Rhetorical Questions

Recognize questions asked for effect and explain how they guide the reader.

A rhetorical question is asked not to get an answer, but to make readers think or to lead them toward the author's view. The author usually expects a particular answer, so the question works like a disguised statement. For example, 'Who wouldn't want cleaner air for their children? ' really means 'Everyone wants cleaner air. ' Here's an original paragraph: 'We spend hours each week scrolling past videos we forget a minute later. What if we spent just one of those hours outside?

Would we really miss what we scrolled past? ' The questions invite readers to picture an alternative and quietly push them to agree that time outside is better. Rhetorical questions are common in speeches and persuasive writing because they involve the audience. When analyzing one, identify the expected answer and explain how the question supports the author's purpose. Also notice when a rhetorical question hides a weak argument by assuming everyone agrees without giving evidence.

• 1A rhetorical question is asked for effect, not an answer
• 2It often hides a statement the author wants readers to accept
• 3Identify the expected answer and its purpose