Answer — Exercise 2

Conversation 1

1. He has just started a new job as an assistant manager, but he feels that his boss is ignoring all his suggestions.
2. very sympathetic
3. She suggests he tries talking to someone about it, possibly even to his boss.

Conversation 2

1. She and her companion are stuck in a traffic jam and she is worried that they are going to miss their appointment.
2. reasonably sympathetic
3. He offers to call the people they've got the appointment with.

Conversation 3

1. Linda's come home to find Tony (probably her cat) missing.
2. reasonably sympathetic
3. Simon suggests looking under the bed, or calling him in the garden.