FAQs
A rhetorical question is a question asked to make a point, rather than get an answer. If you have ever been late, someone might say: 'What time do you call this? ' This person doesn't want an answer to the question. They are making the point that you have arrived at an unacceptable time.
What are rhetorical questions in BBC bitesize? ›
Rhetorical questions
- It allows the reader a moment to pause and think about that question.
- Rhetorical questions are effective in hooking a reader's interest and making them think about their own response to the question in hand.
A rhetorical question is a figure of speech which comes in the form of a question that makes a point instead of seeking an answer. A rhetorical question may have an obvious answer, but the questioner asks it to lay emphasis on the point.
Do rhetorical questions have obvious answers? ›
Typically a rhetorical question is made to underscore a point being made. The speaker “asks” a question whose answer is obvious, they believe - to the listener, and especially in context.
What is a rhetorical question example? ›
Another famous example of rhetorical questions comes from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die?
What are rhetorical questions for kids? ›
A rhetorical question is a question asked to make a point, rather than get an answer. If you have ever been late, someone might say: 'What time do you call this? ' This person doesn't want an answer to the question. They are making the point that you have arrived at an unacceptable time.
What are 3 rhetorical questions? ›
Rhetorical Questions in Literature
| Rhetorical Question | Full Quote | Author |
|---|
| What happens to a dream deferred? | "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?" | Langston Hughes |
| If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind? | "O Wind, If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?" | Mary Shelley |
2 more rowsHow to Write a Rhetorical Question
- Think about what question the section is trying to answer.
- Then simply phrase it as a question rather than a sentence. The question should be direct so that the reader knows exactly where you're going in the argument.
The rhetorical problem consists of two elements: the rhetorical situation (exigence and audience), and the writer's goals involving the reader, persona, meaning, and text.
Is "Are you kidding me" a rhetorical question? ›
Rhetorical questions with obvious answers are asked about well-known facts, or the answer is suggested based on the question's context. They are used to emphasises an idea or point: Are you kidding me? Can birds fly?
The 3 types
| Types | Definition |
|---|
| Anthypophora/ hypophora | Question that immediately answers itself. |
| Epiplexis | Question used to challenge the audience. |
| Erotesis | Question used to evoke a strong reaction. |
Sep 20, 2022
There's a definition for rhetorical questions that goes something like “a statement phrased as a question, intending to impart what is known by the speaker rather than elicit answers from the listeners.” So, for example, “Did you know that there are such things as rural cities, such as Tooele, Utah?” Is rhetorical.
What is an example of rhetorical? ›
Politicians deliver rallying cries to inspire people to act. Advertisers create catchy slogans to get people to buy products. Lawyers present emotional arguments to sway a jury. These are all examples of rhetoric—language designed to motivate, persuade, or inform.
What are the four types of rhetorical questions? ›
Types of Rhetorical Questions
- Anthypophora and Hypophora.
- Epiplexis.
- Erotesis.
A rhetorical question is a device used to persuade or subtly influence the audience. It's a question asked not for the answer, but for the effect. Oftentimes, a rhetorical question is used to emphasize a point or just to get the audience thinking.
What is a rhetorical question in grammar 12? ›
Rhetorical questions are questions that are not meant to be answered. They are usually used to make a point or to draw attention to something. They can also be used to identify a negative or positive situation, or they can be used as a literary device.
What are the three types of rhetorical questions? ›
Rhetorical questions frequently appear in fiction, non-fiction, speeches, and everyday conversation. Some are so common they're clichés. Rhetorical questions come in three flavors – anthypophora, erotesis, and epiplexis. Respectively, they argue the point, reinforce a point, or attack the question's target.
