Do you think I’m made of money?
William Shakespeare was a master of rhetorical questions, using them to uncover the inner thoughts and motivations of his characters.
One of the most profound examples is the iconic soliloquy ‘To be, or not to be’ in Hamlet, as the character contemplates life and death.
We also see Juliet questioning the importance of a name in Romeo and Juliet :
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet
In Julius Caesar , Brutus asks “Who is here so vile that will not love his country?”, knowing that nobody will speak up. Later, Marc Antony, reflecting on Caesar’s conquests, says “Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?”
And the famous line ‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?’ comes from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18.
There are plenty of other examples of rhetorical questions in poetry.
Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem Ode to the West Wind ends with a rhetorical question:
The trumpet of a prophecy! O Wind, If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
And William Wordsworth used several rhetorical questions in this stanza of his poem The Solitary Reaper :
Will no one tell me what she sings?— Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow For old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago: Or is it some more humble lay, Familiar matter of to-day? Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain, That has been, and may be again?
If you want a witty or sarcastic way to answer a question with a definite ‘yes’, try one of these rhetorical affirmatives:
Note that these are colloquial expressions and should only be used in casual settings.
Rhetorical questions are common in English, from the intricate plays of Shakespeare to political speeches to marketing strategies to everyday conversations.
They provoke thought, stir emotions, challenge norms, and subtly guide our thinking – but they all have one thing in common: a question asked for effect, with no answer expected.
We hope this guide has helped broaden your vocabulary as you learn how to use rhetorical questions yourself!
A rhetorical question is usually used for persuasion, emphasis, engagement, emotion, or dramatic effect, rather than to seek an answer. Depending on the context and the type of rhetoric used, it can serve different purposes.
It’s usually best to punctuate rhetorical questions with a question mark, as they take the form of a question.
In cases where the question is used as an exclamation, you could use an exclamation mark instead. For example: “What were you thinking!”
Rhetorical questions are often used in persuasive writing to ridicule an argument, inspire action, expose emotions, or provoke thought. They serve as powerful tools for engaging the reader and making them think carefully about what is written.
Yes, rhetorical questions are commonly used in everyday speech to express opinions or make personal remarks without expecting a response. We also use them when affirmation or denial is implicit, so the person who asks the question already knows the answer.
August 21, 2017 :: Admissionado
Why shouldn’t one use rhetorical questions in college application essays?
What’s so wrong with them?
Do college admissions committees really frown when they see a question mark in an essay?
Are you tired of this string of questions?
Do you wonder if we’re going to give you an answer anytime soon?
Don’t worry, we are.
If you haven’t guessed already, using rhetorical questions in your college application essays is one of those cringe-worthy mistakes that can significantly detract from an otherwise stellar essay, and even ding your application.
Why, you ask?
According to admissions consultancy experts it’s all about word count. Application essays almost universally have a pretty tight word limit, meaning every word you put down is valuable, and rhetorical questions are a waste of that precious resource. They don’t tell a story or convey your passion, and they are, by nature, impersonal. This is pretty much the exact opposite of what you want to do in an application essay, especially The Common App … where you should tell a story, share your passions, and get personal.
Even rhetorical questions at their best tend to serve only to introduce a point you are about to make; why not get right to the point? You will save on words, and avoid simply repeating the essay prompt; trust us, the application committee is pretty familiar with the prompt after a few hundred essays.
Besides wasting your valuable words, when you ask a question to introduce a thought this jerks the reader out of the essay by changing the tone and perspective. Suddenly you have shifted from sharing an experience, a belief, or an aspiration, to accosting the reader. Nobody likes to be accosted.
Surely there are exceptions, though, right? Not when it comes to application essays. Save that breaking-the-4th-wall-by addressing-the-audience for your creative writing!
Next Article: What If We Told You Adcoms Cringe When You Ask Rhetorical Questions in Your Essays?
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A place for English teachers to share ideas and lessons and to brainstorm and collaborate on all things related to English Language Arts.
High school English teachers often tell their students that using rhetorical questions in their formal essays is ineffective and a waste of space.
But how or when is a rhetorical question in an academic essay effective? And how does one use a rhetorical questions effectively?
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April 5, 2018 - Gini Beqiri
Rhetorical questions can be used as an effective communication tool during a speech. These questions provide you with a way of controlling the speech and thoughts of the audience.
They are especially useful in engaging the audience and persuading them to agree with you. In this article we discuss how to use rhetorical questions in a speech or presentation.
A rhetorical question can be “an effective persuasive device, subtly influencing the kind of response one wants to get from an audience” – (Edward P.J. Corbett)
A rhetorical question is a question that’s asked for effect with no answer expected. The answer may be immediately provided by the questioner or obvious.
General examples.
Rhetorical questions with obvious answers are asked about well-known facts, or the answer is suggested based on the question’s context. They are used to emphasises an idea or point:
Rhetorical questions which have no answers:
President Obama’s immigration address
Ever since the 5th century BC , orators have put their points across by asking rhetorical questions whose implied answers clearly support their point. This rhetorical passage comes from Obama’s immigration speech:
“Are we a nation that tolerates the hypocrisy of a system where workers who pick our fruit and make our beds never have a chance to get right with the law? Are we a nation that accepts the cruelty of ripping children from their parents’ arms? Or are we a nation that values families, and works to keep them together?” – Obama’s Immigration Address
William Shakespeare
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? – Sonnet 18
If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge? – The Merchant of Venice
Mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low? Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, shrunk to this little measure? – Julius Caesar
Rhetorical questions are not a necessity but they can be valuable. They can be used in many different ways to:
1. engage the audience.
Ask a rhetorical question to engage the audience and pause to allow them to think of an answer. This gets the audience to actively participate rather than passively listen as they create hypotheses or resolutions.
For example: asking “Why is practicing mindfulness beneficial for reducing anxiety?” would be more effective than saying “Practicing mindfulness exercises can reduce anxiety levels because…”
Speakers may start presentations with rhetorical questions to increase the likelihood of the audience staying engaged.
Make the audience feel as though you are speaking to each member individually by using “you” and “your.”
For example: asking “Do you want to lose weight without feeling hungry?” would be more effective than asking “Does anyone here want to lost weight without feeling hungry?”
To get your audience to agree with you, ask a rhetorical question where the answer is clearly a “yes”. Once the audience begins agreeing with you they are more likely to continue agreeing. You will be familiar with this type of persuasion in casual conversation, for example, “Nice weather today, isn’t it?”
Another way to get the audience to agree with you is to show them that you’re similar. Show your listeners that you have shared experiences and that you understand their problems.
For example, “We’ve all experienced being so stressed at work that we come home and don’t feel like doing anything, haven’t we?”
Make the audience feel the same way you do about something by asking questions that trigger emotional reactions.
For example, rather than saying “X has never helped our community” ask “What has X ever done for our community?” This will trigger a strong emotional response because the audience will come to that conclusion that “X haven’t done anything.”
After a statement has been made use a rhetorical question to get the audience to think about that statement.
For example, “The amount of plastic in the ocean is rising at a considerable rate. How much damage will it take for you to help reduce this?”
Think about your topic and audience when planning your speech. Try to predict what the audience may want to ask. In your speech use the predictions as rhetorical questions and answer them.
For example, “As a dog owner you may think ‘What should I be focusing on to keep my dog healthy?’ The answer is providing your dog with the correct nutrition and therefore food.”
You could also introduce one or more rhetorical questions at the start of your speech and explain that you will answer them during your speech. For example: “In the next 20 minutes let’s explore the answers to these questions.” Asking these difficult questions and promising you will provide the answers will increase interest and attention.
Answer a question, either an audience member’s or your own, using another rhetorical question. Generally both the questions have the same answer.
For example: “Have we met the targets again this year? Is the Pope Catholic?”
Try to make the second question unique and relatable to the audience because common examples can sound cheesy.
– Increase the impact of your argument
Ask multiple rhetorical questions consecutively – each one more specific or more powerful than the previous. This way your content will have a greater impact on the listeners.
For example: “Isn’t their skin lovely? Don’t you think it looks really clear? Can you see any blemishes? Wouldn’t you like to have skin like that?”
– Show conflicting opinions
Use rhetorical questions consecutively to highlight the complexity of a topic by asking questions in which the answers provide conflicting viewpoints.
For example: “How can we reduce the crime rate in the UK? Should we rehabilitate offenders? Should criminals be punished with longer sentences? Should we create initiatives targeting at-risk children?” etc
If you start your speech with this technique, you can structure your speech or presentation around it, with each section addressing a different viewpoint.
– Show supporting opinions
You can also consecutively ask questions in which the answers provide similar viewpoints. This is similar to repetition which is used to continually highlight an important point.
For example: “Which company achieves over 90% in customer satisfaction? Which company provides one of the best employee benefits programs in the country? Which company scores highest in employee happiness and fulfilment? Of course, our company does!”
Rhetorical questions are an effective way to gain the support of the audience but ensure that you do your research beforehand. This means finding out who your audience are , such as, their general views, attitudes, age etc. With this information you can plan rhetorical questions that will be appropriate and tailored to your listeners.
by Antony W
February 28, 2023
Essays are argumentative in nature. You must take a stance on an issue and use evidence and reason to convince an audience that your point of view if ultimately the most convincing. But can you ask questions in an essay?
You can ask questions in an essay provided they lead to an idea or concrete answers. If you don’t intend to give an answer to a question, don’t ask. Also, instead of asking a direct rhetorical question, consider using a rhetorical statement.
We tend to shy away from asking questions in essay because it’s hardly the intention. We emphasize more on answering questions and investigating issues, as these are what readers want.
However, there may be instances when it makes sense to ask questions. So we’ll look at two things in this guide:
An essay is a type of an assignment intended to draw people to engage to your argument and consider your position, even if what you stand for conflicts with their beliefs.
If you can get your audience to read your essay, you’ll have communicated and met your goal.
Essay writing is a process that starts with in-depth research, identification of relevant sources, and development of an outline to organize thoughts and ideas. Moving further, you have to grab readers’ attention with a strong and arguable hook and develop a strong statement of declaration that gives them the spark to read on.
Because essay writing is about drawing readers in on a significant issue, asking questions may add little value to the context. Still, it helps to learn when to ask a question and when not to do so at all.
Sometimes the temptation to ask questions in an essay feels almost irresistible. However, including questions in formal writing is a bad idea and it’s therefore something you want to avoid.
From an academics standpoint, here’s why it’s a bad idea to ask questions in an essay:
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when writing an essay is to ask questions you don’t have the intention to answer.
It leaves a reader with a why or so what question, which is annoying.
Readers need answers to the research question that you proposed to explore. Therefore, every idea you introduce, every word you write, and every answer you give must contribute toward answering the question.
If you ask questions in an essay and not answer them, you leave every reader hanging on a cliff with no clear direction.
So if you raise a question in your assignment, ensure you tell your reader why your essay cannot resolve or give a convincing response to the question.
Don’t just give a general answer simply because you don’t want to provoke the reader. Instead, focus on giving useful insights to the arguments you’re trying to build.
While we maintain a strong stand that you should avoid asking questions in an essay, there are instances when it makes sense to do so.
An introduction is the most important part of an essay. It’s also the hardest part of the assignment.
If you think about it, the human attention span dropped from 12 to 8 seconds , which means you have a small window of opportunity to convince your audience that your essay is worth reading.
The best and the most effective way to grab their attention fast for the first 8 seconds is to start your essay with a hook. Asking a question can come in quite handy here since it can easily hook them in. Then, you can give a clear answer to the question in the body part of your essay.
Don’t be the student who asks questions in an essay and then leave it to the readers to figure out the answer. That can be so provocative that it forces your instructor to a point of losing the interest to read the essay. If you have to ask a question, make sure you follow it with an answer.
Remember, questions without answers are just but filler words in an essay. Not to mention that sometimes they can act as a trap that transfers the responsibility of answering the question from a writer to a reader, which is very unacceptable.
One last thing to keep in mind is that you should ask questions only if it’s necessary. Often, less is more, and given that your audience needs answers more than they expect to see questions in your essay.
Do you need help with your essay and don’t know whether to start? Maybe you’ve tried a number of services but didn’t get the value for your money and ended up wasting your time in the process?
Don’t worry, because we’re here to help. Our team of professional writers and editors can help you with the following:
We have arrange of samples that you can look at here . Moreover, we’re a team that respects deadlines, so we will help you get your essay completed on time.
About the author
Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.
Breakout English
Writing rhetorical questions is a literary device that professional writers love to hate, but if you’re writing an article for an exam, they can be a very useful tool. You may need to write an article in Cambridge Preliminary (PET) or First (FCE) and in Trinity ISE I, II, or III. Writing an article is a new addition to the Preliminary (PET) exam in 2020, but personally, I think it is a nice option for B1 candidates to show their ability. So why are rhetorical questions a good option for writing articles?
A rhetorical question is a question which is asked for effect and doesn’t need to be answered. Sometimes the answer to rhetorical questions is obvious or sometimes the asker will go on to answer it themselves.
As you can see by the way I used a rhetorical question in the introduction to this blog, they encourage a reader to keep reading. The psychological effect of rhetorical questions can be quite powerful because you can spark interest, intrigue and even controversy if used effectively.
They are a great tool for articles and possibly reviews or letters , but that’s where I would draw the line. A rhetorical question has no place in formal writing, which means avoid them in essays, reports and proposals. Articles are generally neutral or informal in exams, so I think they are a great place to show off a few questions.
Use rhetorical questions sparingly . The best place for them is at the end of your 1st paragraph and in the final paragraph as a way to make the ending interesting. One or two questions throughout the text is more than enough.
These rhetorical question cards have sentence stems on them so that you can practice writing questions for different topics that could come up in the exam. Brainstorm a series of topics and then try writing a question for each one.
EXAM PART : Writing Part 2 – Article, Preliminary (PET), FIrst (FCE), ISE I, ISE II, ISE III
EXAM SKILLS : Creating cohesion and maintaining reader’s interest
TIME: 20 minutes
PREPARATION: One set of question cards per pair of students, list of article topics appropriate for the level
Gain critical communication skills in writing and public speaking with this introduction to American political rhetoric.
What you'll learn.
When and how to employ a variety of rhetorical devices in writing and speaking
How to differentiate between argument and rhetorical technique
How to write a persuasive opinion editorial and short speech
How to evaluate the strength of an argument
How to identify logical fallacies in arguments
We are living in a contentious time in history. Fundamental disagreements on critical political issues make it essential to learn how to make an argument and analyze the arguments of others. This ability will help you engage in civil discourse and make effective changes in society. Even outside the political sphere, conveying a convincing message can benefit you throughout your personal, public, and professional lives.
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of rhetoric, the art of persuasive writing and speech. In it, you will learn to construct and defend compelling arguments, an essential skill in many settings. We will be using selected addresses from prominent twentieth-century Americans — including Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Margaret Chase Smith, Ronald Reagan, and more — to explore and analyze rhetorical structure and style. Through this analysis, you will learn how speakers and writers persuade an audience to adopt their point of view.
Built around Harvard Professor James Engell’s on-campus course, “Elements of Rhetoric,” this course will help you analyze and apply rhetorical structure and style, appreciate the relevance of persuasive communication in your own life, and understand how to persuade and recognize when someone is trying to persuade you. You will be inspired to share your viewpoint and discover the most powerful ways to convince others to champion your cause. Join us to find your voice!
Introduction to Rhetoric
Civil Rights - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Gun Control - Sarah Brady and Charlton Heston
Introduction to Oratory
The Red Scare - Joseph McCarthy and Margaret Chase Smith
Presidential Rhetoric - John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan
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1. Rhetorical Questions in Academic Writing: They Don't belong. Rhetorical questions are awesome … for blogs, diaries, and creative writing. They engage the audience and ask them to predict answers. But, sorry, they suck for essays. Academic writing is not supposed to be creative writing.
A rhetorical question is a powerful literary technique that lets you make a point or add a dramatic effect in an essay. Unlike a standard question, being rhetoric doesn't evoke direct response. Rather, it tends to be persuasive in form, and it helps an author shape the way his or her target readers look at an issue or think about a topic.
Overusing them. Using rhetorical questions in academic papers is okay, but you should never overuse them. The number of rhetorical questions in your essay should never exceed two, and more than two rhetorical questions are just too many for an essay. 2. Using them in research papers.
You can definitely use rhetorical questions in an essay. They are an effective writing technique to use, especially in narrative and persuasive essays. They give the reader a chance to pause and consider the query. Because of this, they are good at grabbing a reader's attention. Furthermore, they get the reader to consider their own thoughts ...
Epiplexis. Epiplexis is a type of rhetorical question that is used to rebuke or reprimand the audience. It challenges and engages the audience in a pointed and sometimes confrontational manner. This type of rhetorical device is meant to persuade (or shame) the audience into accepting the speaker's perspective. I can't believe you skipped class.
Rhetorical Question Examples in Political Speeches. Rhetorical questions often "challenge" the listener to contradict what the speaker is saying. If the speaker frames the rhetorical question well, it gives the impression that his or her view is true and that it would be foolish, or even impossible, to contradict the speaker's argument.
At the Texas A&M University Writing Center, one of our slogans is "We answer rhetorical questions.". Technically, though, we can't. Oh, we can answer questions about rhetoric, but rhetorical questions are, by definition, questions no one expects to be answered. They're really statements, posed as questions, like "What has happened to ...
How to Use a Rhetorical Question. Rhetorical questions are rhetorical devices often used in writing and speech to engage the audience, emphasize a point, or provoke thought. They can be used to introduce a topic, make a statement, or open an argument. Conversational Rhetorical Questions. Rhetorical questions are used in everyday speech and ...
An "aporia" is a rhetorical expression of doubt, usually when the author doesn't actually feel the doubt. An aporia is often expressed in question form, and in these cases it's an example of a rhetorical question. It's often used in philosophy and other argument-heavy fields when the author wants to move the conversation forward.
Learn to Use Rhetorical Questions. If overused, too many rhetorical questions might make you come off as too sarcastic or even arrogant. But when used skillfully and in combination with other rhetorical devices, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, rhetorical questions can enhance your speech and writing by emphasizing key points.
Overusing rhetorical questions: Sub7jecting the reader to an overdose of rhetorical questions, consequently or not, makes for an annoying reading experience. Using rhetorical questions in research papers : Research papers require you to research a topic, take a stand and justify your claims.
A rhetorical question is a statement formed as a question. Rhetorical questions can be manipulative because they are designed to appear objective and open-ended, but may actually lead the reader to a foregone conclusion. ... Mark Pennington, questions in conclusions, questions in essays, rhetorical devices, rhetorical questions, Teaching Essay ...
Revised on July 23, 2023. A rhetorical analysis is a type of essay that looks at a text in terms of rhetoric. This means it is less concerned with what the author is saying than with how they say it: their goals, techniques, and appeals to the audience. A rhetorical analysis is structured similarly to other essays: an introduction presenting ...
Rhetorical questions are commonly used in persuasive speeches, essays, debates, and everyday communication to achieve various objectives. Here are a few key purposes: Emphasis - Rhetorical questions can draw attention to a specific idea or argument by framing it as a question. For example, "Do we want to continue down a path of destruction ...
Dec 15, 2015 at 5:06. 1. Rhetorical questions (like the one you include in the block quotation) are a staple of arguments at all levels; and the reason they are so popular is that they are (or can be) effective as persuasive tools. If the point is to win the argument—rather than, say, to present a measured and logical argument that eschews ...
A rhetorical question is a type of question that we ask to emphasize a point or create a certain effect, without expecting an answer. Although they take the form of a question, rhetorical questions are really just figures of speech. You are not supposed to provide a response; only perhaps to reflect on the message being conveyed.
Writing a rhetorical question in your essay can be a powerful way to engage readers and make an impact on your audience. However, if done incorrectly, these questions can be ineffective and even confusing. ... Be selective with the questions you ask - make sure that they are relevant to the topic at hand. Keep your questions succinct and ...
According to admissions consultancy experts it's all about word count. Application essays almost universally have a pretty tight word limit, meaning every word you put down is valuable, and rhetorical questions are a waste of that precious resource. They don't tell a story or convey your passion, and they are, by nature, impersonal.
The best rhetorical questions help the writer transition through the line of reasoning, especially when writing something more complex than the dreaded five-paragraph-essay. For example: an essay about why I love Disney world that resets each body paragraph to discuss a new aspect of WDW shows no line of reasoning.
2. Personalise your questions. Make the audience feel as though you are speaking to each member individually by using "you" and "your.". For example: asking "Do you want to lose weight without feeling hungry?" would be more effective than asking "Does anyone here want to lost weight without feeling hungry?". 3.
You can ask questions in an essay provided they lead to an idea or concrete answers. If you don't intend to give an answer to a question, don't ask. Also, instead of asking a direct rhetorical question, consider using a rhetorical statement. We tend to shy away from asking questions in essay because it's hardly the intention.
Cut up question cards and give one set to each pair. On the board, have a list of six possible article topics (like the example above) One student rolls a dice which determines the topic everyone has to write about. Each pair turns over a question card and writes a rhetorical question related to the topic. Compare and contrast, correct errors ...
This ability will help you engage in civil discourse and make effective changes in society. Even outside the political sphere, conveying a convincing message can benefit you throughout your personal, public, and professional lives. This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of rhetoric, the art of persuasive writing and speech.
What's the weird squiggly punctuation mark everyone uses at the end of a written question? Discover what a question mark is and what it's used for, exactly, with this guide.
Woodland Marshall | 9am May 26, 2024