[Grammar] I hope you were paying attention.

[beeja]

Hi,

"Observation is a critical skill for all innovators. So, I hope you were paying attention."

I don't understand why the writer used past continuous tense in the above sentence? Why not say "I hope you will pay attention"? Any difference?

Thank you. Beeja

 

[charliedeut]

I understand he's speaking about some explanation/visit. So he has hopes that the listener was paying attention during all of it.

 

[Rover_KE]

What is the source of the quotation?

The past continuous tense is fine, but there are other problems with it.

Rover

 

[beeja]

It's from Tina Sellig's book, InGenius. The paragraph says:

Focused observation is a powerful way to acquire valuable knowledge about the world. That knowledge is the starting point for all your creative endeavors because it provides rich fuel for your imagination. You can practice polishing your powers of observation by actively looking at the world with fresh eyes, by seeing the "water" in your environment, and by capturing your observations. Observation is a critical skill for all innovators. So, I hope you were paying attention.

From the context, I don't think that the above charliedeut's explanation fits. Any suggestion?

Thank you.