Problem
If the cost of a 4-minute telephone call is $0.24, then the cost of a 15-minute call at the same rate is:
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Socrates was a Greek philosopher who was famous for asking series of seemingly innocent questions which led the respondent to a conclusion which was incompatible with his or her original statement. Socrates was well-known for his innovative method of teaching, which was deemed so enlightening that it has been incorporated into today's law school programs nationwide. Socrates believed that the most effective way of teaching a student to argue logically was to engage the individual in a philosophic dialogue, in which he would attempt to argue a point.
While the Socratic method is no longer as pervasive as it used to be, many professors still use this teaching tool. In the Socratic method an interchange takes place between the professor and an individual student in front of the entire class, which trains the student to think on his or her feet - while in front of an audience.
Through questions and answers, and further questions and further answers, the (sometimes randomly) chosen student will hopefully develop, and defend positions that may have first been only vague intuitions. The point? To foster active learning in the classroom. Through mistakes, reasoning, and proofs, the student will be pushed to the correct conclusion. The Socratic method marries very well in the legal profession, when a lawyer must always think on his feet while taking everything into account.
So, what tips do we have for you to help you survive the day you are in the hot seat?
Keep your cool. Don't get nervous.
If you become nervous, your ability to think clearly and to focus on the duel of rational thought will become blurred with other meditations. You can not afford slipping into a trap because you were thinking about the fact that you are nervous.
Focus on the argument.
Don't let your mind wander on to other topics. Stay focused.
Avoid talking too much.
Make your point in a few words. Keep your argument concise and to the point. Too many excess words can lead you to digress and will provide the law professor opportunities to further argument.
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