Rhetorical Question
Definition
A rhetorical question is a question that is asked for effect or to make a point, rather than to elicit an answer. It is used to engage the audience and provoke thought.
Analogy
Asking a rhetorical question is like throwing a ball into the air without expecting someone to catch it. The purpose is not for someone to answer the question, but rather to create an impact or make a statement.
Related terms
Irony: The use of words that mean the opposite of what you really think, often for humorous or emphatic effect.
Hyperbole: Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or dramatic effect.
Parallelism: The repetition of similar grammatical structures in phrases, sentences, or paragraphs for clarity and rhythm.
"Rhetorical Question" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (1)
Additional resources (2)
Practice Questions (1)
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.