Problem: Climatologists believe artificially induced climate change is the reason Australia is destined for the warmest year on record. Temperatures so far this year have averaged one degree above the 30-year average, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) told the Greenhouse 2005 - Action in Climate Change Conference being held in Melbourne this week. The head of the National Climate Centre, Michael Coughlan, says Australia has had the warmest ever first 10 months of 2005, and seems likely to be a record-breaking year.

Based on that paragraph can we say the following?
Bad weather creates problems.
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Answer: no


Problem: The BBC's Tim Franks says frustrated British diplomats insist there have been several achievements but there is no doubt that the continued delay in reaching agreement on a budget for the EU hangs over all discussions.

Based on that paragraph can we say the following?
Diplomats agree on EU budget.
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Answer: no


Problem: Yunus, who shared the 1.4 million prize Friday with the Grameen Bank that he founded 30 years ago, pioneered the concept of "microcredit." It allows very poor people, who don't qualify for traditional loans, to get loans of as little as a few dollars without collateral. The banks' shareholders are the impoverished people it supports.

Based on that paragraph can we say the following?
Yunus founded the Grameen Bank 30 years ago.
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Answer: yes


Problem: The National Assn. of Realtors reported that sales of existing homes had shot up to an annual rate of 7.29 million in August, 7.8% higher than a year earlier.

Based on that paragraph can we say the following?
Sales of existing homes raised 7.8%.
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Answer:
yes