding member of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition. She was the founding editor of TransGriot, a blog focusing on issues affecting trans women of color. Roberts was credited with bringing national attention to transgender homicide victims. She died of complications from a pulmonary embolism on October 5, 2020.

answer: Monica Roberts was an African-American transgender activist, writer, transgender rights advocate, and founding editor of her blog TransGriot. Winning awards from different organizations such as IFGE Trinity Award and GLAAD Media Award, Monica shared her own societal experiences and struggled to combat societal ills with her blog and activism as well as assisting other trans activists in her fight for equality. In the early hours of the 5th of October in 2020, Monica Roberts was found deceased and has since been memorialized in a myriad of ways.

text: There should be more about her death.

refinement: Monica Roberts was an African-American transgender activist, writer, transgender rights advocate, and founding editor of her blog TransGriot. Winning awards from different organizations such as IFGE Trinity Award and GLAAD Media Award, Monica shared her own societal experiences and struggled to combat societal ills with her blog and activism as well as assisting other trans activists in her fight for equality. In the early hours of the 5th of October in 2020, Monica Roberts was found deceased and has since been memorialized in a myriad of ways.

answer: This article is a student's paper with sections about Monica Roberts, Monica's early life and education, a brief summary of Roberts' career and activism, a list of awards and recognitions Roberts has received, and a personal life section.

text: This is not a student's paper. It could include more details.

refinement: This article is a student's paper with sections about Monica Roberts, Monica's early life and education, a brief summary of Roberts' career and activism, a list of awards and recognitions Roberts has received, and a personal life section.