English

>

GCSE

Writing for an Audience

Question

What are rhetorical questions?

3 years ago

·

104 Replies

·

6559 views

J

Juwan Fritsch


104 Answers

Louise M Profile Picture
Louise M Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

Engaging, encouraging, outstanding English Language GCSE teacher

Rhetorical questions get your reader/audience thinking. They make you question what you really think about a subject and start sowing seeds of an alternative viewpoint. "How do you expect to achieve success if you don't work for it?" "What if we try a different approach?" Try using a rhetorical question in a title for an article to get your reader to question what they really think and begin to persuade them round to a different point of view from the get-go.

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

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

A question that is asked to make a point rather than to receive an answer.


Madelyn S Profile Picture
Madelyn S Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

English Literature and Composition Tutoring with 3+ Years Experience

Hi Juwan,

A rhetorical question is a question that the person asking already knows the answer to. Often these questions are posed not with the goal of getting an answer, but with emphasising a point or drawing a listener/reader along down the path of logic the questioner wants. For example: "If your friends all jumped off a bridge, would you too?"

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

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

Rhetorical questions are questions that do not require an answer, for example; 'what time do you call this?'. The person speaking is not actually wanting a response of the time, the intention is to vocalise how they think the person they are talking to, is late. It requires the other person to infer this information and not take the question literally. They are usually used in writing for dramatic effect and provoke thought.

H
Holly Machenry

A rhetorical question is when someone asks a question that isn't meant to be answered. For example if you arrive home late your mum might say, "what time do you call this?" she doesn't actually want you to tell her the time, she's making a point about you getting home late. Usually rhetorical questions are used to make someone think or to emphasise a point.

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.
A
Alison Marriott

This is a question that doesn't require an answer - used as a persuasive device in speeches and other texts. eg. Who wants another year of covid restrictions?

A
Anisah

Questions that do not require an answer. They are often used as a persuasive technique.

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.

Carly J Profile Picture
Carly J Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

Creative British English Specialist (10 years of experience)

Rhetorical questions are questions where the main purpose isn’t to elicit an actual response in physical form. Instead, rhetorical questions are used to create emphasis of an already existing point (for example in persuasive writing, where we already know the opinion of the writer) or to invite or inspire speculation in the reader or the audience.


Some examples:

Spitting is a nasty habit. But I don’t really need to tell you that, do I?


Where would we be today if mobile phones didn’t exist?


Isn’t sunshine just so amazing!?


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

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

I am passionate at helping people reach their goals.

Rhetorical questions are questions that are not intended to have an answer, the speaker uses them to introduce a topic into the conversation or text.

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!

E
Elena Fysentzou

rhetorical questions are the questions that you dont really wait for the other person do answer because you already know the answer or there is not an answer. for example -is rain wet?

Z
Zhanetta Rodgers

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

Andrew C Profile Picture
Andrew C Verified Sherpa Tutor ✓

I taught English for 8 years in Thailand, China & Hong Kong

A rhetorical question is one that requires no response. More often than not, it involves sarcasm. Common examples would be 'Are you serious?' or 'Do you really think I am that stupid'?

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