What is a Rhetorical Question?

By WR!TERS@WORK

Did You Think We Were Never Going to Ask a Rhetorical Question?

A rhetorical question is not a question – rather, it is posed to make a point. There are no prizes for answering a rhetorical question, as it is often used to persuade the reader of the main point of the essay. This is especially relevant when writing argumentative essays. Why miss the opportunity of using rhetorical questions when they have so much persuasive power? WRITERS AT WORK will help you explore what rhetorical questions mean, why we use them in our essays, and the various types of rhetorical questions that primary and secondary school students in Singapore can use to enrich their English composition writing!

What is a Rhetorical Question?

Using a rhetorical question is like asking a question that is not a question. A rhetorical question is said or written to make a point – it is not about getting an answer from the audience. Don’t get us wrong – a rhetorical question is still a question which ends in a question mark – it is just asked primarily for effect. The most common setting in which a rhetorical question is used is in persuasive writing. However, it can also be used to great effect when someone is delivering a speech.

Depending on how the rhetorical question is asked, it can be used to emphasise a point, call on the audience to consider a topic, or lend intrigue to the argument the writer is trying to make. The answer to a rhetorical question is usually very obvious, but sometimes, the answer to a rhetorical question may be impossible to figure out, making it an open-ended question.

What Are the Different Types of Rhetorical Questions?

1. Asking a Question Only to Answer it Immediately

A rhetorical question may be asked not for the audience to answer it, but for you to immediately answer it in your next sentence. This allows you to address a question immediately, calling the reader to a clear issue which has been signposted to the reader using the rhetorical device.

Examples:

“So, what’s the big deal about recycling, anyway?”

“Why should you believe me? Well, I’ll give you three good reasons why.”

“And if we don’t change something soon, what’s going to become of us? Well, nothing.”

2. Asking a Question to as a Form of Admonishment or Challenge

This could be an instance when you may have done something wrong, then trying to explain yourself to your parents only to have your parents hissing back, “How dare you talk back to me?” It would not be a very prudent course of action to answer her rhetorical question with: “Why yes, mother, I do dare talk back to you. I was only trying to explain my-” because it would be a rather short-lived response.

Examples:

“Who wouldn’t want a stable job?”

“How could you? How dare you do that?”

“Can’t you see what’s happening? Can’t you see it in front of your eyes?”

3. Asking a Question to Get a Strong Agreement or Rejection

A rhetorical question can be asked in such a way that it elicits a strong reaction, either getting people to agree with you totally or disagree completely. This is used to stoke anger or strong emotions from the reader, usually by asking a question which people will say, “NO!” to.

Examples:

“Do you want the other team to win?”

“Are you going to sit here and take this lying down?”

“Will you lose? Or are you going to stand up and fight?”

How Should English Students Use Rhetorical Questions in Their Writing?

“Schools should teach practical skills such as cooking and managing our finances.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

(O Level Composition Question 2023)

Many students often bemoan having to absorb so much information during their schooling life. One common complaint is that schools never teach anything useful, and that after they are done with all their major exams, they can forget about everything they have learned. However, schools should be more than just a place to learn knowledge in theory. School should prepare you for real life by teaching you skills that you need to have to survive as an adult, such as cooking and personal finance. After all, shouldn’t everyone learn how to be independent?

WRITERS AT WORK teachers are always enthusiastic to shed light on the English language, like what the different types of rhetorical questions might be and how to use them in your essay. Remember that using a technique should not feel forced – it should come naturally to both the writer and reader – something that WRITERS AT WORK students will learn in deciding judiciously whether something is appropriate to be used in their essays or, when and where to use them, if at all. Well, after reading so much about rhetorical questions, what’s not to like about them?

Master the English Language with WRITERS AT WORK!

English is a compulsory subject which all students must undertake. However, mastering the English language is not something which happens overnight – it takes consistent practice and effort to learn the nuances of the language. Students must read more and practice writing to gradually improve. Cramming for a language subject nearer to the exams is an impossible feat. After all, Rome was not built in a day! Attaining such a skill will have positive implications for not only your child’s education in school, but also employment prospects in future.

At WRITERS@WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your child sitting for their English exams. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write well, your child will learn how to present their thoughts and arguments in a coherent and concise manner. W@W reinforces your child’s language skills and provides a strong foundation for their academic success, keeping up with all aspects of their progress both inside and outside of the classroom to nurture them holistically. For more information about how W@W makes a difference, feel free to explore our website and watch our YouTube videos!

If you are interested in our primary English tuition and secondary English tuition in Singapore, WRITERS@WORK has expanded to 9 convenient locations. To find the nearest location that suits your needs, please explore our options. If you have any inquiries regarding our range of programs or class schedules, please feel free to contact WRITERS@WORK!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Is Creative Writing Good for Kids?

Creative writing is good for children as it teaches them how to use their imagination. Children have a vivid imagination and will enjoy coming up with different storylines and characters. Through the use of creative writing, children can express themselves using the English language, which is also good for their emotional development and maturity.

2. What are Good Creative Writing Topics?

A good start is to write about what you know. Students can start by writing about things that are familiar to them, such as school or family. Then, students can move on to more complex topics, requiring them to use their imagination about events which would be unlikely to happen in real life, such as a fairytale or an adventure story. Older students can write descriptive essays about being in a situation or about more abstract concepts, such as regret.

3. How to Begin a Story?

A good story should have just the right amount of exposition to illuminate the setting and the characters for the reader without giving away the entire plot. The story should begin where it is relevant, and the general gist of the situation should be outlined. The writer should know how to move the plot along from where they start easily, and the story should flow logically.

4. What are the Basic Steps in Creative Writing?

A good first step would be to plan out the story – it is important that the story follows a Plot Curve which has a logical sequence of events and a clear conclusion. The main and supporting characters should be clear – there should not be a whole village of characters – just enough to further the plot. Moreover, the central conflict of the story should be clear.