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Writing for an Audience

Question

What are rhetorical questions?

3 years ago

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113 Replies

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8192 views

J

Juwan Fritsch


113 Answers

Carly M Profile Picture
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Questions where the answer is implied.

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Abeera Butt

Great question! a rhetorical question is a question that does not need answering. For example, "Are you crazy?" though this is a question it does not require an actual answer. I hope this answered your question.

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Henriett Fekecs-Papp

Rhetorical questions are questions that are asked without expecting a direct answer. Instead, they are used to make a point, persuade, or encourage the listener or reader to think.

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Loraine Lavau

A rhetorical question is a question that doesn't necessarily expect an answer as it should be obvious. It is a stylistic device (concept in literaure) that can be then described as a "fake question" used to assert the speaker's point of view or making the listener curious.

Here is an example of a rhetorical question used in a food advert: Who could resist its crunchy taste?

The answer would be "nobody" of course as the aim is to buy the product but it is so obvious that no answer is expected.

Sharif E Profile Picture
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Questions that are more of a statement and do not require an answer

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A
Alex Lattin

They are questions that do not require a response, or where a response is not expected.

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They are questions that don’t require an answer. For example: ‘Was he having a laugh?’

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Anna-Maria Anyinsah-Bondzie

Rhetorical questions are questions that do not require an answer because the purpose of it is to invoke a thought, rather than a response. They are used to make a point or create emphasis on a particular topic/ issue. Rhetorical questions are often used in persuasive writing or speeches in order to engage the audience and encourage them to consider an idea. Look at the two examples below:


  1. "How can we expect to create a better future if we don’t take action today?"


This rhetorical question encourages the audience to think about the importance of taking responsibility and making changes now, rather than waiting for the future to improve on its own.


2."Isn’t it incredible how words have the power to change the world?"


This question highlights the power of language and communication, making the audience reflect on how words can influence people, inspire change, and shape history.


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