3 offense: control the tense

Question 1

What are the three core issues in an argument?

Answer 1

The three core issues are:
* Blame: Figuring out who did something wrong in the past.
* Values: Deciding what is right or wrong in the present.
* Choice: Making a decision about what to do in the future.

Question 2

Why is it important to identify the core issue in an argument?

Answer 2

Identifying the core issue is important because it helps you focus your argument and achieve your goals.

Question 3

What are some examples of blame issues?

Answer 3

Blame issues deal with the past. Some examples include:
* Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?
* Who broke the vase?
* Who started the argument?

Question 4

What are some examples of values issues?

Answer 4

Values issues deal with the present. Some examples include:
* Is it fair to share toys?
* Is it okay to tell white lies?
* Is it important to be honest?

Question 5

What are some examples of choice issues?

Answer 5

Choice issues deal with the future. Some examples include:
* What game should we play?
* Should we go to the park or the movies?
* What should we have for dinner?

Question 6

What is the tense of blame issues?

Answer 6

Blame issues are usually discussed in the past tense, like: “Who ate the last cookie?” or “Who broke the toy?”

Question 7

What is the tense of values issues?

Answer 7

Values issues are usually discussed in the present tense, like: “Is it right to share?” or “Is it wrong to lie?”

Question 8

What is the tense of choice issues?

Answer 8

Choice issues are usually discussed in the future tense, like: “What will we do tomorrow?” or “Where should we go on vacation?”

Question 9

What is forensic rhetoric?

Answer 9

Forensic rhetoric is about figuring out who did something wrong in the past.

Question 10

What is demonstrative rhetoric?

Answer 10

Demonstrative rhetoric is about praising what’s good and condemning what’s bad.

Question 11

What is deliberative rhetoric?

Answer 11

Deliberative rhetoric is about figuring out the best way to achieve a goal.

Question 12

What is the focus of deliberative rhetoric?

Answer 12

Deliberative rhetoric focuses on the future and what might be the most advantageous or beneficial choice.

Question 13

What are the tenses associated with each type of rhetoric?

Answer 13

• Forensic Rhetoric: Past tense (blame)
• Demonstrative Rhetoric: Present tense (values)
• Deliberative Rhetoric: Future tense (choice)

Question 14

Why is deliberative rhetoric the most productive type of argument?

Answer 14

Deliberative rhetoric is the most productive because it focuses on finding solutions and making choices that benefit everyone.

Question 15

What is the conditional mood?

Answer 15

The conditional mood expresses a possibility or a condition.

Question 16

How can the conditional mood be used in an argument?

Answer 16

The conditional mood can be used to:
* Soften a statement: Instead of saying “I won’t do that,” you can say “I wouldn’t do that.”
* Suggest alternatives: “I would prefer to go to the park, but I’m open to other suggestions.”
* Leave room for negotiation: “I would be willing to compromise if you are.”

Question 17

What is an extreme choice?

Answer 17

An extreme choice is an option that is unlikely to be accepted, but it can make other choices seem more reasonable in comparison.

Question 18

How can proposing an extreme choice be a useful tactic in an argument?

Answer 18

By proposing an extreme choice first, you can make your preferred choice seem more moderate and appealing.

Question 19

What is the role of desire in persuasion?

Answer 19

Desire is a powerful motivator in persuasion. It makes people want something, which can make them more open to your argument.

Question 20

How can you use desire to motivate an audience?

Answer 20

To use desire as a motivator:
* Show the benefits of your idea.
* Make it seem appealing and desirable.
* Connect it to the audience’s needs and wants.