rhetorical question in a formal essay

Rhetorical Questions in Essays: 5 Things you should Know

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Rhetorical questions can be useful in writing. So, why shouldn’t you use rhetorical questions in essays?

In this article, I outline 5 key reasons that explain the problem with rhetorical questions in essays.

Despite the value of rhetorical questions for engaging audiences, they mean trouble in your university papers. Teachers tend to hate them.

There are endless debates among students as to why or why not to use rhetorical questions. But, I’m here to tell you that – despite your (and my) protestations – the jury’s in. Many, many teachers hate rhetorical questions.

You’re therefore not doing yourself any favors in using them in your essays.

Rhetorical Question Examples

A rhetorical question is a type of metacommentary . It is a question whose purpose is to add creative flair to your writing. It is a way of adding style to your essay.

Rhetorical questions usually either have obvious answers, or no answers, or do not require an answer . Here are some examples:

• Are you seriously wearing that?
• Do you think I’m that gullible?
• What is the meaning of life?
• What would the walls say if they could speak?

I understand why people like to use rhetorical questions in introductions . You probably enjoy writing. You probably find rhetorical questions engaging, and you want to draw your marker in, engage them, and wow them with your knowledge.

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 .

Here’s the difference between academic writing and creative writing:

• Supposed to be read for enjoyment first and foremost.
• Can be flamboyant, extravagant, and creative.
• Can leave the reader in suspense.
• Can involve twists, turns, and surprises.
• Can be in the third or first person.
• Readers of creative writing read texts from beginning to end – without spoilers.

Rhetorical questions are designed to create a sense of suspense and flair. They, therefore, belong as a rhetorical device within creative writing genres.

Now, let’s look at academic writing:

• Supposed to be read for information and analysis of real-life ideas.
• Focused on fact-based information.
• Clearly structured and orderly.
• Usually written in the third person language only.
• Readers of academic writing scan the texts for answers, not questions.

Academic writing should never, ever leave the reader in suspense. Therefore, rhetorical questions have no place in academic writing.

Academic writing should be in the third person – and rhetorical questions are not quite in the third person. The rhetorical question appears as if you are talking directly to the reader. It is almost like writing in the first person – an obvious fatal error in the academic writing genre.

Your marker will be reading your work looking for answers , not questions. They will be rushed, have many papers to mark, and have a lot of work to do. They don’t want to be entertained. They want answers.

Therefore, academic writing needs to be straight to the point, never leave your reader unsure or uncertain, and always signpost key ideas in advance.

Here’s an analogy:

• When you came onto this post, you probably did not read everything from start to end. You probably read each sub-heading first, then came back to the top and started reading again. You weren’t interested in suspense or style. You wanted to find something out quickly and easily. I’m not saying this article you’re reading is ‘academic writing’ (it isn’t). But, what I am saying is that this text – like your essay – is designed to efficiently provide information first and foremost. I’m not telling you a story. You, like your teacher, are here for answers to a question. You are not here for a suspenseful story. Therefore, rhetorical questions don’t fit here.

I’ll repeat: rhetorical questions just don’t fit within academic writing genres.

2. Rhetorical Questions can come across as Passive

It’s not your place to ask a question. It’s your place to show your command of the content. Rhetorical questions are by definition passive: they ask of your reader to do the thinking, reflecting, and questioning for you.

Questions of any kind tend to give away a sense that you’re not quite sure of yourself. Imagine if the five points for this blog post were:

• Are they unprofessional?
• Are they passive?
• Are they seen as padding?
• Are they cliché?
• Do teachers hate them?

If the sub-headings of this post were in question format, you’d probably – rightly – return straight back to google and look for the next piece of advice on the topic. That’s because questions don’t assist your reader. Instead, they demand something from your reader .

Questions – rhetorical or otherwise – a position you as passive, unsure of yourself, and skirting around the point. So, avoid them.

3. Rhetorical Questions are seen as Padding

When a teacher reads a rhetorical question, they’re likely to think that the sentence was inserted to fill a word count more than anything else.

>>>RELATED ARTICLE: HOW TO MAKE AN ESSAY LONGER >>>RELATED ARTICLE: HOW TO MAKE AN ESSAY SHORTER

Rhetorical questions have a tendency to be written by students who are struggling to come to terms with an essay question. They’re well below word count and need to find an extra 15, 20, or 30 words here and there to hit that much-needed word count.

In order to do this, they fill space with rhetorical questions.

It’s a bit like going into an interview for a job. The interviewer asks you a really tough question and you need a moment to think up an answer. You pause briefly and mull over the question. You say it out loud to yourself again, and again, and again.

You do this for every question you ask. You end up answering every question they ask you with that same question, and then a brief pause.

Sure, you might come up with a good answer to your rhetorical question later on, but in the meantime, you have given the impression that you just don’t quite have command over your topic.

4. Rhetorical Questions are hard to get right

As a literary device, the rhetorical question is pretty difficult to execute well. In other words, only the best can get away with it.

The vast majority of the time, the rhetorical question falls on deaf ears. Teachers scoff, roll their eyes, and sigh just a little every time an essay begins with a rhetorical question.

The rhetorical question feels … a little ‘middle school’ – cliché writing by someone who hasn’t quite got a handle on things.

Let your knowledge of the content win you marks, not your creative flair. If your rhetorical question isn’t as good as you think it is, your marks are going to drop – big time.

5. Teachers Hate Rhetorical Questions in Essays

This one supplants all other reasons.

The fact is that there are enough teachers out there who hate rhetorical questions in essays that using them is a very risky move.

Believe me, I’ve spent enough time in faculty lounges to tell you this with quite some confidence. My opinion here doesn’t matter. The sheer amount of teachers who can’t stand rhetorical questions in essays rule them out entirely.

Whether I (or you) like it or not, rhetorical questions will more than likely lose you marks in your paper.

Don’t shoot the messenger.

Some (possible) Exceptions

Personally, I would say don’t use rhetorical questions in academic writing – ever.

But, I’ll offer a few suggestions of when you might just get away with it if you really want to use a rhetorical question:

• As an essay title. I would suggest that most people who like rhetorical questions embrace them because they are there to ‘draw in the reader’ or get them on your side. I get that. I really do. So, I’d recommend that if you really want to include a rhetorical question to draw in the reader, use it as the essay title. Keep the actual essay itself to the genre style that your marker will expect: straight up the line, professional and informative text.

“97 percent of scientists argue climate change is real. Such compelling weight of scientific consensus places the 3 percent of scientists who dissent outside of the scientific mainstream.”

The takeaway point here is, if I haven’t convinced you not to use rhetorical questions in essays, I’d suggest that you please check with your teacher on their expectations before submission.

Don’t shoot the messenger. Have I said that enough times in this post?

I didn’t set the rules, but I sure as hell know what they are. And one big, shiny rule that is repeated over and again in faculty lounges is this: Don’t Use Rhetorical Questions in Essays . They are risky, appear out of place, and are despised by a good proportion of current university teachers.

To sum up, here are my top 5 reasons why you shouldn’t use rhetorical questions in your essays:

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

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Rhetorical Questions: 30 Effective Examples and Definition

Oct 24, 2023

Rhetorical questions, in particular, possess the unique ability to captivate, engage, and provoke thought. Whether you’re a seasoned orator, a writer, or someone simply looking to enhance their persuasive skills, this article is your definitive guide to mastering this impactful technique. Delve into the world of rhetoric and discover how these 30 examples and expert tips can elevate your communication to new heights.

What Are Rhetorical Questions?

Rhetorical questions are a powerful tool in the realm of persuasive communication. They are a form of interrogative expression used to make a point or convey a message rather than to elicit a direct response. These questions are crafted with a specific intention, often to provoke thought, engage the audience, or emphasize a particular idea. Here’s a clear and easy-to-understand explanation of rhetorical questions:

Rhetorical questions are inquiries posed in conversation or writing that do not require or expect an actual answer. Instead, they serve as a persuasive or rhetorical device, designed to make a statement, emphasize a point, or provoke critical thinking in the audience.

The biggest difference between rhetorical questions and typical questions in that rhetorical questions are not used to gather information or seek a response from others. Rather, they function as a means of guiding the listener or reader’s thoughts in a particular direction. They are strategically employed to emphasize a message, create a sense of engagement, or encourage reflection.

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?” emphasizes the gravity of the situation.

Engagement –  These questions engage the audience by prompting them to consider the topic more deeply. For instance, “Have you ever wondered what the future holds?” encourages the audience to reflect on possibilities.

Affirmation –  Rhetorical questions often lead the audience to agree with the implied answer, reinforcing the speaker’s point. An example is, “Is it not our moral duty to help those in need?” which presupposes that helping others is a moral obligation.

Persuasion –  By framing an argument as a rhetorical question, the speaker can guide the audience to a specific conclusion. For instance, “Wouldn’t you agree that a healthier lifestyle leads to a happier life?” implies that the answer is yes.

30 Best Rhetorical Questions Examples

1. What’s not to love about a beautiful sunset? Rhetorical questions like this one evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation, inviting the audience to share the sentiment.

2. Are you going to let fear hold you back from your dreams? This question challenges the audience to confront their fears and consider the impact on their aspirations.

3. Do you think the world would be a better place without acts of kindness? By implying a positive response, this question emphasizes the importance of kindness in society.

4. Can you imagine a world without art and creativity? It highlights the significance of art and creativity in our lives, making the audience reflect on their value.

5. Is it possible to put a price on freedom? This question prompts reflection on the intangible value of freedom.

6. Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up. Rhetorical questions like this can be motivational, emphasizing the importance of resilience.

7. Does anyone really believe in a perfect world? It invites contemplation about the idealistic notion of a perfect society.

8. What’s more important than the health and well-being of our children? This question highlights the paramount importance of children’s welfare.

9. Could we exist without the air we breathe? It emphasizes the fundamental nature of oxygen to human existence.

10. Is there a single recipe for happiness that suits everyone? This question suggests the subjectivity of happiness and personal fulfillment.

11. Is it fair to judge a book by its cover? This age-old question prompts reflection on the issue of prejudice and superficial judgments.

12. Can you really put a price on love? This question emphasizes the idea that love is priceless and beyond monetary value .

13. Who doesn’t want to be successful in life? This question assumes that everyone desires success, making the audience ponder their own aspirations.

14. Do you think anyone would willingly choose pain over pleasure? It underlines the universal preference for pleasure and avoidance of pain.

15. Is there anything more refreshing than a cold glass of water on a hot day? This question appeals to our shared experience of relief on a scorching day.

16. What could be more comforting than the embrace of a loved one? This rhetorical question highlights the emotional value of human connection.

17. Can we really call ourselves civilized when we still wage wars? This question provokes thought about the contradiction between civilization and conflict.

18. What’s stopping you from chasing your dreams? I t encourages self-reflection and motivation to overcome obstacles.

19. Is there anything better than the sound of laughter? This question celebrates the universal joy associated with laughter.

20. How can we expect change if we never take action? It underscores the necessity of taking the initiative to bring about change.

21. Do you think the world would be the same without great leaders? This question underscores the impact of influential leaders throughout history.

22. What would life be without a sense of humor? It highlights the role of humor in our lives, promoting its significance.

23. Is there any greater tragedy than the loss of a loved one? This question evokes empathy and reflection on the depth of human emotion.

24. Can you really put a limit on human potential? It challenges the idea of constraining human capabilities.

25. What could be more fundamental than the pursuit of knowledge? This rhetorical question emphasizes the inherent human curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

26. Can you imagine a world without hope? It prompts reflection on the importance of hope in people’s lives.

27. Is there any greater bond than the love between a parent and child? This question celebrates the profound connection between parents and their children.

28. What would life be without challenges to overcome? It highlights the role of adversity in personal growth and development.

29. Is there a more powerful force than the unity of a community? This question emphasizes the strength of community and solidarity .

30. Who would trade the beauty of nature for a concrete jungle? It encourages reflection on the value of preserving natural environments

Why People Use Rhetorical Questions?

Rhetorical questions serve various compelling purposes. Foremost among these is their ability to engage the audience or reader. They break the monotony of one-way communication and encourage active participation, thereby infusing the conversation or written text with dynamism and interactivity. Rhetorical questions also double as persuasive tools since they often imply a specific answer or point of view, subtly guiding the audience to consider the speaker or writer’s perspective.

Moreover, rhetorical questions can stimulate thought and critical thinking, encouraging individuals to ponder complex issues or view a subject from multiple angles. They possess the remarkable capacity to evoke emotions, eliciting empathy, curiosity, or reflection by framing an issue in a relatable manner. Additionally, rhetorical questions can be effectively employed to emphasize key points, rendering them memorable, and drawing attention to the essential aspects of a message.

Tips On How to Make Good Rhetorical Questions

• Consider your audience’s interests, values, and knowledge. Pattern your questions to resonate with their experiences and perspectives.
• Ensure your question is clear and concise . A complex question may confuse your audience and weaken the impact of your message.
• Rhetorical questions should stimulate thought. Make questions that encourage your audience to reflect on the subject matter.
• Rhetorical questions often imply an answer . Ensure that this answer connects with your intended message or argument.
• Use rhetorical questions to evoke emotions . Appeal to your audience’s feelings to make your message more impactful.
• Ensure that your rhetorical question is directly related to the topic at hand. Irrelevant questions can disrupt the flow of your communication.
• Don’t overuse rhetorical questions. Use them strategically to emphasize key points or engage your audience when necessary.
• While rhetorical questions can be powerful, using too many can lessen their impact. Use them sparingly for maximum effect.
• Some questions can be more complex, but be mindful of your audience’s ability to engage with the topic. Balance between simple and hard questions as needed.
• Crafting effective rhetorical questions is a skill that improves with Seeking feedback from peers or mentors to refine your use of rhetorical questions in your communication.

Upon discussing the key points about rhetorical questions, we learned that: the art of using rhetorical questions is a powerful tool in communication. As we’ve explored in this discussion, rhetorical questions can captivate your audience, prompt reflection, and enhance the impact of your message. By understanding your audience, tailoring your questions, and using them strategically, you can become a more persuasive and engaging communicator. Whether you’re delivering a speech, writing an essay, or simply engaging in a meaningful conversation, the use of rhetorical questions can elevate your communication to a new level. So, the next time you seek to make a point, inspire, or provoke thought, consider the art of the rhetorical question, and watch the power of your words come to life.

Read More: 10 Biggest Philosophical Dilemmas Examples

Read also: 30 Effective Guiding Questions Examples

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How to Use Rhetorical Questions in Essay Writing Effectively

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• How to write a rhetorical analysis | Key concepts & examples

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis | Key Concepts & Examples

Published on August 28, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . 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.

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Table of contents

Key concepts in rhetoric, analyzing the text, introducing your rhetorical analysis, the body: doing the analysis, concluding a rhetorical analysis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about rhetorical analysis.

Rhetoric, the art of effective speaking and writing, is a subject that trains you to look at texts, arguments and speeches in terms of how they are designed to persuade the audience. This section introduces a few of the key concepts of this field.

Appeals: Logos, ethos, pathos

Appeals are how the author convinces their audience. Three central appeals are discussed in rhetoric, established by the philosopher Aristotle and sometimes called the rhetorical triangle: logos, ethos, and pathos.

Logos , or the logical appeal, refers to the use of reasoned argument to persuade. This is the dominant approach in academic writing , where arguments are built up using reasoning and evidence.

Ethos , or the ethical appeal, involves the author presenting themselves as an authority on their subject. For example, someone making a moral argument might highlight their own morally admirable behavior; someone speaking about a technical subject might present themselves as an expert by mentioning their qualifications.

Pathos , or the pathetic appeal, evokes the audience’s emotions. This might involve speaking in a passionate way, employing vivid imagery, or trying to provoke anger, sympathy, or any other emotional response in the audience.

These three appeals are all treated as integral parts of rhetoric, and a given author may combine all three of them to convince their audience.

Text and context

In rhetoric, a text is not necessarily a piece of writing (though it may be this). A text is whatever piece of communication you are analyzing. This could be, for example, a speech, an advertisement, or a satirical image.

In these cases, your analysis would focus on more than just language—you might look at visual or sonic elements of the text too.

The context is everything surrounding the text: Who is the author (or speaker, designer, etc.)? Who is their (intended or actual) audience? When and where was the text produced, and for what purpose?

Looking at the context can help to inform your rhetorical analysis. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech has universal power, but the context of the civil rights movement is an important part of understanding why.

Claims, supports, and warrants

A piece of rhetoric is always making some sort of argument, whether it’s a very clearly defined and logical one (e.g. in a philosophy essay) or one that the reader has to infer (e.g. in a satirical article). These arguments are built up with claims, supports, and warrants.

A claim is the fact or idea the author wants to convince the reader of. An argument might center on a single claim, or be built up out of many. Claims are usually explicitly stated, but they may also just be implied in some kinds of text.

The author uses supports to back up each claim they make. These might range from hard evidence to emotional appeals—anything that is used to convince the reader to accept a claim.

The warrant is the logic or assumption that connects a support with a claim. Outside of quite formal argumentation, the warrant is often unstated—the author assumes their audience will understand the connection without it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still explore the implicit warrant in these cases.

For example, look at the following statement:

We can see a claim and a support here, but the warrant is implicit. Here, the warrant is the assumption that more likeable candidates would have inspired greater turnout. We might be more or less convinced by the argument depending on whether we think this is a fair assumption.

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Rhetorical analysis isn’t a matter of choosing concepts in advance and applying them to a text. Instead, it starts with looking at the text in detail and asking the appropriate questions about how it works:

• What is the author’s purpose?
• Do they focus closely on their key claims, or do they discuss various topics?
• What tone do they take—angry or sympathetic? Personal or authoritative? Formal or informal?
• Who seems to be the intended audience? Is this audience likely to be successfully reached and convinced?
• What kinds of evidence are presented?

By asking these questions, you’ll discover the various rhetorical devices the text uses. Don’t feel that you have to cram in every rhetorical term you know—focus on those that are most important to the text.

The following sections show how to write the different parts of a rhetorical analysis.

Like all essays, a rhetorical analysis begins with an introduction . The introduction tells readers what text you’ll be discussing, provides relevant background information, and presents your thesis statement .

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how an introduction works.

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is widely regarded as one of the most important pieces of oratory in American history. Delivered in 1963 to thousands of civil rights activists outside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the speech has come to symbolize the spirit of the civil rights movement and even to function as a major part of the American national myth. This rhetorical analysis argues that King’s assumption of the prophetic voice, amplified by the historic size of his audience, creates a powerful sense of ethos that has retained its inspirational power over the years.

The body of your rhetorical analysis is where you’ll tackle the text directly. It’s often divided into three paragraphs, although it may be more in a longer essay.

Each paragraph should focus on a different element of the text, and they should all contribute to your overall argument for your thesis statement.

Hover over the example to explore how a typical body paragraph is constructed.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

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The conclusion of a rhetorical analysis wraps up the essay by restating the main argument and showing how it has been developed by your analysis. It may also try to link the text, and your analysis of it, with broader concerns.

Explore the example below to get a sense of the conclusion.

It is clear from this analysis that the effectiveness of King’s rhetoric stems less from the pathetic appeal of his utopian “dream” than it does from the ethos he carefully constructs to give force to his statements. By framing contemporary upheavals as part of a prophecy whose fulfillment will result in the better future he imagines, King ensures not only the effectiveness of his words in the moment but their continuing resonance today. Even if we have not yet achieved King’s dream, we cannot deny the role his words played in setting us on the path toward it.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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The goal of a rhetorical analysis is to explain the effect a piece of writing or oratory has on its audience, how successful it is, and the devices and appeals it uses to achieve its goals.

Unlike a standard argumentative essay , it’s less about taking a position on the arguments presented, and more about exploring how they are constructed.

The term “text” in a rhetorical analysis essay refers to whatever object you’re analyzing. It’s frequently a piece of writing or a speech, but it doesn’t have to be. For example, you could also treat an advertisement or political cartoon as a text.

Logos appeals to the audience’s reason, building up logical arguments . Ethos appeals to the speaker’s status or authority, making the audience more likely to trust them. Pathos appeals to the emotions, trying to make the audience feel angry or sympathetic, for example.

Collectively, these three appeals are sometimes called the rhetorical triangle . They are central to rhetorical analysis , though a piece of rhetoric might not necessarily use all of them.

In rhetorical analysis , a claim is something the author wants the audience to believe. A support is the evidence or appeal they use to convince the reader to believe the claim. A warrant is the (often implicit) assumption that links the support with the claim.

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Rhetorical Question

Rhetorical Question Definition

What is a rhetorical question? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

A rhetorical question is a figure of speech in which a question is asked for a reason other than to get an answer—most commonly, it's asked to make a persuasive point. For example, if a person asks, "How many times do I have to tell you not to eat my dessert?" he or she does not want to know the exact number of times the request will need to be repeated. Rather, the speaker's goal is to emphasize his or her growing frustration and—ideally—change the dessert-thief's behavior.

Some additional key details about rhetorical questions:

• Rhetorical questions are also sometimes called erotema.
• Rhetorical questions are a type of figurative language —they are questions that have another layer of meaning on top of their literal meaning.
• Because rhetorical questions challenge the listener, raise doubt, and help emphasize ideas, they appear often in songs and speeches, as well as in literature.

How to Pronounce Rhetorical Question

Here's how to pronounce rhetorical question: reh- tor -ih-kuhl kwes -chun

Rhetorical Questions and Punctuation

A question is rhetorical if and only if its goal is to produce an effect on the listener, rather than to obtain information. In other words, a rhetorical question is not what we might call a "true" question in search of an answer. For this reason, many sources argue that rhetorical questions do not need to end in a traditional question mark. In the late 1500's, English printer Henry Denham actually designed a special question mark for rhetorical questions, which he referred to as a "percontation point." It looked like this: ⸮ (Here's a wikipedia article about Denham's percontation point and other forms of "irony punctuation.")

Though the percontation point has fallen out of use, modern writers do sometimes substitute a traditional question mark with a period or exclamation point after a rhetorical question. There is a lively debate as to whether this alternative punctuation is grammatically correct. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• In general, rhetorical questions do require a question mark.
• When a question is a request in disguise, you may use a period. For instance, it is ok to write: "Will you please turn your attention to the speaker." or "Can you please go to the back of the line."
• When a question is an exclamation in disguise, you may use an exclamation point. For instance, it is okay to write: "Were they ever surprised!"
• When asking a question emotionally, you may use an exclamation point. For instance, " Who could blame him!" and "How do you know that!" are both correct.

Rhetorical Questions vs. Hypophora

Rhetorical questions are easy to confuse with hypophora , a similar but fundamentally different figure of speech in which a speaker poses a question and then immediately answers it. Hypophora is frequently used in persuasive speaking because the speaker can pose and answer a question that the audience is likely to be wondering about, thereby making the thought processes of the speaker and the audience seem more aligned. For example, here is an example of hypophora used in a speech by Dwight Eisenhower:

When the enemy struck on that June day of 1950, what did America do? It did what it always has done in all its times of peril. It appealed to the heroism of its youth.

While Eisenhower asked this question without expecting an answer from his audience, this is an example of hypophora because he answered his own question. In a rhetorical question, by contrast, the answer would be implied in the question—to pose a rhetorical question, Eisenhower might have said instead, "When the enemy struck, who in their right mind would have done nothing to retaliate?"

Rhetorical Questions vs. Aporia

Rhetorical questions are also related to a figure of speech called aporia . Aporia is an expression of doubt that may be real, or which may be feigned for rhetorical effect. These expressions of doubt may or may not be made through the form of a question. When they are made through the form of a question, those questions are sometimes rhetorical.

Aporia and Rhetorical Questions

When someone is pretending doubt for rhetorical effect, and uses a question as part of that expression of doubt, then the question is rhetorical. For example, consider this quotation from an oration by the ancient Greek orator Demosthenes:

I am at no loss for information about you and your family; but I am at a loss where to begin. Shall I relate how your father Tromes was a slave in the house of Elpias, who kept an elementary school near the Temple of Theseus, and how he wore shackles on his legs and a timber collar round his neck? Or how your mother practised daylight nuptials in an outhouse next door to Heros the bone-setter, and so brought you up to act in tableaux vivants and to excel in minor parts on the stage?

The questions Demosthenes poses are examples of both aporia and rhetorical question, because Demosthenes is feigning doubt (by posing rhetorical questions) in order to cast insulting aspersions on the character of the person he's addressing.

Aporia Without Rhetorical Questions

If the expression of doubt is earnest, however, then the question is not rhetorical. An example of aporia that is not also a rhetorical question comes from the most famous excerpt of Shakespeare's Hamlet:

To be or not to be—that is the question. Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them?

While Hamlet asks this question without expecting an answer (he's alone when he asks it), he's not asking in order to persuade or make a point. It's a legitimate expression of doubt, which leads Hamlet into a philosophical debate about whether one should face the expected miseries of life or kill oneself and face the possible unknown terrors of death. It's therefore not a rhetorical question, because Hamlet asks the question as an opening to actually seek an answer to the question he is obsessing over.

Rhetorical Question Examples

Rhetorical question examples in literature.

Rhetorical questions are particularly common in plays, appearing frequently in both spoken dialogue between characters, and in monologues or soliloquies, where they allow the playwright to reveal a character's inner life.

Rhetorical Questions in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice :

In his speech from Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice , Shylock uses rhetorical questions to point out the indisputable similarities between Jews and Christians, in such a way that any listener would find him impossible to contradict:

I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is? 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? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that. If a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his humility? Revenge. If a Christian wrong a Jew, what should his sufferance be by Christian example? Why, revenge. The villainy you teach me, I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction.

Rhetorical questions in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet :

In this soliloquy from Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet , Juliet poses a series of rhetorical questions as she struggles to grasp the difficult truth—that her beloved Romeo is a member of the Montague family:

Thou art thyself, though not a Montague. What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot, Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part Belonging to a man. O, be some other name! What's in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet; So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd Retain that dear perfection which he owes Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name, And for that name which is no part of thee Take all myself.

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. In other words, rhetorical questions are great for speeches.

Rhetorical Questions in Ronald Reagan's 1980 Republican National Convention Acceptance Address:

In this speech, Reagan uses a series of rhetorical questions—referred to as "stacked" rhetorical questions—to criticize the presidency of his predecessor and running opponent, Jimmy Carter:

Can anyone look at the record of this Administration and say, "Well done"? Can anyone compare the state of our economy when the Carter Administration took office with where we are today and say, "Keep up the good work"? Can anyone look at our reduced standing in the world today say, "Let's have four more years of this"?

Rhetorical Questions in Hillary Clinton's 2016 Democratic National Convention Speech:

In this portion of her speech, Clinton argues that her opponent Donald Trump is not temperamentally fit to become president:

A president should respect the men and women who risk their lives to serve our country—including Captain Khan and the sons of Tim Kaine and Mike Pence, both Marines. So just ask yourself: Do you really think Donald Trump has the temperament to be commander-in-chief?

Rhetorical Question Examples in Song Lyrics

Love has left even the best musicians of our time feeling lost, searching for meaning, and—as you might expect—full of rhetorical questions. Musicians such as Tina Turner, Jean Knight, and Stevie Wonder have all released hits structured around rhetorical questions, which allow them to powerfully express the joy, the pain, and the mystery of L-O-V-E.

Rhetorical Questions in "What's Love Got to do with It" by Tina Turner

What's love got to do, got to do with it What's love but a second hand emotion What's love got to do, got to do with it Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken

Rhetorical Questions in "Mr. Big Stuff" by Jean Knight

Now because you wear all those fancy clothes (oh yeah) And have a big fine car, oh yes you do now Do you think I can afford to give you my love (oh yeah) You think you're higher than every star above

Mr. Big Stuff Who do you think you are Mr. Big Stuff You're never gonna get my love

Rhetorical Questions in "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder

Isn't she lovely Isn't she wonderful Isn't she precious Less than one minute old I never thought through love we'd be Making one as lovely as she But isn't she lovely made from love

Stevie Wonder wrote "Isn't She Lovely" to celebrate the birth of his daughter, Aisha. The title is a perfect example of a rhetorical question, because Wonder isn't seeking a second opinion here. Instead, the question is meant to convey the love and amazement he feels towards his daughter.

Why Do Writers Use Rhetorical Questions?

Authors, playwrights, speech writers and musicians use rhetorical questions for a variety of reasons:

• To challenge the listener
• To emphasize an idea
• To raise doubt
• To demonstrate that a previously asked question was obvious

The examples included in this guide to rhetorical questions have largely pointed to the persuasive power of rhetorical questions, and covered the way that they are used in arguments, both real and fictional. However, poets also frequently use rhetorical questions for their lyrical, expressive qualities. Take the poem below, "Danse Russe (Russian Dance)" by William Carlos Williams:

If when my wife is sleeping and the baby and Kathleen are sleeping and the sun is a flame-white disc in silken mists above shining trees,— if I in my north room dance naked, grotesquely before my mirror waving my shirt round my head and singing softly to myself: "I am lonely, lonely. I was born to be lonely. I am best so!" If I admire my arms, my face, my shoulders, flanks, buttocks against the yellow drawn shades,— Who shall say I am not the happy genius of my household?

The rhetorical question that concludes this poem has the effect of challenging the reader to doubt Williams' happiness—daring the listener to question this intimate, eccentric portrait of the poet's private world. By ending the poem in this way, Williams maintains a delicate balance. Throughout the poem, he draws the reader in and confides secrets of his interior life, but the question at the end is an almost defiant statement that he does not require the reader's approval. Rather, the reader—like the mirror—is simply there to witness his happy solitude.

Other Helpful Rhetorical Question Resources

• The Wikipedia Page on Rhetorical Questions: A general explanation with a variety of examples, as well as links to specific resources with punctuation rules.
• The Dictionary Definition of Rhetorical Question: A basic definition with some historical information.
• A detailed explanation of rhetorical questions , along with related figures of speech that involve questions.
• A video of Ronald Reagan's 1980 Republican National Convention Speech, in which he asks stacked rhetorical questions.
• An article listing the greatest rhetorical questions in the history of pop music.

• Figurative Language
• Figure of Speech
• Internal Rhyme
• Dynamic Character
• Anachronism
• Characterization
• Point of View
• Bildungsroman
• Flat Character

• Quizzes, saving guides, requests, plus so much more.

• Literary Terms

When and How to Write a Rhetorical Question

• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write a Rhetorical Question

How to Write a Rhetorical Question

It’s best not to set out with the goal of writing a rhetorical question – that’s likely to make them sound forced. Instead, just try to write naturally, just as you would speak, and notice when the rhetorical questions appear.

The exception to this is when you’re writing an aporia to transition between steps in an argument (see section 6). In this case, you should:

• Think about what question the section is trying to answer
• Then simply phrase it as a question rather than a sentence. The question should be direct so that the reader knows exactly where you’re going in the argument.

When to Use Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions are found in all forms of literature, from poetry to philosophy to history. However, there are a few places where rhetorical questions are especially helpful:

Formal Essays

• In the transitions between sections. We’ll see an example in the next section
• Introductions . A good essay should raise a question and then answer it through argument. So it can be very effective in the introduction. Raise a rhetorical question, and then use your thesis statement to answer the question.

Creative Writing

• The opening and transitions of speeches . A good speech is often structured a lot like an essay, so you might want to have the orator (speaker) begin with a rhetorical question that he or she will then go on to make a speech about.
• Opening Sentence . In writing a novel or short story, the opening sentence is often the hardest thing to write. So experiment with rhetorical questions here. Can you come up with a question that gives the reader a hint of what the story is going to be about, what its major themes are, etc.?

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Autobiography
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Figures of Speech
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website

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Rhetorical Questions: Learn What They Are and How To Use Them

You’ve probably heard of the term “rhetorical question,” but do you know what it means? And no, that’s not a rhetorical question. Don’t worry—we’ll tell you exactly what they are with easy-to-understand explanations and examples.

Rhetorical Question: Quick Summary

A rhetorical question is a question that is not meant to be answered, but is asked to make a point or create a desired effect.

Pretend you’ve worked on a puzzle for three days. You finally finished, and then your teenage brother destroys it in a second. You might ask:

• Are you crazy?

This is a rhetorical question because you aren’t expecting a response. Instead, you’re emphasizing shock or confusion (and maybe heartbreak).

If it looks like a question and sounds like a question, it must require an answer, right?

Well, no, not always.

Rhetorical questions aren’t meant to be answered. Below, we’ll explain what they are and how to use them.

What’s a Rhetorical Question?

A rhetorical question is a statement that’s formulated as a question that is not meant to be answered. Instead, it creates an effect or emphasizes a point.

Consider the following scenario: You’re watching the news with a friend and hear that someone in your town has won the lottery. You might say to your friend

Can you imagine?

It’s technically a question, but you aren’t expecting a “yes” or “no” response. Instead, the point you’re trying to make is more similar to stating “Imagine that.”

The real meaning of rhetorical questions is often implied or suggested, but not explicitly stated.

Rhetorical questions are extremely common. They can be found in everyday speech and writing, but also in literature and persuasive texts, like debates, speeches, essays, and marketing advertisements.

What Are the Different Types of Rhetorical Questions?

There are different types of rhetorical questions, with each of them serving a distinct purpose.

Hypophora (Anthypophora)

Hypophora (also known as anthypophora ) is when a speaker or writer poses a question and then immediately provides an answer to it. It engages the audience or reader by anticipating their questions and addressing them directly.

What’s the easiest way to improve our public education system? Pay teachers more.

What is the key to success in business? Forming strong relationships with your customers and clients.

How can we improve income inequality in our society? Easy—raise the minimum wage.

It should be noted that there is disagreement among scholars regarding the precise definition of hypophora and anthypophora. The Century Dictionary defines hypophora as the inquiry, while anthypophora refers to the response. Nowadays, both terms have come to encompass both the questioning and answering elements of the technique.

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. Do you not care about your education or future?

That’s horrible. How could you think such a thing?

Are you really going to let fear stop you from reaching your fullest potential?

As a rhetorical device, erotesis is asked to elicit a strong response, either in affirmation or denial, but they typically anticipate a negative response.

Do you really think it’s okay that basic healthcare is only accessible to those who can afford it?

Is it really worth it to risk your career just to impress someone?

Do you actually think it’s a good idea to stay up all night before the big exam?

How Do You Punctuate a Rhetorical Question?

That’s a good question, and one that doesn’t have a definitive answer. The punctuation used for a rhetorical question can vary depending on the context. Some options include using a question mark, period, or exclamation mark. However, some experts argue that a question mark should always be used for any type of question, whether it’s rhetorical or not.

We’d recommend punctuating rhetorical questions with a question mark.

Here’s a fun fact for you: In the 1580s, Henry Denham proposed using a reverse question mark for these particular types of questions. Known as a percontation mark , it never became standard.

Examples of Rhetorical Questions

Below, you ’ ll find several examples of rhetorical questions.

Rhetorical Questions Found in Literature

William Shakespeare often used rhetorical questions in his writing. A few of them are:

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? (Sonnet 18)

Was he not born of [ a] woman? (Macbeth)

Can one desire too much of a good thing? (As You Like It)

Common Rhetorical Questions Used in Everyday Speech

Are you kidding me?

Isn’t that the craziest thing you’ve ever seen?

Did you really think I would believe that?

Can’t you take a joke?

What’s the harm in trying?

Do you think I was born yesterday?

Who do you think you are?

Using Rhetorical Questions in Your Writing

Keep in mind that rhetorical questions can:

• Keep readers engaged.
• Draw attention to something important.
• Encourage reflection.

In short, rhetorical questions can be a powerful tool for writers to use to engage their audience and emphasize their ideas. Another great tool for writers to use is LanguageTool—a multilingual spelling and grammar checker that goes above and beyond to elevate your writing.

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9.5 Writing Process: Thinking Critically about Rhetoric

Learning outcomes.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Develop a rhetorical analysis through multiple drafts.
• Identify and analyze rhetorical strategies in a rhetorical analysis.
• Demonstrate flexible strategies for generating ideas, drafting, reviewing, collaborating, revising, rewriting, and editing.
• Give and act on productive feedback for works in progress.

The ability to think critically about rhetoric is a skill you will use in many of your classes, in your work, and in your life to gain insight from the way a text is written and organized. You will often be asked to explain or to express an opinion about what someone else has communicated and how that person has done so, especially if you take an active interest in politics and government. Like Eliana Evans in the previous section, you will develop similar analyses of written works to help others understand how a writer or speaker may be trying to reach them.

Summary of Assignment: Rhetorical Analysis

The assignment is to write a rhetorical analysis of a piece of persuasive writing. It can be an editorial, a movie or book review, an essay, a chapter in a book, or a letter to the editor. For your rhetorical analysis, you will need to consider the rhetorical situation—subject, author, purpose, context, audience, and culture—and the strategies the author uses in creating the argument. Back up all your claims with evidence from the text. In preparing your analysis, consider these questions:

• What is the subject? Be sure to distinguish what the piece is about.
• Who is the writer, and what do you know about them? Be sure you know whether the writer is considered objective or has a particular agenda.
• Who are the readers? What do you know or what can you find out about them as the particular audience to be addressed at this moment?
• What is the purpose or aim of this work? What does the author hope to achieve?
• What are the time/space/place considerations and influences of the writer? What can you know about the writer and the full context in which they are writing?
• What specific techniques has the writer used to make their points? Are these techniques successful, unsuccessful, or questionable?

For this assignment, read the following opinion piece by Octavio Peterson, printed in his local newspaper. You may choose it as the text you will analyze, continuing the analysis on your own, or you may refer to it as a sample as you work on another text of your choosing. Your instructor may suggest presidential or other political speeches, which make good subjects for rhetorical analysis.

When you have read the piece by Peterson advocating for the need to continue teaching foreign languages in schools, reflect carefully on the impact the letter has had on you. You are not expected to agree or disagree with it. Instead, focus on the rhetoric—the way Peterson uses language to make his point and convince you of the validity of his argument.

Another Lens. Consider presenting your rhetorical analysis in a multimodal format. Use a blogging site or platform such as WordPress or Tumblr to explore the blogging genre, which includes video clips, images, hyperlinks, and other media to further your discussion. Because this genre is less formal than written text, your tone can be conversational. However, you still will be required to provide the same kind of analysis that you would in a traditional essay. The same materials will be at your disposal for making appeals to persuade your readers. Rhetorical analysis in a blog may be a new forum for the exchange of ideas that retains the basics of more formal communication. When you have completed your work, share it with a small group or the rest of the class. See Multimodal and Online Writing: Creative Interaction between Text and Image for more about creating a multimodal composition.

Quick Launch: Start with a Thesis Statement

After you have read this opinion piece, or another of your choice, several times and have a clear understanding of it as a piece of rhetoric, consider whether the writer has succeeded in being persuasive. You might find that in some ways they have and in others they have not. Then, with a clear understanding of your purpose—to analyze how the writer seeks to persuade—you can start framing a thesis statement : a declarative sentence that states the topic, the angle you are taking, and the aspects of the topic the rest of the paper will support.

Complete the following sentence frames as you prepare to start:

• The subject of my rhetorical analysis is ________.
• My goal is to ________, not necessarily to ________.
• The writer’s main point is ________.
• I believe the writer has succeeded (or not) because ________.
• I believe the writer has succeeded in ________ (name the part or parts) but not in ________ (name the part or parts).
• The writer’s strongest (or weakest) point is ________, which they present by ________.

Drafting: Text Evidence and Analysis of Effect

As you begin to draft your rhetorical analysis, remember that you are giving your opinion on the author’s use of language. For example, Peterson has made a decision about the teaching of foreign languages, something readers of the newspaper might have different views on. In other words, there is room for debate and persuasion.

The context of the situation in which Peterson finds himself may well be more complex than he discusses. In the same way, the context of the piece you choose to analyze may also be more complex. For example, perhaps Greendale is facing an economic crisis and must pare its budget for educational spending and public works. It’s also possible that elected officials have made budget cuts for education a part of their platform or that school buildings have been found obsolete for safety measures. On the other hand, maybe a foreign company will come to town only if more Spanish speakers can be found locally. These factors would play a part in a real situation, and rhetoric would reflect that. If applicable, consider such possibilities regarding the subject of your analysis. Here, however, these factors are unknown and thus do not enter into the analysis.

Introduction

One effective way to begin a rhetorical analysis is by using an anecdote, as Eliana Evans has done. For a rhetorical analysis of the opinion piece, a writer might consider an anecdote about a person who was in a situation in which knowing another language was important or not important. If they begin with an anecdote, the next part of the introduction should contain the following information:

• Author’s name and position, or other qualification to establish ethos
• Title of work and genre
• Author’s thesis statement or stance taken (“Peterson argues that . . .”)
• Brief introductory explanation of how the author develops and supports the thesis or stance
• If relevant, a brief summary of context and culture

Once the context and situation for the analysis are clear, move directly to your thesis statement. In this case, your thesis statement will be your opinion of how successful the author has been in achieving the established goal through the use of rhetorical strategies. Read the sentences in Table 9.1 , and decide which would make the best thesis statement. Explain your reasoning in the right-hand column of this or a similar chart.

The introductory paragraph or paragraphs should serve to move the reader into the body of the analysis and signal what will follow.

Your next step is to start supporting your thesis statement—that is, how Octavio Peterson, or the writer of your choice, does or does not succeed in persuading readers. To accomplish this purpose, you need to look closely at the rhetorical strategies the writer uses.

First, list the rhetorical strategies you notice while reading the text, and note where they appear. Keep in mind that you do not need to include every strategy the text contains, only those essential ones that emphasize or support the central argument and those that may seem fallacious. You may add other strategies as well. The first example in Table 9.2 has been filled in.

When you have completed your list, consider how to structure your analysis. You will have to decide which of the writer’s statements are most effective. The strongest point would be a good place to begin; conversely, you could begin with the writer’s weakest point if that suits your purposes better. The most obvious organizational structure is one of the following:

• Go through the composition paragraph by paragraph and analyze its rhetorical content, focusing on the strategies that support the writer’s thesis statement.
• Address key rhetorical strategies individually, and show how the author has used them.

As you read the next few paragraphs, consult Table 9.3 for a visual plan of your rhetorical analysis. Your first body paragraph is the first of the analytical paragraphs. Here, too, you have options for organizing. You might begin by stating the writer’s strongest point. For example, you could emphasize that Peterson appeals to ethos by speaking personally to readers as fellow citizens and providing his credentials to establish credibility as someone trustworthy with their interests at heart.

Following this point, your next one can focus, for instance, on Peterson’s view that cutting foreign language instruction is a danger to the education of Greendale’s children. The points that follow support this argument, and you can track his rhetoric as he does so.

You may then use the second or third body paragraph, connected by a transition, to discuss Peterson’s appeal to logos. One possible transition might read, “To back up his assertion that omitting foreign languages is detrimental to education, Peterson provides examples and statistics.” Locate examples and quotes from the text as needed. You can discuss how, in citing these statistics, Peterson uses logos as a key rhetorical strategy.

In another paragraph, focus on other rhetorical elements, such as parallelism, repetition, and rhetorical questions. Moreover, be sure to indicate whether the writer acknowledges counterclaims and whether they are accepted or ultimately rejected.

The question of other factors at work in Greendale regarding finances, or similar factors in another setting, may be useful to mention here if they exist. As you continue, however, keep returning to your list of rhetorical strategies and explaining them. Even if some appear less important, they should be noted to show that you recognize how the writer is using language. You will likely have a minimum of four body paragraphs, but you may well have six or seven or even more, depending on the work you are analyzing.

In your final body paragraph, you might discuss the argument that Peterson, for example, has made by appealing to readers’ emotions. His calls for solidarity at the end of the letter provide a possible solution to his concern that the foreign language curriculum “might vanish like a puff of smoke.”

Use Table 9.3 to organize your rhetorical analysis. Be sure that each paragraph has a topic sentence and that you use transitions to flow smoothly from one idea to the next.

As you conclude your essay, your own logic in discussing the writer’s argument will make it clear whether you have found their claims convincing. Your opinion, as framed in your conclusion, may restate your thesis statement in different words, or you may choose to reveal your thesis at this point. The real function of the conclusion is to confirm your evaluation and show that you understand the use of the language and the effectiveness of the argument.

In your analysis, note that objections could be raised because Peterson, for example, speaks only for himself. You may speculate about whether the next edition of the newspaper will feature an opposing opinion piece from someone who disagrees. However, it is not necessary to provide answers to questions you raise here. Your conclusion should summarize briefly how the writer has made, or failed to make, a forceful argument that may require further debate.

For more guidance on writing a rhetorical analysis, visit the Illinois Writers Workshop website or watch this tutorial .

Peer Review: Guidelines toward Revision and the “Golden Rule”

Now that you have a working draft, your next step is to engage in peer review, an important part of the writing process. Often, others can identify things you have missed or can ask you to clarify statements that may be clear to you but not to others. For your peer review, follow these steps and make use of Table 9.4 .

• Quickly skim through your peer’s rhetorical analysis draft once, and then ask yourself, What is the main point or argument of my peer’s work?
• Highlight, underline, or otherwise make note of statements or instances in the paper where you think your peer has made their main point.
• Look at the draft again, this time reading it closely.
• Ask yourself the following questions, and comment on the peer review sheet as shown.

The Golden Rule

An important part of the peer review process is to keep in mind the familiar wisdom of the “Golden Rule”: treat others as you would have them treat you. This foundational approach to human relations extends to commenting on others’ work. Like your peers, you are in the same situation of needing opinion and guidance. Whatever you have written will seem satisfactory or better to you because you have written it and know what you mean to say.

However, your peers have the advantage of distance from the work you have written and can see it through their own eyes. Likewise, if you approach your peer’s work fairly and free of personal bias, you’re likely to be more constructive in finding parts of their writing that need revision. Most important, though, is to make suggestions tactfully and considerately, in the spirit of helping, not degrading someone’s work. You and your peers may be reluctant to share your work, but if everyone approaches the review process with these ideas in mind, everyone will benefit from the opportunity to provide and act on sincerely offered suggestions.

Revising: Staying Open to Feedback and Working with It

Once the peer review process is complete, your next step is to revise the first draft by incorporating suggestions and making changes on your own. Consider some of these potential issues when incorporating peers’ revisions and rethinking your own work.

• Too much summarizing rather than analyzing
• Too much informal language or an unintentional mix of casual and formal language
• Too few, too many, or inappropriate transitions
• Illogical or unclear sequence of information
• Insufficient evidence to support main ideas effectively
• Too many generalities rather than specific facts, maybe from trying to do too much in too little time

In any case, revising a draft is a necessary step to produce a final work. Rarely will even a professional writer arrive at the best point in a single draft. In other words, it’s seldom a problem if your first draft needs refocusing. However, it may become a problem if you don’t address it. The best way to shape a wandering piece of writing is to return to it, reread it, slow it down, take it apart, and build it back up again. Approach first-draft writing for what it is: a warm-up or rehearsal for a final performance.

Suggestions for Revising

When revising, be sure your thesis statement is clear and fulfills your purpose. Verify that you have abundant supporting evidence and that details are consistently on topic and relevant to your position. Just before arriving at the conclusion, be sure you have prepared a logical ending. The concluding statement should be strong and should not present any new points. Rather, it should grow out of what has already been said and return, in some degree, to the thesis statement. In the example of Octavio Peterson, his purpose was to persuade readers that teaching foreign languages in schools in Greendale should continue; therefore, the conclusion can confirm that Peterson achieved, did not achieve, or partially achieved his aim.

When revising, make sure the larger elements of the piece are as you want them to be before you revise individual sentences and make smaller changes. If you make small changes first, they might not fit well with the big picture later on.

One approach to big-picture revising is to check the organization as you move from paragraph to paragraph. You can list each paragraph and check that its content relates to the purpose and thesis statement. Each paragraph should have one main point and be self-contained in showing how the rhetorical devices used in the text strengthen (or fail to strengthen) the argument and the writer’s ability to persuade. Be sure your paragraphs flow logically from one to the other without distracting gaps or inconsistencies.

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What Is a Rhetorical Question? Definition and Examples

Gary Waters/Getty Images

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Performance and Feminist Studies, University of California San Diego
• M.F.A., Creative Writing, Antioch University-Los Angeles
• B.A., Theatre/Writing, Barnard College

“It’s 107 degrees outside. Can you believe it?” a friend asks you on a sweltering summer day.

Do you feel the need to answer the question? Probably not. That's because your friend asked you a rhetorical question: a question asked for effect or emphasis that requires no answer. In this instance, your friend's question simply served to emphasize the intensity of the heat.

A rhetorical question is a question that requires no reply, either because the answer is obvious or because the asker already knows the answer. Rhetorical questions are generally used to draw a contrast, persuade the audience, make the listener think, or direct the reader’s attention to an important topic.

We use rhetorical questions in conversation every day: "Who knows?" and "Why not?" are two common examples. Rhetorical questions are also used in literature, usually to emphasize a particular idea or persuade the audience of a point.

Types of Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions are used everywhere from casual conversation to formal works of literature. While their content is wide-ranging, there are three primary types of rhetorical questions that everyone should know.

• Anthypophora/Hypophora .  ​​ Anthypophora is a literary device in which the speaker asks a rhetorical question and then answers it herself. Though sometimes the terms “anthypophora” and “hypophora” are used interchangeably, they have a subtle difference. Hypophora refers to the rhetorical question itself, while anthypophora refers to the response to the question (generally provided by the original questioner). Example : "After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die." —E.B. White,  Charlotte’s Web
• Epiplexis. Epiplexis is an interrogative figure of speech, and a persuasive tactic, in which the speaker uses a series of rhetorical questions to expose the flaws in the opponent’s argument or position. In this case, the questions being asked don’t require answers because they are not being used to secure a response, but rather as a mode of argument-via-questioning. Epiplexis is confrontational and reproachful in tone. Example : “When, O Catiline, do you mean to cease abusing our patience? How long is that madness of yours still to mock us? When is there to be an end of that unbridled audacity of yours, swaggering about as it does now?” —Marcus Tullius Cicero, “Against Catiline”
• Erotesis . Erotesis, also known as erotema, is a rhetorical question to which the answer is profoundly obvious, and to which there is a strongly negative or affirmative reply. Example : “Another thing that disturbs me about the American church is that you have a white church and a Negro church. How can segregation exist in the true Body of Christ?"—Martin Luther King, Jr., "Paul's Letter to American Christians”

Literary Examples of Rhetorical Questions

In literature, political speech, and drama, rhetorical questions are used for stylistic purposes or to demonstrate a point for the sake of emphasis or persuasion. Consider the following examples of how rhetorical questions are used effectively in literature and rhetoric.

Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” Speech

Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?

Rhetorical questions are often used in the context of public speaking or persuasive arguments in order to confront the audience or get them thinking. Sojourner Truth , a formerly enslaved woman who later became a renowned abolitionist speaker and courageous human rights activist, delivered this iconic speech in 1851 at the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio.

What’s the answer to Truth’s question? Of course, it’s a resounding yes. “Obviously, she’s a woman,” we think—yet, as she demonstrates, she isn’t afforded the rights and dignity offered to other women. Truth uses a recurring rhetorical question here in order to drive home her point and strike a stark contrast between the status she is given as an African American woman and the status enjoyed by other women during her time.

Shylock in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice

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? (3.1.58–68)

Characters in Shakespeare’s plays frequently use rhetorical questions in soliloquies, or monologues delivered straight to the audience, as well as in persuasive speeches to one another. Here, Shylock, a Jewish character, is speaking to two anti-Semitic Christians who have mocked his religion.

As in Truth’s speech, the answers to the rhetorical questions Shylock asks are obvious. Certainly, Jews, like everyone else, bleed, laugh, die, and avenge their wrongs. Shylock points out the other characters’ hypocrisy, as well as how he’s being dehumanized, by humanizing himself—here, with the help of a series of rhetorical questions.

“Harlem” by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?

Langston Hughes’ short, sharp poem “Harlem” also serves as the prologue for Lorraine Hansberry’s famous play, A Raisin in the Sun, setting the scene for the disappointments and heartbreak to follow onstage .

The series of rhetorical questions in Hughes’ poem are poignant and persuasive. The narrator asks the reader to pause and reflect on the aftermath of a lost dream and a broken heart. Posing these reflections as rhetorical questions, rather than statements, requires the audience to provide their own internal “answers” about their personal losses and evokes a nostalgic pang of soul-deep pain.

• erotesis (rhetoric)
• Stasis Theory in Rhetoric
• Elenchus (argumentation)
• An Introduction to Rhetorical Questions
• Rhetorical Move
• Anthypophora and Rhetoric
• Figures of Speech: Epiplexis (Rhetoric)
• expeditio (elimination)
• An Introduction to Declarative Questions
• Thesis: Definition and Examples in Composition
• Hypophora (Rhetoric)
• Definition and Examples of Dialectic in Rhetoric
• epimone (rhetoric)
• sentence fragment
• Understanding Percontation Punctuation Marks

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How to use Rhetorical Questions in your Speech, with Examples

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.

What is a rhetorical question?

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.

• The question may have an obvious answer
• The question may not have an answer
• The question may be answered immediately by the questioner

Examples of rhetorical questions

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:

• Are you kidding me?
• Can birds fly?
• Is the Pope catholic?

Rhetorical questions which have no answers:

• What’s the meaning of life?
• How many times do I have to tell you not to…?

Examples from Obama and Shakespeare

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

Benefits of rhetorical questions

Rhetorical questions are not a necessity but they can be valuable. They can be used in many different ways to:

• Engage the audience
• Increase the variety of your presentation
• Influence and persuade the audience
• Subtly draw attention and emphasise specific points
• Introduce topics/ideas
• Make the listeners think about certain topics

How to use rhetorical questions in a speech

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.

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. Persuade the audience

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?”

4. Evoke emotions

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.”

5. Emphasise a statement

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?”

6. Predict the audiences questions

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.

7. Answer questions with questions

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.

8. Consecutive rhetorical questions

– 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.

What Is a Rhetorical Question? Definition & 10+ Examples

“Can a question be more than just a question?” You may have encountered this thought-provoking idea before — rhetorical questions . These questions play a significant role in rhetoric, the art of persuasion and communication.

While most questions seek answers, rhetorical questions are different; their purpose is to make a point, provoke thought, or emphasize a statement.

Throughout this article, we’ll delve into the definition and various examples of rhetorical questions, exploring their effectiveness in communication and discovering how best to use them in your everyday language.

Table of Contents

What Is a Rhetorical Question?

A rhetorical question is a figure of speech used to make a point or evoke a specific response, rather than seeking an answer. It is a tool often employed in writing and speaking as a means of engaging the audience and provoking thought.

Rhetorical questions can serve various purposes, such as emphasizing a point, challenging assumptions, or encouraging reflection.

Example : One might ask, “Is the Pope Catholic?” This rhetorical question implies that the answer is obvious and serves to emphasize a point, rather than genuinely seeking a response.

Brief Historical Background

Rhetorical questions have been part of human language for centuries.

A well-known figure who utilized rhetorical questions was Socrates, an ancient Greek philosopher. He used this technique during conversations to encourage critical thinking and engage his audience.

Through the Socratic method , individuals were motivated to question their beliefs and gain deeper understanding.

Rhetoric and Language

Rhetoric is the art of effective communication, both in writing and speech. It often involves the use of rhetorical devices, which are techniques that help to persuade or impact an audience.

Rhetorical questions are one such device, as they invite the reader or listener to consider a point or provoke thought.

Figurative language is a key component of rhetoric, as it adds depth and creativity to the communication. This includes figures of speech such as metaphors , similes , and personification , which allow for richer expression and understanding.

Example : A politician might use a rhetorical question to emphasize their point, such as asking:

This question is meant to get the audience thinking and create a shared sense of urgency.

In the realm of language and communication, rhetorical questions are merely the tip of the iceberg. There are several other rhetorical devices that speakers and writers frequently employ to add flair, emphasis, and impact to their words.

These include:

Alliteration

This device involves the repetition of the same sound, usually a consonant, at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. It’s often used to create a poetic rhythm or to draw attention to a particular phrase.

Example : An iconic one is the tongue twister “She sells seashells by the seashore.” The repetition of the ‘s’ sound not only makes the phrase memorable but also pleasurable to say and hear.

This is a figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or dramatic effect. Hyperbolic statements are not meant to be taken literally, but rather to underscore the intensity of a particular feeling or situation.

Example : When someone says, “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse,” they’re not planning on consuming an entire horse. Rather, they’re expressing an extreme level of hunger in a humorous and exaggerated way.

Irony is a sophisticated rhetorical device where the intended meaning of a statement is the opposite of what is actually said. Often used to inject humor or sarcasm, irony can highlight the absurdity or incongruity of a situation.

Example : Consider the statement:

Here, the speaker is ironically pointing out the listener’s inability to multitask effectively.

While these rhetorical devices can add depth, color, and emotive power to your speech or writing, it’s crucial to use them judiciously. Your audience and the context in which you’re communicating should guide your choice of rhetorical tools.

Effective communication is a fine art, requiring a balance between creativity and clarity, between the figurative and the literal.

So, as you explore these powerful rhetorical devices, use them skillfully, deliberately, and with a keen awareness of their potential effect on your audience.

Types of Rhetorical Questions

Hypophora is a type of rhetorical question where the speaker asks and answers their own question. This technique helps engage the audience and emphasize a point. For example:

Anthypophora

Anthypophora is similar, but the answer is presented as a counter-argument to the question. Example:

Epiplexis is a rhetorical question that seeks to express disapproval or disappointment. It is often used to challenge or criticize. Example:

This type of question is effective in highlighting a flaw or problem without directly stating it.

Erotesis is a rhetorical question that conveys strong emotion. It is often used to express frustration or sarcasm. Example:

This question can also intensify feelings or create a dramatic effect in a speech or text.

Aporia is a rhetorical question that presents doubt or uncertainty. It is often used to persuade the audience to think deeper about the topic. Example:

Using aporia encourages reflection, which can lead to a more engaging and thought-provoking conversation.

The Purpose Behind the Question

Rhetorical questions serve a crucial purpose in communication. They are persuasive devices that allow the speaker or writer to provoke thought and stimulate emotion in the audience.

These questions do not require an answer, but rather aim to create an emotional or mental effect within the listener or reader.

To Evoke Emphasis and Emotion

One key purpose of a rhetorical question is to create an emotional impact. It can draw the audience in by evoking feelings such as surprise, curiosity, or even a sense of debate.

Example 1: Asking, “Can you imagine a world without poverty?” triggers the reader’s emotions and encourages reflection on the topic at hand.

Example 2: A speaker might ask:

This question highlights the complexity and intensity of human emotions.

To Create Persuasive Arguments

Another primary goal of rhetorical questions is to persuade. They are often used in persuasive writing as a way to emphasize a point or increase the persuasiveness of an argument.

By posing a rhetorical question, the audience is compelled to consider the speaker’s position or argument.

Example 1: Consider the statement:

Such a question is designed to persuade the audience to think about the consequences of environmental neglect.

Example 2: In a debate about climate change, a speaker might ask:

This prompts the audience to consider the consequences of inaction.

To Contribute to Thought-Provoking Discourse

In more casual settings, rhetorical questions can serve as an opportunity to make communication more engaging and thought-provoking. They can invite the audience to think more deeply about the subject at hand.

Example 1 : During a conversation about work-life balance, one might ask:

Such questions challenge the listener to examine their values and priorities.

The Psychological Impact: How Rhetorical Questions Shape Perception

Rhetorical questions are impactful. They engage the audience’s emotions and encourage them to think. These questions invite self-reflection, making listeners more receptive to the speaker’s message.

By sparking curiosity, rhetorical questions pique the audience’s interest, increasing attentiveness.

Examples of rhetorical questions include:

• “Isn’t it about time we took climate change seriously?”
• “Can you imagine a world without hunger?”

These statements lead the audience to consider possible answers, invoking emotions such as concern, inspiration, or disbelief.

Examples of Rhetorical Questions

Shakespeare’s use of rhetorical questions.

William Shakespeare often used rhetorical questions in his works to emphasize a point or create dramatic effect.

• Romeo and Juliet

In Romeo and Juliet , he employed this device when Juliet asks, “What’s in a name?”.

This rhetorical question portrays the insignificance of the family feud between the Montagues and Capulets, and Juliet’s desire to defy societal expectations.

• The Merchant of Venice

Another example from Shakespeare is found in The Merchant of Venice . Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, uses a rhetorical question when he asks, “Hath not a Jew eyes?” .

This question challenges the audience to rethink their own prejudices, highlighting how labels and stereotypes dehumanize people.

Below are other examples of literature:

• Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities : “Is it worth no more?”
• Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice : “How can you talk so?”

Famous Speeches and their Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions can be powerful tools for persuasion, and many notable speakers have used them in their speeches.

Sojourner Truth: A Rhetorical Question for Women’s Rights

Sojourner Truth, a renowned African American abolitionist and women’s rights activist, employed a rhetorical question in her famous speech, Ain’t I a Woman? .

By asking this question, Truth effectively conveys the message that she, as a black woman, deserves the same rights as men and white women.

Percy Bysshe Shelley: Hope Through Rhetorical Questions

Another example comes from the poem Ode to the West Wind by Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Through rhetorical questions like, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” , the poet encourages readers to remain hopeful during difficult times, as brighter days are just around the corner.

Langston Hughes: Reflecting on Dreams Deferred

Langston Hughes, an acclaimed American poet of the Harlem Renaissance, also utilized rhetorical questions in his poem, Dream Deferred . Hughes ponders:

By asking this question, he invites readers to reflect on the consequences of delaying the realization of one’s dreams and aspirations due to societal pressures or discrimination.

Self-Referential Rhetorical Questions

Self-referential rhetorical questions are those that refer to the question itself:

• “Why bother asking?”
• “Aren’t I just being pedantic?”
• “Does this question really need an answer?”

Rhetorical Questions in Everyday Conversation

Rhetorical questions are versatile and can adapt to various situations:

• Introduce topics: “Isn’t it a beautiful day?”
• Express emotions: “How could you not feel angry?”
• Challenge beliefs: “Don’t you think change is overdue?”

Rhetorical Questions in Various Contexts

Debate and discourse.

In debates and discourses, rhetorical questions are often used as a strategic tool to engage the audience and provoke thought. They lead listeners to critically examine the speaker’s argument, making it more compelling.

Example : A speaker might ask, “What would happen if we let poverty continue to rise unchecked?”

This question encourages the audience to envision the negative consequences without the speaker explicitly stating them.

Persuasive Writing

In persuasive writing, rhetorical questions are an effective way to persuade readers to adopt a certain viewpoint or take a specific action. They’re used to evoke an emotional response or create a sense of shared experience.

Example : An article advocating for animal rights might ask, “How can we claim to be a kind society when we turn a blind eye to animal cruelty?”

This rhetorical question highlights shared values and encourages readers to consider their stance on the issue.

Religion and Philosophy

Rhetorical questions are common in religious and philosophical texts, where they encourage contemplation and critical thinking. These questions often involve existential themes or ethical dilemmas.

Example : The question “Is there meaning in suffering?” might appear in a philosophical discussion about the nature of life and hardship.

Such questions guide readers or listeners to consider deeper aspects of the human experience.

Rhetorical Questions in Real Life

Rhetorical questions are frequently used in diverse fields to engage audiences.

In politics, they prompt reflection, often challenging established views.

Example : Politicians may ask, “Do we really want a future without clean air?” to emphasize environmental concerns.

In literature, rhetorical questions can evoke emotions or thoughts, creating a richer experience for the reader. Shakespeare, for instance, used them effectively, as in Hamlet’s famous soliloquy:

Marketing often leverages rhetorical questions to pique interest in products or services.

Advertisements might ask, “Tired of slow internet speeds?” to identify with potential customers’ frustrations.

Educational settings also benefit from rhetorical questions, as they catalyze critical thinking and student engagement.

Teachers might ask, “What if the Earth were closer to the sun?” to spark curiosity and facilitate discussion.

Their Impactful Role in These Fields

The use of rhetorical questions in these fields can substantially impact the audience’s perception.

• In politics, they generate debate and encourage voters to consider politicians’ perspectives.
• Literature employs rhetorical questions, creating memorable moments and inviting introspection.
• Marketing capitalizes on rhetorical questions’ persuasive potential, steering consumers toward making purchasing decisions.
• In education, rhetorical questions serve as an effective teaching tool, fostering active participation and critical analysis.

For example:

• Politics : Rhetorical questions can influence public opinion and support policy proposals.
• Literature : Well-crafted rhetorical questions can create emotional resonance and contribute to the success of a literary work.
• Marketing : Rhetorical questions can stimulate consumer curiosity, leading to increased brand engagement.
• Education : Utilizing rhetorical questions can foster a deeper understanding of subject matter among students.

Punctuation and Grammar

Question mark usage.

A rhetorical question is a tool used to make a point or emphasize an idea, rather than expecting an answer. In terms of punctuation, the question mark serves to indicate that the sentence is, indeed, framed as a question.

Rhetorical questions typically use the same grammar structure as regular questions. However, when crafting a rhetorical question, the focus is on creating a statement that highlights the argument or claim you are discussing.

Example : Consider the rhetorical question:

In this instance, the structure follows standard question formatting, using inversion with the auxiliary verb “does.” But, the primary function of this sentence is to emphasize the popularity or appeal of sales, not to genuinely ask for an answer.

When it comes to sentences incorporating rhetorical questions, they often appear within more complex sentence structures. You may find a rhetorical question embedded within a longer sentence, separated by commas.

Here, the rhetorical question serves as an embedded thought within a broader context.

It is essential to use question marks accurately when posing rhetorical questions, as they help convey the intended meaning and tone, despite the absence of any expectation of an actual response.

How to Use Rhetorical Questions: Speech and Writing

Tip 1: keep it relevant.

Rhetorical questions should be closely related to the topic being discussed. Irrelevant questions can confuse or distract the audience.

Tip 2: Be Clear and Concise

Use simple language and avoid asking overly complicated or wordy questions. Clarity helps the audience better understand and engage with your point.

Tip 3: Use Rhetorical Questions Sparingly

Overusing rhetorical questions can make your speech or writing feel repetitive and tiresome. Limit their use to key moments or points for maximum impact.

Tip 4: Create Anticipation or Provoke Thought

A well-crafted rhetorical question can guide the audience toward a certain conclusion or encourage them to think more deeply about a subject.

Tip 5: Use Appropriate Tone

The tone of your rhetorical question should match the overall tone of your speech or writing. Strive for a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear voice.

Some practical examples:

• In a persuasive speech, one might ask, “Do we really want a future where our children can’t safely play outside?” This question effectively emphasizes your point about environmental concerns.
• In an article about the benefits of exercising, you can ask, “What’s stopping you from taking those 30 minutes a day to invest in your health?”

Remember to use rhetorical questions in a way that enhances your message and engages your audience.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively utilize this powerful tool in your speech or writing.

Benefits and Disadvantages

Advantages of rhetorical questions.

Rhetorical questions can serve as a persuasive device when used correctly. They engage the audience’s attention and encourage them to think about the topic at hand.

By posing a question, the speaker can draw attention to facts or ideas that might otherwise be overlooked.

Example : A politician asking “Do we really want to deprive our children of proper education funding?” can evoke emotion and concern from the audience.

Additionally, rhetorical questions can simplify complex issues, allowing readers or listeners to see the essence of a problem more easily.

Potential Drawbacks

Despite their power as a persuasive tool, rhetorical questions also have potential disadvantages. Overusing this device can cause readers or listeners to become disengaged or even annoyed by the constant questioning.

Furthermore, rhetorical questions may sometimes lack clarity, causing confusion or misinterpretation.

In some cases, a rhetorical question might unintentionally invite counterarguments, weakening the intended message.

Example : Asking “Why would we need more funding for education? ” could prompt some individuals to argue that current funding is sufficient or that resources should be allocated elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do rhetorical questions enhance persuasive writing.

Rhetorical questions can strengthen persuasive writing by:

• Encouraging engagement: Prompting readers to think about the topic. • Emphasizing a point: Making the argument more powerful. • Establishing authority: Showcasing the writer’s knowledge.

What distinguishes rhetorical questions from typical questions?

• Purpose: Rhetorical questions imply an answer, while typical questions seek information. • Tone: Rhetorical questions often convey irony, doubt, or sarcasm. • Response: Rhetorical questions rarely require an answer, while typical questions generally do.

Rhetorical questions serve as powerful tools in communication by engaging the audience and provoking thought. These devices can enhance speeches, writing, and everyday conversations.

Remember to use rhetorical questions wisely and sparingly to avoid overwhelming or confusing your audience. But, when used effectively, these questions can elevate your message and make it more memorable.

So, are you ready to change the way you communicate?

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Jessa Claire

• English Grammar
• Figures Of Speech
• Rhetorical Question

Rhetorical Question - Meaning, Definition, How to Form, Usage and Examples

Questions are normally asked to exact an answer, but there are questions that do not expect answers. What type of questions are they? They are rhetorical questions. Let us learn the meaning and definition of rhetorical questions and how they are formed and used in various contexts in this article. Read through the examples given to have a clearer understanding of the same.

Table of Contents

What is a rhetorical question – meaning and definition, how to form rhetorical questions, anthypophora, examples of rhetorical questions from literature.

• Examples of Rhetorical Questions from Movies

Examples of Rhetorical Questions Used in Everyday Communication

Check your understanding of rhetorical questions, frequently asked questions on rhetorical questions.

A rhetorical question is a figure of speech which takes the form of an interrogative sentence . The only difference it has from an interrogative sentence is that it does not look to derive any answer. The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines a rhetorical question as one that is “asked only to make a statement or to produce an effect rather than to get an answer”. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms defines a rhetorical question as “a question asked for the sake of persuasive effect rather than as a genuine request for information, the speaker implying that the answer is too obvious to require a reply”.

If a question does not need to be answered, is it a question at all? Why does it not need to be answered? That is because the answer is mostly obvious. Sometimes, the question is sarcastic, hence means the opposite. Such a question is meant to create a better effect than a normal sentence would do. These are the points you ought to bear in mind when forming a rhetorical question.

Take a look at the following section and understand the types of rhetorical questions.

Types of Rhetorical Questions

There are three main functions of rhetorical questions – engage the audience by posing a question and providing them with the answer, emphasise something, and evoke a reaction. The types of rhetorical questions are also based on these three functions. Let us look at each of these in detail.

The practice of asking a question to oneself and answering it immediately is termed anthypophora.

For example:

• What was I thinking? I guess I was not.

Hypophora or rogatio is a figure of speech in which one raises a question and answers it. Hypophora is often confused with anthypophora as both are similar. The only difference is that anthypophora is a question one asks oneself, as in a soliloquy or a monologue, whereas hypophora is a question asked to the reader or listener but answered by the writer/speaker themselves.

What is our role in causing global warming? The overuse of vehicles. Well, can we stop using our vehicles for transportation? No.

Questions used to admonish or rebuke someone or something and not to elicit any answers are said to provide the effect called epiplexis.

Were you even thinking when you signed the nomination forms?

A form of rhetorical question that is used to deny or affirm something strongly is termed erotesis.

Don’t you want to get somewhere in life?

Examples of Rhetorical Questions

Looking at multiple examples will help you comprehend the kind of effect produced by rhetorical questions. Analyse them and use the figure of speech in your speech and writing too.

• “Was this the face that launched a thousand ships

And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?” (‘Dr. Faustus’ by Christopher Marlowe)

• “For what can war but endless war still breed?” (‘Sonnet 15: Fairfax, whose name in arms through Europe rings” by John Milton)
• “Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?

Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find

Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,

Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;

Or on a half-reap’d furrow sound asleep” (‘To Autumn’ by John Keats)

• “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” (‘Ode to the West Wind’ by Percy Bysshe Shelley.
• “How now, Cordelia? Mend your speech a little,

Lest you may mar your fortunes.” (‘King Lear’ by William Shakespeare)

Examples of Rhetorical Questions from Movies, TV Shows and Songs

In the following example, you will see a series of rhetorical questions followed by an answer. All these questions are meant to create an effect and set the emotion.

“Do you ever feel like a plastic bag

Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin

Like a house of cards, one blow from cavin’ in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep?

Six feet under screams, but no one seems to hear a thing

Do you know that there’s still a chance for you?

‘Cause there’s a spark in you

You just gotta ignite the light.” (‘Firework’ – a song by Katy Perry)

The following lines are part of a song called ‘The Next Right Thing’ from the movie ‘Frozen 2’. There are two rhetorical questions in these – ‘Can there be a day beyond this night?’ and ‘How to rise from the floor, when it’s not you I’m rising for?’.

“Can there be a day beyond this night?

I don’t know anymore what is true

I can’t find my direction, I’m all alone

The only star that guided me was you

How to rise from the floor

When it’s not you I’m rising for?

Just do the next right thing

Take a step, step again

It is all that I can to do

The next right thing.”

In the TV show F.R.I.E.N.D.S., there is a scene where Ross goes to a tanning salon to get a tan just like his sister Monica did. The situation goes awry when he counts wrongly. Later, he comes back to the apartment and complains to Chandler about the mishap, to which Chandler replies sarcastically with the use of a rhetorical question.

Ross: “I went to the tanning place your wife suggested!”

Chandler: “Was that place the Sun?”

In the movie, ‘Aladdin’, Aladdin rubs the lamp and Genie makes his appearance, but Aladdin does not seem to have any idea of what’s going on. Genie then proposes a series of rhetorical questions as he is not able to fathom the thought that Aladdin knows nothing about him, the magic lamp or that he can fulfil his wishes.

“You really don’t know who I am? Genie? Wishes? Lamp? None of that ringing a bell?”

In the movie, ‘The Little Mermaid’, the song ‘Part of Your World’ has multiple rhetorical questions. It is an expression of all that Ariel (the Little Mermaid) thinks of her life under the sea and her longing to live on land.

“Isn’t it neat?

Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete?

Wouldn’t you think I’m the girl

The girl who has everything?”

“When’s it my turn?

Wouldn’t I love, love to explore that shore up above?”

• Is that really your plan? Climb down the terrace?
• Do you want to be late for school?
• How is it even possible to find it now?
• Am I not the one who has it all?
• Have you ever stood up for yourself? This is your chance.

Identify whether the following sentences are interrogative sentences or rhetorical questions.

1. Don’t you think she looks pretty?

2. What would I do without you?

3. Will we ever find our way out of here?

4. How many people would be attending the reception?

5. What is it that’s disturbing me? I do not know.

6. Where is the railway station?

7. What was your question?

8. Who would say no to a million dollars?

9. Have you ever thought about what would happen if this continues? Don’t you want to live longer on this planet?

10. Can you help me?

You can check the answers given below to find out if you have identified the rhetorical questions correctly.

1. Don’t you think she looks pretty? – Interrogative sentence

2. What would I do without you? – Rhetorical question

3. Will we ever find our way out of here? – Rhetorical question

4. How many people would be attending the reception? – Interrogative sentence

5. What is it that’s disturbing me? I do not know. – Rhetorical question

6. Where is the railway station? – Interrogative sentence

7. What was your question? – Interrogative sentence

8. Who would say no to a million dollars? – Rhetorical question

9. Have you ever thought about what would happen if this continues? Don’t you want to live longer on this planet? – Rhetorical question

10. Can you help me? – Interrogative sentence

What is a rhetorical question?

A rhetorical question is an interrogative sentence that does not require an answer. It is only meant to create an impact and not necessarily to derive an answer.

What is the difference between an interrogative sentence and a rhetorical question?

The only difference a rhetorical question has from an interrogative sentence is that it does not look to derive any answer.

What is the definition of a rhetorical question?

The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines a rhetorical question as one that is “asked only to make a statement or to produce an effect rather than to get an answer”. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms defines a rhetorical question as “a question asked for the sake of persuasive effect rather than as a genuine request for information, the speaker implying that the answer is too obvious to require a reply”.

Give 3 examples of rhetorical questions.

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Rhetorical Question Examples

Is the sky blue? Do pigs fly? Do dogs woof? Rhetorical question examples for empowering ELA teachers

More content, what is a rhetorical question, the purpose of rhetorical questions in casual conversations, how to write a rhetorical question, rhetorical question examples in speeches and essays, rhetorical question flashcards, rhetorical question examples in literature.

A rhetorical question is asked without expecting an answer or when the answer is obvious. Rhetorical questions are generally either questions that don't have an answer, or they have very obvious and easy answers. Like most types of figurative language , a rhetorical question has multiple uses, but usually, it is a tool to help persuade an audience, to emphasize a point, or for humor.

Rhetorical questions are common in everyday conversation but are also used in more formal situations, particularly in speeches and persuasive essays. They are less common in formal academic writing, although you may sometimes encounter them there as well. In addition, you will see rhetorical questions in literature.

There are many different reasons you might use rhetorical questions in casual conversations.

When You Want to Express Surprise

Sometimes, rhetorical question examples have an obvious answer, and sometimes they don't need to be answered at all. Rhetorical questions to show your surprise could be to start a debate, stir up trouble, or start a conversation. These aren't questions with an answer, at least not a clear one.

• Are you kidding me?
• Are you crazy?
• Why bother?
• Are you serious?

Rhetorical Questions to Make a Point

Want to make a point? Or drive an important point home so the person you're speaking to gets it; try one of these.

• Do you want to get us in trouble?
• Do you want to be a failure in life?
• Do you think money grows on trees?
• Can my day get any worse?
• Can you go any slower?

To Point Out An Obvious Answer

Do pigs fly? Is water wet? These are all rhetorical question examples. They have obvious answers because, of course, water is wet, and nope, sorry, pigs don't fly. These rhetorical questions, also called rhetorical affirmations, can be used to talk about facts or to emphasize a point. The answers could also be suggested from context clues.

• Are you excited about your vacation?
• Is rain wet?
• Can dolphins swim?
• Is the pope a Catholic?
• Kids grow up, don't they?

Here are a few more rhetorical question examples that are common in everyday usage:

• What am I going to do?
• How could you not see this coming?
• What's not to like?

Rhetorical questions can also be a way of introducing a subject. You might use this in casual conversation. It's also a format you may have heard comedians use to start a joke. These are usually cues for agreement, but the main purpose is setting up the topic you want to discuss. Usually, the person asking it goes straight into the story after asking the question, although there might be nods or other signs of agreement from the audience. Just remember that rhetorical questions provoke thought.

• Don't you hate when your car is making a weird noise, and then you take it to a mechanic, and it stops making it?
• You know when you go to the doctor, and they ask you to wait even though you have an appointment?
• Have you ever had one of those veggie burgers that costs twice as much as anything else on the menu and has half as much flavor?
• It’s hard to explain puns to kleptomaniacs because they always take things literally.
• What do batteries run on?

Politicians and important speakers use rhetorical questions all the time, that's because a rhetorical question asks the audience to think about something important, often to take action or vote in a certain way. Here are some examples.

Is this the kind of people we are? The rhetorical question here aims to turn the audience's attention upon themselves and make them search for their consciences.

Who do we want to be as a people and a nation? This invites listeners to reflect on the question and the nature of how they see themselves and their country.

Can we allow this to continue?

The writer is trying to persuade readers that something currently happening is wrong.

Often a rhetorical question is used to persuade, influence, or change something. Look at these rhetorical question examples on flashcards; each has a specific purpose.

"What day is it?" Is this a rhetorical question?

No. This question has a specific answer, so it's not a rhetorical question.

What does a rhetorical question do?

A rhetorical question provokes thought. The question will most likely have an obvious answer or no answer that is used for emphasis. Here are some examples.

• What do we actually hope to achieve?
• Is it just because it's the way we've always done things?

"What time do you call this?" Is this a rhetorical question?

Yes. This question is a rhetorical question because it doesn't have an obvious answer and is used to emphasize the speaker's point.

Rhetorical questions are not just for conversation, speeches and essays. You'll see them in poems and stories as well. Writers love to give their readers something to think about or reflect on, so what better way than using rhetorical question examples? Leaving a question unanswered allows the reader time to spend time thinking. Here are some examples:

• A love poem might include a line like this: has there ever been a face so lovely as yours?
• You might encounter a rhetorical question in a story with a first-person narrator, in dialogue, or in a character's thoughts: Wasn't I just as important as everyone else in the family? Didn't I deserve the same consideration? Was I not just as vulnerable to despair as the rest of them?
• Here's a rhetorical question that might be posed by the story's narrator or a character. Note that the question does not ask for exact numbers but invites the reader to reflect on the question without expecting an answer: How many had already died in pursuit of this ideal, and how many more would follow them?
• "Am I a coward? Who calls me a villain?" - Hamlet by William Shakespeare. We're not expected to answer, but with this rhetorical question, we observe how Hamlet feels.
• "Will no one tell me what she sings?" - The Solitary Reaper by William Wordsworth. Again no answer is necessary, but William Wordsworth uses a rhetorical question to emphasize his surprise.

Got a question about a rhetorical question? See if we've answered it here.

What is a rhetorical question?

Why use rhetorical questions in speech?

What is the purpose of rhetorical strategy?

Are rhetorical questions figurative language?

Before you go...

A rhetorical question can be a powerful literary device when you are trying to persuade your audience of something. It can be combined with other literary devices , such as hyperbole or irony , to drive your point home even more effectively. Recognizing and understanding its function can make your own writing stronger.

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Can I Use Rhetorical Questions in an Essay (Quick Answer)

by  Antony W

November 1, 2021

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.

Given the diversity and flair they add in writing, and the extent to which the engage readers to consider and hypothesize what they just read, can you really use rhetorical questions in an essay or should you avoid them completely?

Can I Use Rhetorical Questions in an Essay?  

It’s not advisable to use rhetorical questions in an essay. While they are perfect for helping you come to grip with the essay topic in question, they’re not useful for the person reading the essay. 

You could include them in the essay as indirect questions, but the best approach is to rephrase the questions into statements or not use them at all. 

To understand why teachers hate rhetorical questions in essays, it’s important to look at the difference between creative and essay writing.

As you can see from the table above, rhetoric questions seek to spark excitement and suspense, which is the exact opposite of what academic writing is all about.

To take this even further, below are reasons why you shouldn’t use rhetorical question in academic writing.

1. Rhetorical Questions Add Unnecessary Words to an Essay 

You don’t have much writing real estate when writing an essay. With a tight word count limit, rhetorical equations are an obvious waste of resources.

Again, questions don’t tell a story, describe your claim, or defend your argument in an essay. And rightly so, they tend to leave readers with more questions than answers. 

2. Rhetorical Questions Introduce Redundancy 

You might think for the moment that rhetorical questions are good for introducing a point. But isn’t it better to get to the point?

Besides, we don’t think that essay readers, from college admissions committee to professors who have dozens of argumentative essays to review even have the patience to read questions you present.

The issue here is rhetorical questions introduce redundancy in the essay, taking up the space that you have otherwise used to explain an idea or an issue better.

Instead of filling the essay with questions, which may leave the reader unsure, go straight to the point and make your ideas clear . 

3. Rhetorical Questions Accost Readers 

Academic writing isn’t your place to ask questions because they change the tone and perspective of an essay just as quickly.

They are passive in form. In other words, using them in academic writing means you’re asking your readers to do the thinking and reflection for you

When you change from answering readers’ most important questions on an issue to questioning them instead, you accost them. Readers don’t appreciate when you aggressively demand something from them.

4. Rhetorical Questions Make Lousy Assumption that a Reader Knows 

While you’re welcome to use rhetorical questions in improving your creative writing , you shouldn’t do in academic writing.

Often with rhetorical questions, writers tend to assume that the audience already know the answer, which may not exactly be the case.

Since we don’t know if a reader knows the answer to a question, it’s best to express the question as a statement or else you risk being misunderstood.

Think about it:

Your instructor gave you an essay assignment because they want to see how you answer the question. In other words, they’re looking for answers, evidence, and arguments to your claim (position). They neither want to be entertained nor left in suspense.

How to Ask Rhetorical Question in an Essay?  

While we generally don’t recommend using rhetoric questions in an essay, there’s one exception to this rule. You can use rhetorical questions:

In the Title of an Essay 

It’s tempting to use rhetorical questions in an essay because they draw in the attention of the reader.

However, they can’t be effective in the body section of the essay, and we’ve already told you why. 

So if you feel the urge to use rhetorical questions, use it as a title for the essay.

In the Introduction of an Essay 

You may use it in the introduction provided you answer the question in the argument.

Notice here that you have to answer the question, not leave the reader to answer it for you.

An effective way to implement this literary device would be to ask the question in the opening paragraph and then use the thesis statement to answer the question before you get to the body part of the essay .

In Argumentative Essays 

Rhetorical questions can be good for persuading a reader to think or act in a certain way. As such, you may use them in writing argumentative essays .

If used correctly, such a question can often strengthen the magnitude of a claim and solidify your position.

However, you really shouldn’t include this kind of writing in your argument or persuasive essay unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Even if you feel like the rhetorical question would sound a lot more readable or convincing, it would be best to rephrase them in complete statements.

Get Essay Writing Help 

With all that said, feel free to get in touch with  Help for Assessment writers  if you need assistance with your essay writing.

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.