Originally Posted by waves

there is no math anywhere here. there is ARITHMETIC involved but it is trivial.

the real difficulty is CHOOSING which arithmetic operation, if any, to do. and that CHOICE is based on the semantics of the phrase, on one's interpretation of it. there is only one correct interpretation (i.e. that corresponds accurately to the semantics) provided language skills are up to par, including usage of verb tense and time modifiers. the numeric response given serves only as an indicator as to which interpretation was chosen.

i do feel they could be better constructed... but this is not language therapy - it is after all speech therapy. so the phrasing is a bit taut to reflect spoken language with the fact that so much is left implicit in spoken language also.

i too felt the first question could have said something to indicate you would watch the program, but in the context of speaking about about a favorite program, the mention of "waiting" (even without a "for it" tacked on) carries an implicit connection to the program. in writing i would probably mark a student down for doing that however especially if it were a formal piece.

however, depending what the answer you are given for the second one - shoes - i might object to their proper use of the English language. you will have to let us know Mari. as far as i am concerned it is the same type of question as the first one you posted... the clue being in the "in X time" phrasing and use of present tense.

Hang in there Mari.
~ waves ~