text:
[Henryson addressed his _Testament_ to a readership of women. Painting by Robert Campin, 1438. ]

[Diomede and Cressida, perhaps]

_THE TESTAMENT OF CRESSEID_ is a narrative poem of 616 lines in Middle Scots, written by the 15th-century Scottish makar Robert Henryson. It is his best known poem.[1] It imagines a tragic fate for Cressida in the medieval story of _Troilus and Criseyde_ which was left untold in Geoffrey Chaucer's version. Henryson's cogent psychological drama, in which he consciously resists and confronts the routine depiction of Cressida (Cresseid) as simply 'false', is one of the features that has given the poem enduring interest for modern readers and it is one of the most admired works of northern renaissance literature. A modern English translation by Seamus Heaney, which also included seven of Henryson's fables from _The Morall Fabillis_, was published in 2009.

Narrative outline

Diomedes, an Achaean hero with whom Cresseid begins a romantic relationship after being separated from and subsequently losing romantic interest in Troilus, banishes Cresseid from his company thereby leaving her destitute. After wandering for a while amongst the Greek soldiers, seeking their company, she returns to the home of her father Calchas, a keeper of the temple of Venus. Though Calchas welcomes her heartily, Cresseid desires to hide away from a disapproving world and encloses herself in a private oratory, where she weeps and rages against the cruelty of Venus and Cupid in, as she sees it, leading her on. The gods take offence at this blasphemy, and assemble to pass judgement on her, and the poem features graphically-realised portraits of the planetary pantheon of gods in the dream vision at its heart. They strike her with the symptoms of leprosy which remove her youth and good looks, leaving her disfigured and blind. She is thus considered a social outcast and decides she must join a leper colony. There she laments her fate until a fellow leper woman encourages her not to sigh over things which cannot be changed, but instead to take her cup and clapper[2] and join the other lepers to beg for daily alms.

As Cresseid joins the lepers to go out begging, Troilus and the garrison of Troy happen to pass by. She lifts her eyes to his, but since she is blind she cannot recognise him. Troilus, similarly unable to recognise the disfigured Cresseid, yet being reminded of her, without quite knowing why, is spontaneously moved to give up to her all the wealth he has about him at that moment (his belt, a full purse of gold, and jewels) before riding off, almost fainting for grief when he reaches Troy. The lepers are astounded at the unexpected show of beneficence and when Cresseid asks of her benefactor's identity and is told, she, like Troilus, too is overcome with emotion. She berates herself for her treatment of him and renounces her previously 'selfish' complaints, before sitting down to write her testament, or will, dying soon after.

Henryson's portrayal of Cresseid's 'disgrace' and ultimately tragic end, through the narrator of the poem, is observed with a largely rigorous objectivity. Where the narrator comes to judge, rather than reinforcing the institutional admonishment of a 'shocked' or disapproving society, he 'confesses' to his natural pity for Cresseid's misfortune, against the standard view of 'false womanhood' which she was taken in his day to represent. This is perhaps all the more expressive for having been apparently withheld or 'repressed' within the conceit of the poem. The most explicit statement of this breaks through in the passage:

             Yit nevertheless, quhat ever men deme or say
             In scornefull langage of thy brukkilnes,
             I sall excuse als far furth as I may
             Thy womanheid, thy wisdome and fairnes,
             The quhilk fortoun hes put to sic distres
             As hir pleisit, and nathing throw the gilt
             Of the, throw wickit langage to be spilt!

Characters

-   Cresseid, daughter of Calchas, who is punished for breaking her vow of love to Troilus
-   Troilus, one of the sons of Trojan king Priam, and former lover of Cresseid
-   Calchas, Cresseid's loving father. In the Testament, he is a priest of Venus and Cupid.
-   The gods Cupid, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Phoebus, Venus, Mercury, and Cynthia.

Structure

-   Throughout the poem, Henryson makes use of the rhyme royal, a rhyme scheme introduced and popularised by Geoffrey Chaucer, and set out as follows- ABABBCC. The stanzas are generally seven lines each in length, and in iambic pentameter. However, in the section in which Cresseid laments her fate from the leper colony (a Complaint), the stanzas are nine lines in length, and with the rhyme scheme AABAABAAB

Notes

[1]

[2] http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/clapper

title: The Testament of Cresseid

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

What action of Cresseid offends the gods?

answer: She returns to her father's home where she isolates herself. She then rails against Cupid and Venus for leading her on. Her unhappiness is caused when Diomedes, with whom she had a romantic connection banishes her from his company.

answer: Breaking her vow to Troilus.

text: The answer given is not incorrect and should be according to the details provided in the text.

refinement: Cressid resorted to solitary confinement after Diomedes, an Achaean hero with whom she was in a relationship, banished her. The banishment left her destitute and unhappy, leaving her no other option than to return to her father's home. As a result of her frustration, Cressid raged against Venus and Cupid for their supposed cruelty, which angered the gods.

answer: Cresseid offends the gods by blasphemy against Venus and Cupid, by claiming that their deceit has led her to a state of misery and poverty.

answer: Cressida was judged to be in violation of her vow of love for Troilus for blaspheming against the gods Venus and Cupid.

text: The answer given is inaccurate. The text does not say Cressid's offense was a violation of her vow of love for Troilus. The model should pay attention to details in the text for a more accurate answer.

refinement: Cresseid offended the gods when she blasphemed against Venus and Cupid, claiming that their deceit has led her to a state of misery and poverty. This was after Diomedes, an Achean hero with whom she was in a relationship, banished her. She wandered among the Greek soldiers for a while before finally returning to her father's home.

answer: She berates herself for her treatment of Troilus and renounces her previously "selfish" complaints before sitting down to write her testament.

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

How does the story connect Cresseid and Troilus?

answer: Cresseid begins a relationship with Troilus, but Diomedes banishes her from his company. Troilus unexpectedly later gives Cresseid a gift while riding past her as she is amongst a group of lepers. The shock of this sudden and unexpected gift produces emotion in both Cresseid and Troilus. As such, their relationship continues even though they never see each other again.

text: The first and last lines of the response are incorrect and not according to the text. The model should rewrite these lines more accurately.

refinement: Cresseid and Troilus used to be romantically involved before she lost interest in him and began a relationship with Diomedes, an Achaean hero. However, after Diomedes banned Cresseid from his company, she incurred the wrath of the gods when she raged against Venus and Cupid; thus, she became a leper. Later, Troilus unexpectedly gave Cresseid a gift while riding past her as she was amongst a group of lepers. The shock of this sudden and unexpected gift evoked emotion in both Cresseid and Troilus. Moved by the guilt of how she treated Troilus in the past, Cresseid renounced her previous selfish complaints and pens her will before dying.

answer: Cressida's father is a priest of Venus and Cupid, and he initially warned her against a relationship with Troilus, but she ignored him and was consequently banished from Diomede's, who is a hero. Troilus became upset and angry and she ended their relationship. As if this wasn't enough, Cupid decided to punish Cresseid for her disobedience and, the poem implies, for her blasphemy against Cupid and Venus. Troilus ultimately gives up all his possessions to Cresseid, but he can't recognize her since she was blind, leper, and disfigured. Cresseid however, sees Troilus and thinks about her wrongdoing, forgiving her of her sin and recording it in her will.

text: The narrative given in the model's answer is highly inaccurate and not according to the story. The model needs to rewrite its answer more accurately.

refinement: Cresseid and Troilus used to be romantically involved before she lost interest in him and began a relationship with Diomedes, an Achaean hero. However, after Diomedes banned Cresseid from his company, she incurred the wrath of the gods when she raged against Venus and Cupid; thus, she became a leper. Later, Troilus unexpectedly gave Cresseid a gift while riding past her as she was amongst a group of lepers. The shock of this sudden and unexpected gift evoked emotion in both Cresseid and Troilus. Moved by the guilt of how she treated Troilus in the past, Cresseid renounced her previous selfish complaints and pens her will before dying.

answer: Cresseid and Troilus were once romantically connected but they were separated and Cresseid lost interest in him. As punishment for blaspheming the gods Cresseid was struck with leprosy which disfigured and blinded her. One day she and Troilus meet but he doesn't recognize her because she is disfigured and she is blind so she doesn't know he is there.

answer: Cresseid starts a romantic relationship with Diomedes after being separated from and subsequently losing interest in Troilus.

text: The answer does not contain enough details as provided in the text to help readers understand the connection between Cresseid and Troilus. The model's response should be more informative.

refinement: Cresseid starts a romantic relationship with Diomedes after being separated from him and subsequently losing interest in Troilus. However, after Diomedes banned Cresseid from his company, she incurred the wrath of the gods when she raged against Venus and Cupid; thus, she became a leper. Later, Troilus unexpectedly gave Cresseid a gift while passing by with the troops of Troy. The shock of this sudden and unexpected gift evoked emotion in both Cresseid and Troilus. And, moved by the guilt of how she treated Troilus in the past, Cresseid renounced her previous selfish complaints and pens her will before dying.

answer: Cresseid and Troilus meet at the beginning of the poem when she begins a romantic relationship with Diomedes. When Diomedes banishes her from his company, Cresseid no longer has anything to keep her occupied, and she turns to the Greek soldiers and then to her father Calchas before returning to the temple of Venus. Troilus passes by while Cresseid is begging with the lepers, where he unexpectedly gives her some of his riches and moves her with emotion. Cresseid laments her harsh treatment of Troilus, and realizes that this treatment was wrong. Ultimately, both characters'reaction to each other ends tragically for Cresseid.


split: train

text:
BY DAVID FRANCIS, _Foreign Policy_

It took $66 billion — the largest all-cash transaction in history — for German biotech giant Bayer to win control over Monsanto, the global seed market leader. The takeover creates a very unique — and to some, very unsettling — kind of corporate beast, one tasked with feeding billions as temperatures rise and farmlands shrink.

If the merger goes through — and that’s a very big if, given that both EU and American regulators are likely to carefully scrutinize the deal — the new firm would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides. In the United States, it would control some 58 percent of cottonseed sales. According to Vox, the new company would be the largest agribusiness in the world, selling 29 percent of the world’s seeds and 24 percent of its pesticides.

That puts one firm in a pole position to influence, and potentially control, how the world feeds itself. Regulators are likely to investigate whether the merged company will be too big and able to squeeze farmers and shoppers at the price register. And it comes as the rest of the agribusiness industry is also consolidating, in part to counteract slumping commodity prices due to the economic slowdown in China, which trickles down and forces farmers to spend less on supplies.

The specter of greater market power for firms that make the seeds that many poor farmers need to buy each spring before planting is sparking panic in the developing world.

“It will lead to concentration of power and will result in market distraction. This is the third such merger of seed majors in recent times. This will leave only three players in the global market and will have a cascading impact on Indian agriculture,” N. Prabhakara Rao, President of the National Seed Association of India, told the Hindu newspaper.

But the merger could be the future of the industry. Low food prices have left smaller firms unable to innovate, forcing more consolidation of resources.

Monsanto isn’t immune to these pressures. The company for years relied on profits from the weed-killer known as Roundup, which went hand-in-hand with crops resistant to the product, called Roundup Ready crops. But weeds in the United States are developing a resistance and the company, based in Missouri, is scrambling to find a better product. Monsanto even tried to buy rival Syngenta but the latter’s CEO Michael Mack said the $45 billion bid fell “woefully short.”

And the Bayer-Monsanto marriage is just the latest in a string of combinations in the industry. Dow Chemical and Dupont agreed to combine their crop science divisions last year; the deal still hasn’t been approved by regulators. U.S. regulators signed off on a deal for China National Chemical Corporation to buy Swiss seed company Syngenta for $43 billion. Earlier this month, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan and Agrium merged in Canada.

These mergers are fueled by the need for increased research and development budgets. Agribusinesses are trying to develop crops that are resistant to climate change as temperatures around the world grow hotter and rainfall grows more erratic. They’re also going to have to feed a lot more people; by 2050, projections show there will be 9 billion people living on the earth. This means there is going to be less area to farm.

[The picture taken on September 8, 2016 shows a ripe corncob in a cornfield near Cologne, western Germany. ]
Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images

The picture taken on September 8, 2016 shows a ripe corncob in a cornfield near Cologne, western Germany.
To others, these kinds of merger are just excuses to corner the market.

“The attempted takeover of Monsanto by Bayer is a threat to all Americans. These mergers boost the profits of huge corporations and leave Americans paying even higher prices,” Sen. Bernie Sanders said in a statement. “Not only should this merger be blocked, but the Department of Justice should reopen its investigation of Monsanto’s monopoly over the seed and chemical market.”

Whether the Bayer-Monsanto deal will succeed remains to be seen. It could be especially difficult in Europe, where the use of genetically-modified seeds — Monsanto’s bread and butter — is widely frowned upon.

“We expect significant antitrust and political hurdles and assign 50 percent probability of deal completion,” Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. analysts Jeremy Redenius said in a research note.

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

What does the text say about the threats of the Bayer-Monsanto merger?

answer: The merger would give the new firm the largest agribusiness in the world. The higher food prices might impact the sale of seeds for farmers and the mergers may be the future of the industry. However, the increased price is a threat to American consumers who will end up paying even higher prices. The merger might also lead to problems between farmers, who would pay higher prices to support the higher research and development budgets. Unless such objections are overcome and the merger goes through, the merger would never be completed. (The merger remains to be seen)

answer: The merger would create a very unique and to some, very unsettling kind of corporate beast. It would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides. This would put the firm in a position to influence and potentially control how the world feeds itself. The merger could be the future of the industry.

text: It's omitted that the merger is a threat to all Americans as the mergers boost the profits of huge corporations and leave Americans paying even higher prices.

refinement: The merger would create a very unique and to some, very unsettling kind of corporate beast. It would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides. This would put the firm in a position to influence and potentially control how the world feeds itself. The merger could be the future of the industry. The merger is also a threat to all Americans as the mergers boost the profits of huge corporations and leave Americans paying even higher prices.

text: It's omitted that the merger will lead to concentration of power and result in market distraction.

refinement: The merger would create a very unique and to some, very unsettling kind of corporate beast. It would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides. It will lead to concentration of power and result in market distraction. This would put the firm in a position to influence and potentially control how the world feeds itself. The merger could be the future of the industry. The merger is also a threat to all Americans as the mergers boost the profits of huge corporations and leave Americans paying even higher prices.

answer: The merger is expected to face political and antitrust hurdles. It may also be difficult in Europe, where the use of genetically-modified seeds is widely frowned upon.

text: This entire answer is wrong. This describes the threat to the merger, not of the merger.

text: Blank response

refinement: The merger would create a very unique and to some, very unsettling kind of corporate beast. It would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides. It will lead to concentration of power and result in market distraction. This would put the firm in a position to influence and potentially control how the world feeds itself. The merger is also a threat to all Americans as the mergers boost the profits of huge corporations and leave Americans paying even higher prices.

answer: If the merger goes through, the new firm would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides. A concern of regulators is the merged companies being too big and squeezing farmers and shoppers at the price rack. If approved, the deal could be the future of the industry but to others, this merger is not a coalable wed because it smashes down multi-billion dollar firms and risk advantages from merging mergers.

answer: If the merger goes through and the deal is approved, the new firm would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides. If successful, it would position the new firm in a pole position that would influence and potentially control how the world feeds itself. A concern of regulators is the merged companies being too big and squeezing farmers and shoppers at the price rack. According to the article, the merger could be the future of the industry but to others, this merger is not a coalable wed because it smashes down multi-billion dollar firms and risk advantages from merging mergers.

text: This isn't said in the text and is incoherent.

refinement: If the merger goes through and the deal is approved, the new firm would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides. If successful, it would position the new firm in a pole position that would influence and potentially control how the world feeds itself. A concern of regulators is the merged companies being too big and squeezing farmers and shoppers at the price rack. According to the article, the merger could be the future of the industry.

text: It's omitted that the merger is a threat to all Americans as the mergers boost the profits of huge corporations and leave Americans paying even higher prices.

refinement: If the merger goes through and the deal is approved, the new firm would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides. If successful, it would position the new firm in a pole position that would influence and potentially control how the world feeds itself. A concern of regulators is the merged companies being too big and squeezing farmers and shoppers at the price rack. According to the article, the merger could be the future of the industry. It poses a threat to all Americans as the mergers boost the profits of huge corporations and leave Americans paying even higher prices.

text: Include that the merger could lead to concentration of power and market distraction

refinement: If the merger goes through and the deal is approved, the new firm would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides. If successful, it would position the new firm in a pole position that would influence and potentially control how the world feeds itself. It could lead to concentration of power and market distraction. A concern of regulators is the merged companies being too big and squeezing farmers and shoppers at the price rack. According to the article, the merger could be the future of the industry. It poses a threat to all Americans as the mergers boost the profits of huge corporations and leave Americans paying even higher prices.

answer: The merger toward Bayer-Monsanto would give the new firm the largest agribusiness in the world. The higher food prices might impact the sale of seeds for small farmers and the mergers may be the future of the industry. However, the increased price is a threat to American consumers who will end up paying even higher prices. The merger might also lead to problems between farmers, who would pay higher prices to support the higher research and development budgets. Unless such objections are overcome and the merger goes through, the merger would never be completed.

text: This should say that the mergers boost in profits of huge corps will lead to Americans paying higher prices.

refinement: The merger toward Bayer-Monsanto would give the new firm the largest agribusiness in the world. The higher food prices might impact the sale of seeds for small farmers and the mergers may be the future of the industry. These mergers boost the profits of huge corporations and cause a threat to American consumers who will end up paying even higher prices. The merger might also lead to problems between farmers, who would pay higher prices to support the higher research and development budgets. Unless such objections are overcome and the merger goes through, the merger would never be completed.

text: This sentence should be omitted, as this isn't said in the text.

refinement: The merger toward Bayer-Monsanto would give the new firm the largest agribusiness in the world. The higher food prices might impact the sale of seeds for small farmers and the mergers may be the future of the industry. These mergers boost the profits of huge corporations and cause a threat to American consumers who will end up paying even higher prices.

text: The discussion of the merger cornering the market is omitted.

refinement: The merger toward Bayer-Monsanto would give the new firm the largest agribusiness in the world.  It would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides, and putting them in a pole position to influence and possibly control how the world feeds itself. The higher food prices might impact the sale of seeds for small farmers and the mergers may be the future of the industry. These mergers boost the profits of huge corporations and cause a threat to American consumers who will end up paying even higher prices.

answer: The merger would create a very unique and to some, very unsettling kind of corporate beast. It would corner more than a quarter of the world market for seeds and pesticides. This would put the firm in a position to influence and potentially control how the world feeds itself. The merger could be the future of the industry. The merger could be the future of the industry.


text:
LAZLO WOODBINE is a fictional character in some of Robert Rankin's novels. He is generally portrayed as a metafictional character, being in the novels themselves the creation of mystery writer P.P. Penrose and described by himself as the last of the nineteen-fifties private detectives.

Physical Appearance

Throughout his appearances, Lazlo Woodbine has never been specifically described barring his traditional attire of a trenchcoat and fedora, with all his stories being narrated in the first person. According to the character himself, this lack of description allows readers to picture Lazlo as anyone they care to imagine, thus imposing their own face or that of their hero onto Woodbine, and allowing them to feel more like they are part of the story.

Lazlo's Rules

In any Lazlo Woodbine story, Lazlo commonly begins his appearance by explaining that he goes through the novel in his trenchcoat and fedora, armed with his trusty Smith & Wesson (whose name is constantly mispronounced for no apparent reason other than a desire to do so), and only ever works four locations, regarding these four as the maximum number that a truly great private detective requires. These locations are:

-   Lazlo's office, where he is hired by his clients;
-   Fangio's bar, where he talks toot with Fangio the fat barman and is subsequently knocked on the head by the dame that does him wrong;
-   An alleyway, where Lazlo gets into sticky situations that involve him having to shoot somebody;
-   The final rooftop showdown, where, after a climatic confrontation, Lazlo sends the villain plunging to oblivion in the final chapter.

Throughout the novels, Lazlo avoids explicitly describing any of these four settings, thus allowing him to use them for multiple locations, such as arguing that any occasions where he is in an office feature him being inside _his_ office as they all look alike. However, in any of Rankin's novel where he plays a long-term role, Lazlo commonly finds his way around his four-set rule to move from location to location, such as closing his eyes while travelling from the alley to the rooftop – thus avoiding actually _seeing_ anything, and hence not breaking the rule – or assuming another persona altogether to account for the travel time. The only occasion where Woodbine has clearly violated his four-set-rule was in _Armageddon III_, when he briefly shared a bedroom with Rex Mundi and a two-headed baby that had been abducted and experimented on by aliens.

According to Woodbine, when reading one of his novels the reader can always expect a lot of gratuitous sex and violence, a trail of corpses, no small degree of name mispronunciation – characters commonly pronounce his name wrong, calling him everything from Woodlouse to Woodstock – and enough trenchcoat humour and ludicrous catchphrases to carry you through a month of rainy Thursdays. (Although some novels point out that the sex would be difficult given that Woodbine's four scenes lack a bedroom.)

“Metafictional” Status

Unlike most characters in Robert Rankin's work, who appear at inconsistent times and places but are nevertheless consistently the same person, Lazlo Woodbine's status as a real person is often questionable, with most of his appearances explicitly referring to his status as a character in fiction, and his appearance in the novel being simply an artificial creation (_The Dance of the Voodoo Handbag_) or simply the result of an individual suffering from delusions (_Waiting for Godalming_). Only in _The Suburban Book of the Dead (Armageddon III: The Remake)_ has Lazlo Woodbine explicitly appeared as a real person, and even then he came from an alternate future and travelled back into the past to investigate a case (aided by Barry the Time Sprout).

List of Appearances

To date, Lazlo Woodbine – or some variation of him – has appeared in the following novels;

-   _The Suburban Book of the Dead (Armageddon III: The Remake)_ (working alongside Rex Mundi and Barry the Time Sprout
-   _The Dance of the Voodoo Handbag_ (appears as a fictional character in a VR simulation that the main character is trapped in; results in some brief confusion as _both_ characters are attempting to simultaneously write the story in the first person until they agree to allow Lazlo to do so)
-   _Waiting for Godalming_ (revealed over the course of the novel to be the 'barking mad' brother to the novel's main character of Icarus Smith, although Woodbine passes off his temporary assumption of the idiot brother identity as a means of allowing him to travel through the streets to the building where the final rooftop showdown will take place)
-   _Fandom of the Operator_ (The “real” Lazlo Woodbine briefly appears in the afterlife, complaining about his fictional namesake's treatment by the author)
-   _The Brightonomicon_ (Rizla – later revealed to be Jim Pooley of The Brentford Trilogy – dresses as Lazlo to tackle THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE WOODINGDEAN CHAMELEON in Hugo Rune's absence)
-   _Necrophenia_ (Lazlo takes centre stage in the 30th novel by Robert Rankin, although by means of the assumed identity device used in previous novels. The real LB does make a cameo appearance though.)

Category:Fictional private investigators

title: Lazlo Woodbine

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

What does the article say about Woodbine's idiosyncrasies?

answer: Lazlo Woodbine always begins his appearance by explaining that he is going through the novel in his trenchcoat and fedora, armed with his trusty Smith and Wesson and always works four locations. He will always tell his POV character to be on the lookout for gratuitous sex, violence, and name mispronunciation. Also, Lazlo, although claiming to follow the four-set rule, often shows his ability to think in the moment and bend the rules when facing different situations or if he gets to a place early or if he just wants to move to a different location. He also mysteriously disappears by using a device in his pocket, or appears unannounced and then disappears.

text: While the answer created is good, more details from the passage can be added to make the response stronger.

refinement: Lazlo Woodbine always begins his appearance by explaining that he is going through the novel in his trenchcoat and fedora, armed with his trusty Smith and Wesson and always works four locations. Lazlo explains that his lack of description for a character allows the audience members to envision who they want, including themselves to be the hero.  He will always tell his POV character to be on the lookout for gratuitous sex, violence, and name mispronunciation. Also, Lazlo, although claiming to follow the four-set rule, often shows his ability to think in the moment and bend the rules when facing different situations or if he gets to a place early or if he just wants to move to a different location. He also mysteriously disappears by using a device in his pocket, or appears unannounced and then disappears.

answer: The character is often described as fictional in Rankin's novels, thus having the status of being a "meta-fictional" character. His appearance is never mentioned in detail apart from his traditional private investigator apparel of a trenchcoat and a fedora. Woodbine, in any of his stories, can only be in one of four settings: Lazlo's office, Fangio's bar, an alleyway, and the rooftop where the showdown takes place. Woodbine goes through many tricks to make sure this rule isn't broken. Finally, Woodbine may or may not be a real character in the novels.

answer: Woodbine commonly begins his appearance by explaining that he only works four locations, the maximum number required of a great detective. Lazlo avoids describing any of these four scenes in detail, which allows him to use them multiple times in different settings. Additionally, Woodbine is metafictional and often violates his statement that he only works these four locations, making him appear inconsistently throughout Robert Rankin's novels. Finally, Woodbine is known for his gratuitous sex and violence, name mispronunciation, and catchphrases.

text: Additional detail about the appearance of Lazlo should be included as that is one of his largest "idiosyncrasies".

refinement: Woodbine commonly begins his appearance by explaining that he only works four locations, the maximum number required of a great detective. His appearance includes the traditional attired of a trenchcoat and a fedora. Lazlo also believes that a lack of a description allows the reader to use their imagination, even allowing themselves to be the hero of the story.  Lazlo avoids describing any of these four scenes in detail, which allows him to use them multiple times in different settings. Additionally, Woodbine is metafictional and often violates his statement that he only works these four locations, making him appear inconsistently throughout Robert Rankin's novels. Finally, Woodbine is known for his gratuitous sex and violence, name mispronunciation, and catchphrases.

answer: Woodbine explains that he only works in four locations as his limit. His office, a bar where he is hit on the head by a dame, an alleyway where he has to shoot someone and the rooftop where it culminates in the final chapter. He doesn't describe those locations and avoids diving freely around those settings. He also often inserts gratuitous sex and violence in comparison to other fictional characters in the by-author. The narrator of Lazlo's stories imagines Woodbine as if he does all those things.

text: This response needs to discuss Lazlo's physical appearance as that is one of his major "idiosyncrasies".

refinement: Woodbine explains that he only works in four locations as his limit. His office, a bar where he is hit on the head by a dame, an alleyway where he has to shoot someone and the rooftop where it culminates in the final chapter. He doesn't describe those locations and avoids diving freely around those settings. He also often inserts gratuitous sex and violence in comparison to other fictional characters in the by-author. The narrator of Lazlo's stories imagines Woodbine as if he does all those things. Additionally, Lazlo always has his traditional outfit of a trenchcoat and fedora on.

answer: Lazlo Woodbine is usually portrayed as having a few common features: he is usually a metafictional character created by mystery writer P.P. Penrose; he always works in four locations; and he always features gratuitous sex and violence.


text:
Nerd: an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit
	My place among the nerds was and has never really been defined; I’ve just always felt that I was one. It probably stemmed from the weird person I was in middle school who nobody really knew because I was shy, awkward, and didn’t have anyone who understood me. Now I realize that that was all of us, but of course no one told me until now. I never knew where my place was just that my attributes were smart, shy, funny, temperamental at times, loved everything comic books, and, most importantly, has a strong love for music. Music has always been a way for me to realize that I’m never alone because if I can relate my life to a song then someone else has been where I am. It only made sense to learn how to play an instrument and to make my own music.
Place #1: Band Geeks
	I’ve always loved that term. Band Geek. It just rolls off the tongue right? It was also a title and a group of people who felt like I did and wanted to belong somewhere. What most people don’t know is that even though band is a clique of it’s own, there are different sections within a band which you choose to join from day one. It begins with three words: Woodwind, Brass, or Percussion? This loosely translates into: Would you like to play an instrument that you have to constantly sink money into for reeds and repairs, one where you feel like your lips will fall off after playing, or do you have anger management problems/ADD and want to hit stuff? I first chose Brass, realized I couldn’t really play the trumpet AT ALL, and went back to choose Woodwinds. The next choice was: Which one? Clarinet was the definite answer because it was small, looked easy to play and fun. It’s one of the best choices I’ve ever made in my entire life because the clarinet section consisted of the coolest people I had ever met. We were the talented, smart, funny, socially awkward people that eventually become the awesomest people in high school. That was my home until I came out of my shell and met the greatest influence on my middle school carrier, Mrs. Gilchrist.
Place #2: Thespians
	Mrs. Gilchrist was the reason I joined the fall play. She was the new Drama/Choir teacher that year and she made middle school bearable for me. She also pushed me to do things that she knew I would love, but hadn’t had the guts to do yet because I was shy, like acting and singing in front of a crowd. I had the smallest part in the whole play, an old woman who ran a hotel with her two sisters, but she hadn’t prepared me for the shocker I found in the script.
	That’s right. Not only was I going to make my acting debut, I had to sing a song and make up the tune for it too. I was terrified! I had NEVER sung or acted for anyone, especially the whole school and their families. How did we know if I even COULD sing?
	Opening night finally came, my nerves were all over the place and my singing scene was coming up. I walked across the stage, sat down and right on cue sang the lullaby of my own creation. It was perfect and the crowd clapped and cheered for me, a new rush I had never experienced before that filled me up with adrenaline and happiness. I had caught the Thespian bug and could never go back. I had become an acting junkie who’s inner nerd desperately wanted people to see her for the loud, funny person she was. After that, everything was a whirl of acting, memorizing, changing lines, rehearsing, singing and getting that ultimate prize of the thrill of applause, the high of being complimented, and the feeling of being noticed. Finally noticed.
To Be Continued...

title: [RF] My Place Among The Nerds

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

Summarize the main tension in the story.

answer: The narrator has always felt like an outcast even as a nerd amongst fellow nerds. The tension in this story lies in their quest to find their place, utilizing their best efforts-they make attempts playing instruments amongst the band geeks; they try their hand at theatre. They take to both pursuits well and enjoy themselves, but as this story is to be continued, it's uncertain as to where their quest takes them, or where they end up.

answer: The main tension in this story is finding a niche and home among the nerds. The protagonist struggled in middle school to find a group of people who she could connect with. She eventually found her home in the band geeks and thespians, groups that appreciated her intelligence and passion. The main issue was overcoming her shyness and insecurity to achieve her potential.

answer: The main tension in the story is the struggle to find one's place among nerds. The narrator felt self-conscious and out of place at school in middle school, but gradually found their place among musicians and thespians. It is the effort to find a group that both understood them and liked them for who they were that was at the heart of the tension.

answer: This is not the most developed story, but there is a clear tension between the protagonist's inner nature - timid and self-conscious - and her desire to create an identity for herself that breaks from her natural tendencies. Part of this may be manifested in onstage performance, where feedback from an audience can be amplified in a good way.

answer: The main tension in the story is that the narrator wants to find the right place in their life. They find moments to fit in in middle and high school, but they are placing a lot of emotional weight on it. They even have a crisis when they say they will never go back to middle school again. They might be struggling because they don't know what they want to do career-wise.

text: The story has nothing to do with career. They have no crisis about middle school

refinement: The main tension in the story is that the narrator wants to find the right place in their life. They cannot find a way to fit in. They join three societies: Band, the Thespians, and Choir. This helps them to come out of their shell

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

Summarize the central theme of the story.

answer: The central theme of the story is belonging, and finding one's place in the world. The author undergoes a lot of change in order to locate their place. They take music lessons in more than one instrument before finding their strengths-uncovering their weaknesses along the way. They give theatre a try despite their reservations due to stage fright and discover they are a passionate thespian. It seems by the end of this inconclusive story they have determined that the journey is always worth the feeling of belonging-of being in the right place.

answer: While the narrator considers themselves to be a nerd, they are attempting to define themselves and their past in terms of band, drama, and acting. The story touches on the people who have influenced them and translated into a strong message that they are all they have. Themes of family, friends, and relationships all blend together to form this emotional understanding.

text: Too general. Let's talk about the teacher.

refinement: While the narrator considers themselves to be a nerd, they are attempting to define themselves and their past in terms of band, drama, and acting. The story touches on the teacher who influenced them to come out of their shell, Mrs. Gilchrist. Themes of family, friends, and relationships all blend together to form this emotional understanding.

answer: The central theme of this story is finding and defining one's place among other people. The author initially felt like an outsider and misunderstood, but gradually learned to embrace and love certain aspects of their personality and found a home in certain groups such as band geeks and thespians. Because of these groups, the author found their place among others who shared their passions, strengths and weaknesses. As a result, the author began to feel connected and accepted as they had never felt before. The overall theme is that finding a place among others is essential to happiness and self-awareness.

answer: The central theme of the story is that feeling like an outsider helped form the identity of the author as a music aficionado and talented member of both the band and theater communities. The author realized that being different is not something to be ashamed of; rather, it can form the foundation for great accomplishments and meaningful relationships.

answer: The narrator has always felt a sense of not fitting in or not having a defined place among their peers. For the most part it's a lonely existence, as the narrator is never sure if others will understand. However, athletics and drama helped them to find a place in their social circles that would overwhelmingly accept them no matter how quiet and shy they tended to be. Consequently, being called a "band geek" or a "thespian" proved that the author was part of a group that made them feel worthy of appreciation.

text: No athletics

refinement: The narrator has always felt a sense of not fitting in or not having a defined place among their peers. For the most part it's a lonely existence, as the narrator is never sure if others will understand. However, band and drama helped them to find a place in their social circles that would overwhelmingly accept them no matter how quiet and shy they tended to be. Consequently, being called a "band geek" or a "thespian" proved that the author was part of a group that made them feel worthy of appreciation.

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

What might be a good career for the author and why?

answer: A career in music for the author would be a good choice because it seems that the author's strength is music.

answer: The author's obvious passion and excitement for the arts makes a career in theatre or film production a great possible avenue. The author thrives best in environments where there is constant creativity, energy, and collaboration. There are so many facets to these industries (directing, production, cinematography, music composition, etc) that there are many opportunities for someone with the author's creative and intelligent capabilities.

answer: Since the author has enjoyed the pursuit of different kinds of adventures, and because they have thought to take the time to write this, perhaps they would excel at and find fulfillment in becoming some kind of a career counselor. Their diverse interests could serve there advisees well, and their spirit could encourage students of all ages to branch out and to not be afraid of failure. It seems that the author has a good deal of experience in exploring a multitude of paths, as evidenced by their span of pursuits as well as the promise that there is more to come.

text: *Their not there

refinement: Since the author has enjoyed the pursuit of different kinds of adventures, and because they have thought to take the time to write this, perhaps they would excel at and find fulfillment in becoming some kind of a career counselor. Their diverse interests could serve their advisees well, and their spirit could encourage students of all ages to branch out and to not be afraid of failure. It seems that the author has a good deal of experience in exploring a multitude of paths, as evidenced by their span of pursuits as well as the promise that there is more to come.

answer: The author may be suited for acting due to their enthusiastic and creative personality. Acting allows the author to fulfill their need for creative expression in front of an audience. Furthermore, as much as acting can be a nerve-wracking activity, it also provides the author with a thrilling adrenaline rush. Finally, acting provides the author with opportunities to be noticed and complimented, which they likely crave due to their shy nature.

answer: Acting seems like something the author enjoys and does really well, so perhaps a career that involves that could suit them.


text:
LEX DOUGLAS HILLIARD (born July 30, 1984) is a former American football running back and fullback. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Montana.

Early years

Hilliard attended and played high school football at Flathead High School in Kalispell, Montana.[1] During his sophomore year, he set a school record with 1,384 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.[2] During his time at Flathead, he was a three-time all-state and all-conference selection, as well as team captain his final two seasons.[3] He finished his career with 3,419 rushing yards, 4,410 all-purpose yards and 44 touchdowns—all school records.[4]

Hilliard also earned three letters in track and one in wrestling.[5] He competed in the 100, 200 and 4x100 meter relay as well as the shot put, earning two all-league selections.

College career

As a true freshman at the University of Montana in 2003, Hilliard was originally going to redshirt but was activated for the second game of the season.[6] His 590 rushing yards ranked ninth in the Big Sky Conference that season.[7]

Despite starting just four games as a sophomore in 2004, Hilliard rushed for a team-leading 972 yards and 17 touchdowns on his way to earning first-team All-Big Sky honors.[8] He posted five 100-yard rushing games during the season, and his 17 touchdowns were best in the conference.[9]

Hilliard earned first-team All-Big Sky honors for the second straight season, as well as being named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, as a junior in 2005 after rushing for 1,322 yards.[10] His rushing total ranked 19th in the nation and second in school history behind only Yohance Humphery in 2001.[11] He had six 100-yard games during the season, including a 237-yard performance against Cal Poly which was the second-highest single-game rushing total in school history.[12]

In 2006, Hilliard was redshirted after suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury.[13][14]

Hilliard returned to the field as a fifth-year senior in 2007, appearing in 11 games for the Grizzlies.[15] He rushed for 1,132 yards and 16 touchdowns on his way to second-team All-Big Sky honors.[16] He topped the 100-yard rushing plateau seven times during the season.[17]

During his five-year career at Montana, Hilliard racked up 4,106 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on 5.0 average.[18] He also added 57 receptions for 591 yards and two touchdowns.[19]

Statistics

  ----------------------- ---------------- ----------- ------- ---- ----- ------ ------ ----- ---- ----- ------
   CAREER STATISTICS[20]
           Year
           2003
           2004
           2005
        '''2006 '''
           2007
           TOTAL
  ----------------------- ---------------- ----------- ------- ---- ----- ------ ------ ----- ---- ----- ------

Professional career

Pre-draft

Following his collegiate career, Hilliard was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.[21] At his Pro Day on March 19, he measured in at 5-foot-11¼ and 234 pounds.[22] He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds, short shuttle in 4.03 seconds and cone drill in 6.93 seconds.[23] He also had a 36½-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot, three-inch long jump.[24]

In early April, it was reported that Hilliard was scheduled to visit with the New York Giants.[25]

Miami Dolphins

Hilliard was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round (204th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.[26] On May 19, he signed a four-year contract with the Dolphins.[27] Viewed as a fullback/tailback hybrid,[28] Hilliard stated he had no preference on where he played.[29]

In the 2008 preseason, Hilliard finished third on the team with 68 rushing yards on a 2.8-yard average.[30] He also caught three passes for 24 yards.[31] On August 30, the team waived Hilliard during final cuts.[32] He was re-signed to the practice squad the following day.[33]

[Hilliard with the Dolphins in 2009.]After spending the entire 2008 season on the practice squad, Hilliard was re-signed on January 5, 2009.

Minnesota Vikings

Hilliard signed with the Minnesota Vikings on March 18, 2012. On August 31, 2012 as the Vikings reduced their roster down to league maximum of 53 players, he was released.[34]

New England Patriots

On September 4, 2012, Hilliard signed with the New England Patriots. He was released on September 19, 2012. During his short tenure with the Patriots, Hilliard played in two games recording one rush attempt for two yards.

New York Jets

Hillard was signed by the New York Jets on October 2, 2012.[35] Hilliard was placed on injured reserve on August 21, 2013 after fracturing his right scapula in practice.[36]

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title: Lex Hilliard

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

What does the article say about Lex Hilliard's college career?

answer: Hilliard attended the university of Montana in 2003 where he set a school record with 1,384 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He then repeated his freshman success in 2004 by winning the first-team All-Big Sky position and becoming a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. In 2005, he became a first-team All-Big Sky for a second year in a row and was named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.

text: The school record Hilliard set was during his high school years, not his college years.

refinement: Hilliard attended the university of Montana in 2003. He then repeated his freshman success in 2004 by winning the first-team All-Big Sky position and becoming a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. In 2005, he became a first-team All-Big Sky for a second year in a row and was named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.

text: The answer should describe his first year playing for Montana.

refinement: Hilliard attended the university of Montana in 2003. He ranked ninth in the Big Sky Conference in his freshman year. He then repeated his freshman success in 2004 by winning the first-team All-Big Sky position and becoming a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. In 2005, he became a first-team All-Big Sky for a second year in a row and was named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.

text: The answer omits mention of the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

refinement: Hilliard attended the university of Montana in 2003. He ranked ninth in the Big Sky Conference in his freshman year. He then repeated his freshman success in 2004 by winning the first-team All-Big Sky position and becoming a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. In 2005, he became a first-team All-Big Sky for a second year in a row and was named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. In 2006, he was redshirted due to an injurt. He returned as a fifth-year senior in 2007, rushing for 1,132 yards and 16 touchdowns.

answer: Hilliard was an all-conference running back during his junior and senior years of college, rushing for 4,106 yards and 50 touchdowns during his tenure. He also played well in preseason before being waived by the Miami Dolphins.

text: The last sentence is not relevant to his college career.

refinement: Hilliard was an all-conference running back during his junior and senior years of college, rushing for 4,106 yards and 50 touchdowns during his tenure.

text: The answer could go into more specifics about his college career.

refinement: Hilliard was an all-conference running back during his junior and senior years of college, rushing for 4,106 yards and 50 touchdowns during his tenure. In his freshman year at the University of Montana in 2003, he ranked ninth in the Big Sky Conference. The following two years, he earned first-team All-Big Sky honors. He was redshirted in 2006 due to injury but returned as a fifth-year senior in 2007.

answer: Hilliard was a freshman at the University of Montano in 2003 and was activated for the second game of the season although was a redshirt. He earned first-team All-Big Sky honors for the second straight season. He was a redshirt in 2006 because of an injury and returned to the field as a fifth-year senior in 2007, appearing in 11 games for the Grizzlies. During his five-year career at Montana, Hilliard racked up 4,106 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on a 5.0 average.

text: "Montano" should be "Montana".

refinement: Hilliard was a freshman at the University of Montana in 2003 and was activated for the second game of the season although was a redshirt. He earned first-team All-Big Sky honors for the second straight season. He was a redshirt in 2006 because of an injury and returned to the field as a fifth-year senior in 2007, appearing in 11 games for the Grizzlies. During his five-year career at Montana, Hilliard racked up 4,106 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on a 5.0 average.

text: The phrase "although was a redshirt" is confusing and unnecessary.

refinement: Hilliard was a freshman at the University of Montana in 2003 and was activated for the second game of the season. He earned first-team All-Big Sky honors for the second straight season. He was a redshirt in 2006 because of an injury and returned to the field as a fifth-year senior in 2007, appearing in 11 games for the Grizzlies. During his five-year career at Montana, Hilliard racked up 4,106 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on a 5.0 average.

text: The sentence about All-Big Sky honors is confusing without context.

refinement: Hilliard was a freshman at the University of Montana in 2003 and was activated for the second game of the season. He earned first-team All-Big Sky honors in both that season and the subsequent season. He was a redshirt in 2006 because of an injury and returned to the field as a fifth-year senior in 2007, appearing in 11 games for the Grizzlies. During his five-year career at Montana, Hilliard racked up 4,106 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on a 5.0 average.

answer: Hilliard attended and excelled in high school, playing running back and fullback in college and earning All-Big Sky honors two seasons in a row. In college, he gathered 4,106 yards and 50 touchdowns. Hilliard was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2008, but was waived and re-signed the next season. In 2012, he signed with the New England Patriots, but was ultimately released. Hilliard fractured his right scapula in 2013 and was placed on injured reserve by the Jets.

text: His high school career is not relevant to the question.

refinement: Hilliard played running back and fullback in college and earned All-Big Sky honors two seasons in a row. In college, he gathered 4,106 yards and 50 touchdowns. Hilliard was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2008, but was waived and re-signed the next season. In 2012, he signed with the New England Patriots, but was ultimately released. Hilliard fractured his right scapula in 2013 and was placed on injured reserve by the Jets.

text: Hilliard's professional career is not relevant to the question.

refinement: Hilliard played running back and fullback in college and earned All-Big Sky honors two seasons in a row. In college, he gathered 4,106 yards and 50 touchdowns.

text: The answer does not mention the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

refinement: Hilliard played running back and fullback in college and earned All-Big Sky honors two seasons in a row. In 2006, he was redshirted due to injury. He returned as a fifth-year senior in 2007. In college, he gathered 4,106 yards and 50 touchdowns.

text: Does not mention which college he attended.

refinement: Hilliard played running back and fullback in college while attending the University of Montana and earned All-Big Sky honors two seasons in a row. In 2006, he was redshirted due to injury. He returned as a fifth-year senior in 2007. In college, he gathered 4,106 yards and 50 touchdowns.

answer: As a true freshmen at the University of Montana in 2003, Lex Hilliard was originally planning to redshirt but he was activated instead. As a sophomore, he ranked 9th in the Big Sky Conference with his rushing yards. When he was named starting in his junior year, Lex was a mainstay in the team, rushing for more than 1,300 yards and being a recipient of the Walter Payton Award. In 2006, Hilliard was redshirted after suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. He said that the injury disappointed him but since the team still guaranteed his scholarship for his 5th year. He did not miss a beat when he returned in 2007 as a 5th year senior. He excelled in his senior year as well, elevating his seasonal rankings from 2nd to 1st and from 19th to 5th place nationally.

text: He was redshirted originally, not planning to redshirt.

refinement: As a true freshmen at the University of Montana in 2003, Lex Hilliard was originally going to redshirt but he was activated instead. As a sophomore, he ranked 9th in the Big Sky Conference with his rushing yards. When he was named starting in his junior year, Lex was a mainstay in the team, rushing for more than 1,300 yards and being a recipient of the Walter Payton Award. In 2006, Hilliard was redshirted after suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. He said that the injury disappointed him but since the team still guaranteed his scholarship for his 5th year. He did not miss a beat when he returned in 2007 as a 5th year senior. He excelled in his senior year as well, elevating his seasonal rankings from 2nd to 1st and from 19th to 5th place nationally.

text: He ranked 9th in the Big Sky Conference his first season.

refinement: As a true freshmen at the University of Montana in 2003, Lex Hilliard was originally going to redshirt but he was activated instead. That year, he ranked 9th in the Big Sky Conference with his rushing yards. When he was named starting in his junior year, Lex was a mainstay in the team, rushing for more than 1,300 yards and being a recipient of the Walter Payton Award. In 2006, Hilliard was redshirted after suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. He said that the injury disappointed him but since the team still guaranteed his scholarship for his 5th year. He did not miss a beat when he returned in 2007 as a 5th year senior. He excelled in his senior year as well, elevating his seasonal rankings from 2nd to 1st and from 19th to 5th place nationally.

text: The phrasing of the sentence concerning the Walter Payton Award is confusing.

refinement: As a true freshmen at the University of Montana in 2003, Lex Hilliard was originally going to redshirt but he was activated instead. That year, he ranked 9th in the Big Sky Conference with his rushing yards. The following year, he was named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. In 2006, Hilliard was redshirted after suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. He said that the injury disappointed him but since the team still guaranteed his scholarship for his 5th year. He did not miss a beat when he returned in 2007 as a 5th year senior. He excelled in his senior year as well, elevating his seasonal rankings from 2nd to 1st and from 19th to 5th place nationally.

text: Hilliard's statements about his injury are unattested.

refinement: As a true freshmen at the University of Montana in 2003, Lex Hilliard was originally going to redshirt but he was activated instead. That year, he ranked 9th in the Big Sky Conference with his rushing yards. The following year, he was named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. In 2006, Hilliard was redshirted after suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. He did not miss a beat when he returned in 2007 as a 5th year senior. He excelled in his senior year as well, elevating his seasonal rankings from 2nd to 1st and from 19th to 5th place nationally.

text: The details about his rankings during his senior year are unattested.

refinement: As a true freshmen at the University of Montana in 2003, Lex Hilliard was originally going to redshirt but he was activated instead. That year, he ranked 9th in the Big Sky Conference with his rushing yards. The following year, he was named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. In 2006, Hilliard was redshirted after suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. He did not miss a beat when he returned in 2007 as a 5th year senior. He excelled in his senior year as well, topping the 100-yard rushing plateau seven times.

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

What does the article say about Lex Hilliard's professional career?

answer: Hilliard was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. Then he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Later, he signed a four-year contract with the Dolphins, then with the Minnesota Vikings on March 18, 2012, and later with the New York Jets on October 2, 2012.

text: Omits mention of the New England Patriots.

refinement: Hilliard was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. Then he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Later, he signed a four-year contract with the Dolphins, then with the Minnesota Vikings on March 18, 2012, with the New England Patriots on September 4, 2012, and later with the New York Jets on October 2, 2012.

answer: After graduating from University of Montana, Hilliard made it to play in the NFL. Throughout his career he injured himself and was cut by teams. After spending the 2008 season on the practice squad, Hilliard was made interim coach of the Montana Grizzlies for their 2017 season.

text: The detail about him being made interim coach is unattested.

refinement: After graduating from University of Montana, Hilliard made it to play in the NFL. Throughout his career he injured himself and was cut by teams.

text: The answer should mention the scouting combine specifically when discussing his making it into the NFL.

refinement: After graduating from University of Montana, Hilliard was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. Throughout his career he injured himself and was cut by teams.

text: The second sentence is extremely vague and should instead mention the teams he played for.

refinement: After graduating from University of Montana, Hilliard was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. He he also played for the Minnesota Vikings, the New England Patriots, and the New York Jets.

answer: Due to injuries, Hilliard was released from many clubs during his professional career. His first professional career contract was with the Miami Dolphins, where he was drafted in the 2008 NFL Draft. After spending the 2008 season on the practice squad, he was re-signed. Hilliard signed with Minnesota Vikings for the 2012 season but was released by the August 31. He joined the New England Patriots for the 2012 season but was released by the same day. Hilliard joined the New York Jets for the 2013 season and his was placed on injured reserve after fracturing his right scapula in practice.

text: It is not true that he was released from the New England Patriots the same day he joined.

refinement: Due to injuries, Hilliard was released from many clubs during his professional career. His first professional career contract was with the Miami Dolphins, where he was drafted in the 2008 NFL Draft. After spending the 2008 season on the practice squad, he was re-signed. Hilliard signed with Minnesota Vikings for the 2012 season but was released by the August 31. He joined the New England Patriots for the 2012 season but was released within the same month. Hilliard joined the New York Jets for the 2013 season and his was placed on injured reserve after fracturing his right scapula in practice.

answer: Hilliard was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. After spending the entire 2008 season on the practice squad, Hilliard was re-signed on January 5, 2009 by the Vikings. After playing briefly for the Patriots and Jets, Hilliard fractured his right scapula in practice and was put on injured reserve.

text: In 2009, he re-signed with the Dolphins not the Vikings.

refinement: Hilliard was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. After spending the entire 2008 season on the practice squad, Hilliard was re-signed on January 5, 2009. After playing briefly for the Patriots and Jets, Hilliard fractured his right scapula in practice and was put on injured reserve.

text: The Vikings should be listed among the teams he played with.

refinement: Hilliard was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. After spending the entire 2008 season on the practice squad, Hilliard was re-signed on January 5, 2009. After playing briefly for the Vikings, the Patriots and Jets, Hilliard fractured his right scapula in practice and was put on injured reserve.

answer: Hilliard has played professional football as a running back and fullback. He was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2008 and signed to the practice squad. Hilliard was re-signed by the Minnesota Vikings in 2012 and by the New England Patriots in 2012. He was placed on injured reserve by the New York Jets in 2013.

text: He was signed, not re-signed by the Vikings.

refinement: Hilliard has played professional football as a running back and fullback. He was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2008 and signed to the practice squad. Hilliard was signed by the Minnesota Vikings in 2012 and by the New England Patriots in 2012. He was placed on injured reserve by the New York Jets in 2013.


text:
I'm not a poet or a writer

The title of this is called 'Something Beautiful'
I've censored some names and details

Something Beautiful

If you have received this by now either: (1) something has happened to me,(2)***** , for whatever reason, decided to go back on her word to look through and read this along with anyone else who might be reading other than the intended purpose of giving it to you that I had already explained to her.

 Throughout the years that we have all known each other I’m glad to have had the opportunity in my attempt to try to know you. You probably know where I’m going with this but I’m going under the assumptions that you knew all along at some point that I had taken a liking or had feelings for you. This all started back when all of us took a trip to Austin and from there on out you know the rest: military ball, celebrating July out in the country, botanical gardens, movies….lots of movies….swimming parties, ice skating, and many other adventures of Tom and Jerry. I wanted to make things clear just in case there is no misunderstanding and through all the evasive, shy, and discreetness that I’ve known you for and for good reasons, I can certainly understand why. Perhaps I was coming on too strong, I don’t know, I’m a guy, I certainly didn’t want to make you feel pushed in a corner although when we first started to hang out it was awkward but I didn’t care. Eventually I got used to it and enjoyed the awkward silence just to see what would happen, bits of small talk and conversations here and there eventually broke the ice.

As to why I had these feelings is pretty simple. You are completely the opposite of what I want. You can take it however you want but it doesn’t matter because I’m not here anymore and there is no one else to get mad at. And if I am still here and you are reading this, shame on you **** and anyone else whose reading this. I’m about to list the reasons based on my years of knowing you and my conclusion at best, like I said before, you can take it however you want ….For shame *****.

…The opposite of what I want, ‘want’ has such a negative meaning, how about ‘need’ or ‘like’?

•Outgoing, social, funny, sense of humor, aggressive, assertive

Those are my main conclusions at best. *****, what I mean is that you are just being you. I have insecurities just like anyone else, somehow I get the sense that you are afraid to show something, something beautiful, it can be scary, well maybe you’re not scared, you just choose not to, I don’t know, your body language is hard to read and sometimes come off as ‘rejection’ or ‘refusal.’ I can see it by the way you are around Tanya, feeding off of her, but that’s what sisters are for, to look out for one another and there’s nothing wrong at all about it.

What I’m trying to say is that is what I like about you. It’s not hard, it’s very simple, I mean REALLY (but I could be wrong), you are simple. I don’t have to go all out of my way just to have an agenda, it’s either a yes or no which saves a lot of headache. I’ve always thought under the assumptions that you knew about it, I would just wait, waiting to see your next move. I never really expected an answer from you, just waiting, curious. Talking to Alicia long ago she told me that you already knew about my feelings and told me that it was better to stay friends. I don’t recollect that we had that conversation at all and I’m pretty sure I would have remembered that conversation if you had told me. But now that I knew, it didn’t really bother me that much. I continued on just like I had been, nothing had changed.

If you can remember we went hiking at the Buffalo Reservation walking around trails. Nice weather, walking alongside the river bank, and taking pictures. Nothing but peace, quiet, solitude, but also moments of awkward silence but I didn’t care. I contemplated to myself the whole time whether or not I should tell you how I felt. That moment when we were on top of the hill looking over the landscape, sitting on the bench eating Subway, the sun shining and a subtle breeze for a compliment. Living in that moment I decided not to, I held back. For some reason it wouldn’t seem fair to you at all. I didn’t want to push you in a corner. So in that moment of pure joy and bliss I let it go because in the end that was all I ever needed. It didn’t matter if you knew or not, what mattered was living in that moment of happiness, for me at least. I’ve been asked many times what my true goal or intended purpose was, luckily you have some very caring friends who were looking out for you. My goal was not to get you to like me at all, although it would have been ground breaking accomplishment and an awesome bonus, I only wanted to understand you and see if you were willing to be open.

Who knows, 5, 10, or 40 years have passed, maybe you’ve forgotten about me, maybe you haven’t. If you feel the need to burn this because it has been sitting somewhere on your shelf, drawer, attic, storage box, or wall and is a constant reminder of me than do so, I don’t want to hold you back. Carry on with life. Just know that wherever you are in life and through all your insecurities you’re not alone. This letter is proof that someone once cared for you, longing for your affection. You are the opposite of everything I ever needed and ever dreamed to want, something that I could never have nor dare to have possession of.

title: A letter to a very important person just in case I die...

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

Summarize the conflict in the passage.

answer: The narrator wants the girl to know that he likes her. He decides against telling her as he doesn't want her to feel pressured. He also decides to write a letter in case something happens to him, in which case she would know how he felt.

answer: The main conflict is between the narrator and the person he writes about. He writes that he has feelings for the person, but that they are also the opposite of what the narrator wants in a person. The narrator also specifies that if the subject of the passage reads this passage while the narrator is still alive, they would be very upset, and he would be upset if anyone other than the intended subject read it either.

answer: The main conflict in the passage is the speaker's conflicted feelings for the intended recipient. The speaker fears pushing the recipient in a corner and not wanting to take away their freedom and independence. However, the speaker also is drawn to the recipient and desires their affection. The conflict is living in this uncertainty and not knowing if the recipient is aware of the speaker's feelings.

answer: The narrator writes to someone who never responded when the narrator confessed that he liked the person. The narrator questions why the other person never reacted. The conflict resolves when the narrator decides to let the other person know that they are not alone.

answer: The main conflict in this passage is the narrator's desire to tell the important person how he feels, but not wanting to impose upon that person or make their life more complicated. He regretfully understands that they do not feel the same way, yet still wishes to be near them and experience joy together.

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

Describe the events that the narrator reminisces about.

answer: The narrator briefly recounts moments shared with the 'very important person,' from their first meeting at a trip to Austin, to being on a hike together. Throughout this recollection, the narrator emphasizes the importance of the 'opposite,' of needing/liking someone who can be open and honest. He also admits that he had contemplated telling the important person about his feelings for them but didn't because he didn't want to burden them with something they might not want.

text: Doesn't mention all the events

refinement: The narrator briefly recounts moments shared with the 'very important person,' from their first meeting at a trip to Austin, a military ball, celebrating July out in the country, botanical gardens, lots of movies, swimming parties, ice skating, and many other adventures including hiking together at the Buffalo Reservation. Walking around trails, enjoying the nice weather walking alongside the river bank and taking pictures. It was nothing but peace, quiet, solitude, and moments of awkward silence. Throughout this recollection, the narrator emphasizes the importance of the 'opposite,' of needing/liking someone who can be open and honest. He also admits that he had contemplated telling the important person about his feelings for them but didn't because he didn't want to burden them with something they might not want.

answer: He describes various events that everyone they go to in the summer. Events include social outings, botanical gardens, movies, and hiking. They have a lot of memories. He describes each of the memories with fondness and longing and gets loss thinking of it.

text: Sentence doesn't make sense.

refinement: He describes various events that they partook in. Events include social outings, botanical gardens, movies, and hiking. They have a lot of memories. He describes each of the memories with fondness and longing and gets loss thinking of it.

text: Wrong word

refinement: He describes various events that they partook in. Events include social outings, botanical gardens, movies, and hiking. They have a lot of memories. He describes each of the memories with fondness and longing and gets lost thinking of it.

text: Doesn't mention all the activities.

refinement: He describes various events that they partook in. Events include a trip to Austin, a military ball, celebrating July out in the country, botanical gardens, movies, swimming parties, ice skating, and hiking at the Buffalo Reservation. They have a lot of memories. He describes each of the memories with fondness and longing and gets lost thinking of it.

answer: They back up each event he mentions during the course of the letter by including a line or two that mentions it. The many different events that they have been to together are listed.

text: Doesn't actually mention the activities described.

refinement: They back up each event he mentions during the course of the letter by including a line or two that mentions it. The many different events that they have been to together are listed including a trip to Austin, a military ball, celebrating July out in the country, botanical gardens, lots of movies, swimming parties, ice skating, and hiking Buffalo Reservation around the trails. There was nice weather walking alongside the river bank, taking pictures. Nothing but peace, quiet, solitude, and some awkward moments of silence.

answer: The narrator and the subject took a trip to Austin. They also went to a variety of events and places, including a military ball, botanical gardens, movies, hiking, and ice skating.

text: Doesn't mention every activity listed.

refinement: The narrator and the subject took a trip to Austin. They also went to a variety of events and places, including a military ball, celebrating July out in the country, botanical gardens, movies, swimming parties, hiking, and ice skating.

text: Doesn't elaborate on hiking like in the text.

refinement: The narrator and the subject took a trip to Austin. They also went to a variety of events and places, including a military ball, celebrating July out in the country, botanical gardens, movies, swimming parties, ice skating. and hiking. They hiked Buffalo Reservation, walking around the trails in nice weather, alongside the river bank taking pictures. It was nothing but peace, quiet, solitude, and some awkward moments of silence, but the narrator didn't care. They contemplated to themselves the whole time whether to tell her how they felt or not.

answer: The narrator looks back at events including taking a trip to Austin, summertime adventures like going to the botanical gardens and ice skating, and hiking at the Buffalo Reservation. In each of these experiences, the narrator feels a sense of connection or affection for the intended reader. Throughout, the narrator wrestles with whether or not to share these feelings and eventually decides not to, fearing that it would be too much for the other person to handle or that it would have consequences for their friendship.

text: Doesn't mention all the activities listed.

refinement: The narrator looks back at events including taking a trip to Austin, a military ball, summertime adventures like celebrating July out in the country, going to the botanical gardens, lots of movies, swimming parties, ice skating, and hiking at the Buffalo Reservation. In each of these experiences, the narrator feels a sense of connection or affection for the intended reader. Throughout, the narrator wrestles with whether or not to share these feelings and eventually decides not to, fearing that it would be too much for the other person to handle or that it would have consequences for their friendship.

text: Doesn't elaborate on the hike of Buffalo Reservation like in the text.

refinement: The narrator looks back at events including taking a trip to Austin, a military ball, summertime adventures like celebrating July out in the country, going to the botanical gardens, lots of movies, swimming parties, ice skating, and hiking at the Buffalo Reservation. In each of these experiences, the narrator feels a sense of connection or affection for the intended reader. At Buffalo Reservation, they enjoyed the nice weather, walking around trails, alongside the river bank, and taking pictures. It was nothing but peace, quiet, and solitude, but also moments of awkward silence. Throughout, the narrator wrestles with whether or not to share these feelings and eventually decides not to, fearing that it would be too much for the other person to handle or that it would have consequences for their friendship.

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

Summarize the context in which this passage is written in.

answer: The narrator seems to be writing this note to an unnamed subject with the intention of the subject reading the note only after the narrator is dead.

text: Doesn't mention the possibility that the note has been opened by a third person the note was trusted to.

refinement: The narrator seems to be writing this note to an unnamed subject with the intention of the subject reading the note only after the narrator is dead. The narrator is concerned with the possibility that a third person they trusted the note to has opened and read the note, calling them out and shaming them.

answer: This letter is a farewell letter to a loved one if the author dies unexpectedly. The author feels strongly for this person but is afraid to tell them out of fear of rejection or potentially hurting their feelings. The author writes this letter in case they die so their feelings will be known.

text: Doesn't mention the possibility that the note has been opened by a third person the note was trusted to.

refinement: This letter is a farewell letter to a loved one if the author dies unexpectedly. The author feels strongly for this person but is afraid to tell them out of fear of rejection or potentially hurting their feelings. The author writes this letter in case they die so their feelings will be known. They note the possibility that they're still alive and the letter has been opened by the person to whom they entrusted it. They shame the person for violating their trust.

answer: The author is not a poet or writer, and the title of this is called "Something Beautiful." The author wrote this letter so there is no misunderstanding of his feelings for his love interest. This all started when they took a trip to Austin.

text: Doesn't mention that the author never told the recipient of their feelings for fear of alienating them and is now revealing the truth in case they have died.

refinement: The author is not a poet or writer, and the title of this is called "Something Beautiful." The author wrote this letter so there is no misunderstanding of his feelings for his love interest. He contemplated revealing his feelings many times, but opted to keep them secret so as to avoid putting his love interest in a corner. Moreover, Alicia told him she already knew his feelings and that it would be better to remain friends. This all started when they took a trip to Austin.

text: Doesn't clarify that the letter is intended to be read only in case something happens to the author, like death.

refinement: The author is not a poet or writer, and the title of this is called "Something Beautiful." The author wrote this letter so there is no misunderstanding of his feelings for his love interest to be divulged in case something happens to him. He contemplated revealing his feelings many times, but opted to keep them secret so as to avoid putting his love interest in a corner. Moreover, Alicia told him she already knew his feelings and that it would be better to remain friends. This all started when they took a trip to Austin.

text: Doesn't mention the many activities they did together which lead him to fall in love.

refinement: The author is not a poet or writer, and the title of this is called "Something Beautiful." The author wrote this letter so there is no misunderstanding of his feelings for his love interest to be divulged in case something happens to him. He contemplated revealing his feelings many times, but opted to keep them secret so as to avoid putting his love interest in a corner. Moreover, Alicia told him she already knew his feelings and that it would be better to remain friends. This all started when they took a trip to Austin, and his feelings grew throughout many activities together including a military ball, celebrating July out in the country, botanical gardens, lots of movies, swimming parties, ice skating, and hiking Buffalo Reservation.

answer: It's a letter to someone who the author is attracted to, but whose affection he did not think will be reciprocated.

text: Doesn't mention that the truth is to be revealed upon something happening to him.

refinement: It's a letter to someone who the author is attracted to, but whose affection he did not think will be reciprocated. The author's true feelings are only to be revealed through this letter upon something happening to him, like death.

text: Doesn't mention that the author contemplated telling the recipient the truth many times, opting not to put her in an awkward position.

refinement: It's a letter to someone who the author is attracted to, but whose affection he did not think will be reciprocated. He contemplated telling the recipient the truth about his feelings many times, but opted to not put them in an awkward position and rather enjoy the moments they shared with them. The author's true feelings are only to be revealed through this letter upon something happening to him, like death.

answer: The writer of this passage was expressing their feelings for someone important to them, given the possibility that the writer would die. The choice is to either leave this letter behind as a reminder of their feelings, or to destroy it and not allow the writer's dreams to feel restricted. The context of the letter is one of love and longing for a connection that the writer is not sure will ever happen.

text: Doesn't mention that the author contemplated telling the recipient about their true feelings many times, but opting to not put them in an awkward position

refinement: The writer of this passage was expressing their feelings for someone important to them, given the possibility that the writer would die. Throughout their time together, the author contemplated revealing their true feelings to the recipient, but opted to not putting them in an awkward position in case the feelings weren't reciprocated. A conversation with Alicia long ago persuaded him to keep his truth to himself as she said the recipient knew of the feelings and it would be better for them to stay friends. The choice is to either leave this letter behind as a reminder of their feelings, or to destroy it and not allow the writer's dreams to feel restricted. The context of the letter is one of love and longing for a connection that the writer is not sure will ever happen.

text: Doesn't mention the many activities the they enjoyed together that fostered the author's feelings to grow.

refinement: The writer of this passage was expressing their feelings for someone important to them, given the possibility that the writer would die. Throughout their time together, the author contemplated revealing their true feelings to the recipient, but opted to not putting them in an awkward position in case the feelings weren't reciprocated. A conversation with Alicia long ago persuaded him to keep his truth to himself as she said the recipient knew of the feelings and it would be better for them to stay friends. The choice is to either leave this letter behind as a reminder of their feelings, or to destroy it and not allow the writer's dreams to feel restricted. The context of the letter is one of love and longing for a connection that the writer is not sure will ever happen. A love that was fostered by many activities and times together including a military ball, celebrating July out in the country, botanical gardens, lots of movies, swimming parties, ice skating, and hiking Buffalo Reservation.