Rhetorical Questions

Definition The rhetorical question is usually defined as any question asked for a purpose other than to obtain the information the question asks. It is used for effect, emphasis, or provocation, or for drawing a conclusionary statement from the facts at hand.

R. A. Example "Why are you so stupid?" is likely to be a statement regarding one's opinion of the person addressed rather than a genuine request to know. "Why are you so stupid?" is likely to be a statement regarding one's opinion of the person addressed rather than a genuine request to know. Similarly, when someone responds to a tragic event by saying, "Why me, God?!" it is more likely to be an accusation or an expression of feeling than a realistic request for information. Similarly, when someone responds to a tragic event by saying, "Why me, God?!" it is more likely to be an accusation or an expression of feeling than a realistic request for information.

R.A. Example Books are useless! I only ever read one book, To Kill A Mockingbird, and it gave me absolutely no insight on how to kill mockingbirds! Sure it taught me not to judge a man by the color of his skin... but what good does that do me? Books are useless! I only ever read one book, To Kill A Mockingbird, and it gave me absolutely no insight on how to kill mockingbirds! Sure it taught me not to judge a man by the color of his skin... but what good does that do me?

Homer uses rhetorical questions Mother Simpson: [singing] How many roads must a man walk down before you can call him a man? Mother Simpson: [singing] How many roads must a man walk down before you can call him a man? Homer: Seven. Homer: Seven. Lisa: No, dad, it's a rhetorical question. Lisa: No, dad, it's a rhetorical question. Homer: OK, eight. Homer: OK, eight. Lisa: Dad, do you even know what "rhetorical" means? Lisa: Dad, do you even know what "rhetorical" means? Homer: Do I know what "rhetorical" means? Homer: Do I know what "rhetorical" means?

The Power of the Rhetorical Question This billboard, standing in the midst of an already conservative state, conveys its simple message using the rhetorical figure: rhetorical question. The Power of the Rhetorical Question This billboard, standing in the midst of an already conservative state, conveys its simple message using the rhetorical figure: rhetorical question.

The Power of the Rhetorical Question This billboard demonstrates the power of the rhetorical question. This billboard demonstrates the power of the rhetorical question. These two questions are not supposed to be answered. They make a point. These two questions are not supposed to be answered. They make a point. They reinforce what the audience is already predisposed to believe. It makes the audience own the answer. They reinforce what the audience is already predisposed to believe. It makes the audience own the answer. Placing this statement in question form is more powerful than just leaving it as a statement. Placing this statement in question form is more powerful than just leaving it as a statement. The two questions are better and more forceful in question form than if the billboard were to say, The two questions are better and more forceful in question form than if the billboard were to say, "Obama's hope and change sucks!" or "I really miss George Bush!" "Obama's hope and change sucks!" or "I really miss George Bush!" Inviting audience participation makes the comment resonate on a personal level. Inviting audience participation makes the comment resonate on a personal level.

The Rules Write a rhetorical question in context. Don't write a paragraph detailing how to buy a new car, then follow it with a rhetorical question such as, "Isn't it a bummer being poor?" This question has nothing to do with the previous paragraph. The author is offering the promise of an article that will help you buy a new car, then following it with a rhetorical question that sets the audience up for a letdown. Don't write a paragraph detailing how to buy a new car, then follow it with a rhetorical question such as, "Isn't it a bummer being poor?" This question has nothing to do with the previous paragraph. The author is offering the promise of an article that will help you buy a new car, then following it with a rhetorical question that sets the audience up for a letdown.

The Rules Use a rhetorical question as a lead-in from an introduction to the body of an essay or article. An introduction describing tropical vacations in the sun with dancing all night could be followed with a question like, "Wouldn't it be nice to live the high life?" No answer required. An introduction describing tropical vacations in the sun with dancing all night could be followed with a question like, "Wouldn't it be nice to live the high life?" No answer required. The author already knows the answer the intended audience will give. The author already knows the answer the intended audience will give. Lead into the body of the article with, "Well, now you can," then proceed to tell your readers how to live the high life. Lead into the body of the article with, "Well, now you can," then proceed to tell your readers how to live the high life. This is an effective use of the rhetorical question. This is an effective use of the rhetorical question.

The Rules Always answer your rhetorical questions. A rhetorical question isn't meant to be answered by the audience, but it should be answered by the writer who states it. A rhetorical question isn't meant to be answered by the audience, but it should be answered by the writer who states it. Rhetorical questions are used to engage the audience's attention. Rhetorical questions are used to engage the audience's attention. Once you have that attention, you should follow with relevant material that not only answers the rhetorical question, directly or indirectly, but which expands on it. Once you have that attention, you should follow with relevant material that not only answers the rhetorical question, directly or indirectly, but which expands on it. The rhetorical question is often the introduction to a larger topic. The rhetorical question is often the introduction to a larger topic.

The Rules Don't overuse the rhetorical question. It is a strong, effective device if used sparingly. It is a strong, effective device if used sparingly. Too many rhetorical questions can give readers the impression you're confused. Overuse of this device can also leave readers feeling as if they have more questions than answers. Too many rhetorical questions can give readers the impression you're confused. Overuse of this device can also leave readers feeling as if they have more questions than answers. When you ask a rhetorical question, you want to leave your readers room to digest the information with which you follow the question. When you ask a rhetorical question, you want to leave your readers room to digest the information with which you follow the question.