​WORD/PLAY

WHAT IS A RHETORICAL QUESTION? 

 

A rhetorical question is one that is asked merely for effect with no answer expected.

The purpose is not to secure a response but to assert or deny a point or provoke your thoughts.

 

 

WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR? 

 

1. To provoke your thoughts/put across a point

E.g. Who will protect the homeless, if the government does not protect them?

 

 

2. To poke fun at something/someone

E.g. Why are there locks on the doors to the convenience store that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year?

 

 

3. As an effective persuasive device: to gain agreement from the listener as the answer is obviously yes and influence their responses for the rest of the conversation

E.g. Is this a great product?

 

 

4. When we want to make a statement but are not confident enough to assert a point: question format allows others to disagree, but is not necessarily seeking agreement

E.g. Isn't that wonderful? Is it a shade of blue?

 

 

WHY YOU NEED TO

UNDERSTAND RHETORICAL QUESTIONS: