Conversation Completion

At a glance 10 rules

1. 1Find the moveFirst name what the speaker is doing: asking, requesting, offering, inviting or complaining. The right reply answers that move, not just the topic.
2. 2Read past the blankThe line after the blank is the strongest clue. 'In that case', 'No problem' or 'Thank you' tells you what the blank must have said.
3. 3Answer the question asked'Which', 'when', 'where' and 'how much' each need their own kind of answer. A price does not answer 'when', however true it is.
4. 4When the blank opensIf the blank is the first line, work back: ask which question the next reply actually answers. 'Only after 6 pm' answers 'when', not 'how much'.
5. 5Polite and logicalThe right reply is both. Cut the rude line that makes sense and the polite line that makes no sense.
6. 6Match the moodIf the speaker is upset or worried, the reply notices it first. A cheerful or boastful line is wrong even when it is on topic.
7. 7Keep every factCheck the names, times, sizes and prices said earlier. One clash with any of them, or inside the option itself, rules it out.
8. 8Indirect answers countA polite no often skips the word no: 'I have a family function that day' turns down an invitation. Don't wait for a yes or a no.
9. 9Echo words are trapsAn option that repeats a word from the prompt (syrup, mock, cricket) but does not answer it is the usual distractor.
10. 10Negative questionsAnswer the fact, not the question's form: to 'You haven't paid, have you?' say 'No, I haven't' if you have not, and 'Yes, I have' if you have.