The pupils will see that the above method is fundamentally unlike the ordinary question and answer method. In the latter procedure, a question is asked and the answer is given by "yes" or "no," or by the use of one or more words of the sentence. To illustrate: What is "man" called in this passage? Ans. A pendulum. What swings betwixt a smile and tear? Ans. A pendulum, &c., &c.
1. Define Interrogative Analysis. 2. What does it incite the intellect to do? 3. What does the process consist of? What are they?
But in my Method the aim is _to repeat as much of the sentence as is possible informing the question and the whole of it in each reply_; and in _question and reply_ the _word_ that _constitutes the point of both_ is to be especially _emphasized_, and in this way _the mind is exercised on each word of the sentence twice_ (once in question and once in answer), and _each word of the sentence is emphasized in reference to the whole of the sentence_. And in all these separate steps it is impossible for the mind to remain in a passive state, but must be _active_ and _absorbing_ throughout, and thereby a most vivid =first impression= is secured, and the remembrance of it assured.
Besides the habit of exhaustively considering and weighing a sentence which is created by this method, it not only secures the faithful recollection of the passages to which it is applied, but it gives another great advantage. What usually makes a person dull in conversation? Setting aside timidity, we find that well-informed persons are sometimes good listeners, but no talkers. Why is this? In conversation their minds are apt to remain in a _recipient passive_ state. Hence no trains of thought arise in their own minds. And having nothing in their minds which seeks utterance, they remain quiet. Now the practice of Interrogative Analysis compels such persons to interrogate--to propose questions--to think. And when such mental activity becomes strong, it will break out in conversations by interrogatories and critical and often original interesting remarks.
1. Is this method like the ordinary question and answer method? 2. How are answers given in the latter procedure? 3. What is the aim in my method? 4. How much of the sentence is repeated in each reply given to the question? 5. What word is to be especially emphasised? 6. How often is the mind exercised on each word of the sentence? 7. In all of these separate steps, is it possible for the mind to remain in a passive state? Must it not be active and absorbing throughout?