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GCSE

Writing for an Audience

Question

What are rhetorical questions?

3 years ago

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105 Replies

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6740 views

J

Juwan Fritsch


105 Answers

Krissi Profile Picture
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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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Sadie May Allan

A rhetorical question is a question that is asked for effect without needing a response. This type of language can be used to make a point however not to receive an answer. Examples in which these may be used is during a speech to comply with the gravity of its situation, or in a book when reading a first perspective narrative. Therefore, a rhetorical question (simply) is a question without a need for an answer.

Michael C Profile Picture
Michael C Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

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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

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Najma M Profile Picture
Najma M Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

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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.


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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.

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Nabeelah-Florence Akhtar

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

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Sam Gunn

Rhetorical questions are questions which are not intended to be answered. They are often used for dramatic effect and not to gather information. The speaker or author may want to express an opinion on a topic, and this will be emphasised through the use of a rhetorical question.


For example, "What time do you call this?" is a rhetorical question. The speaker or author doesn't want to know what time it is, they are making a point that the person may have arrived late or at an unacceptable time.

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.

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