English

>

GCSE

Writing for an Audience

Question

What are rhetorical questions?

2 years ago

·

99 Replies

·

5226 views

J

Juwan Fritsch


99 Answers

Krissi Profile Picture
Krissi Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

Experienced and enthusiastic - 8 years experience online teaching

13 reviews

A question that needs no answer.


Josh walks into the kitchen. He see's his sister standing at the fridge, eating from a container, with the name JOSH written in bold. She freezes. Josh asks, folding his arms, "What are you eating?"


In this, he (Josh) didn't need an answer, he can clearly see that she (his sister) was eating his food. It's more of a backhanded way to point something out and make the other person think.

I'm available for 1:1 private online tuition!

Click here to view my profile and arrange a free introduction.
E
Esther Arinze-Opara

A question asked which requires no given answer

S
Sian Davey

A rhetorical question is when the person asking the question doesn't expect a direct answer but rather they are making a point. An example of a rhetorical question is if someone was running late the question would be "what time do you call this?" This question does not need an answer because they are just making a point that you have arrived at an unacceptable time and is expressing their annoyance.

Z
ZHANETTA RODGERS

The rhetorical question is a such kinda of question that isn't supposed to be answer at all

S
Sarah-Ness

Rhetorical questions are questions where an answer is not expected, the question is being asked for effect or to make a certain point. For example, "What's not to like?" Is a rhetorical question as it is used to make a point, it's not meant to be answered.

K
Kate Wright

A rhetorical question is a question to which the person asking the question does not expect a direct answer to that specific question. An example is “how could i be so stupid?” These questions are asked merely for effect , the answers to the questions are obvious or may immediately provided by the person asking the question.

Jasmin O Profile Picture
Jasmin O Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

Experienced English teacher, who is passionate about words.

A question asked for effect, to get the reader's attention that does not require an answer.

I'm available for 1:1 private online tuition!

Click here to view my profile and arrange a free introduction.
D
Diego Smart

A rhetorical question is conducted in a manor that creates dramatic effect without out any real substance, rather than going straight to the point!

Ruqaiya J Profile Picture
Ruqaiya J Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

I'm a PhD Psychology student with online tuition experience.

A rhetorical question is a question where an answer is not expected. Instead, it is to make the reciever of the question curious and make them think. For instance, if a father asks his son the question "Do you think I don't understand?" it does not mean he wants his son to answer yes or no, instead it means that he wants his son to know that he does understand to a great extent and that his son should trust that his father is more knowledgeable than him in that particular matter.

I'm available for 1:1 private online tuition!

Click here to view my profile and arrange a free introduction.
Michael C Profile Picture
Michael C Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

English tutor with experience teaching children and adults

These are questions that do not require an answer or are used when the answer is already known and the speaker is trying to make a certain point

I'm available for 1:1 private online tuition!

Click here to view my profile and arrange a free introduction.
Najma M Profile Picture
Najma M Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

I am a super happy, bubbly and knowledgeable English tutor.

Questions that do not require an answer. 

Example: What sort of person am I? How I will I escape? Where am I? 

Makes the reader question themselves or the character's judgement.


I'm available for 1:1 private online tuition!

Click here to view my profile and arrange a free introduction.
Tom H Profile Picture
Tom H Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

Hi everyone, I am a friendly, patient and experienced English teacher

A rhetorical question is a question that requires no answer. They are often used as a persuasive technique, for example in advertising campaigns and political speeches.

I'm available for 1:1 private online tuition!

Click here to view my profile and arrange a free introduction.
N
Nabeelah-Florence Akhtar

Questions that do not require an answer: i.e “Can you believe it?”

A
Alice Callender

A rhetorical question is a figure of speech that is posed as a question but is not intended to gain a response from the listener(s). Instead, it is used for effect, typically to make a point or engage the audience in thought. An example in everyday conversation could be: 'Who do you think you are?'. Take a look at some of Shakespeare's work too - it uses this technique a lot!

Kitty N Profile Picture
Kitty N Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

English Language degree and TEFL qualified, 23 years old.

A rhetorical question is one that does not require an answer. It's used to make a point, rather than to gain an answer.

I'm available for 1:1 private online tuition!

Click here to view my profile and arrange a free introduction.

Think you can help?

More English GCSE Questions
Sherpa Badge

Need a GCSE English tutor?

Get started with a free online introductions with an experienced and qualified online tutor on Sherpa.

Find a GCSE English Tutor