Think about this question:

Do you really think robots can take over the world?

“Think about this question: Do you really think robots can take over the world?

• “What do you notice about that question?”

• “Does it sound like I expect an answer?”

Point Out:
→ It’s not a real question. It’s a rhetorical question used to make a point.

What is a Rhetorical Question?

A rhetorical question is a question asked to make a point, not to get an answer.

Examples:

• “Who doesn’t love weekends?”

• “Isn’t technology amazing?”

• “Do we really want machines replacing humans?”

What is a Rhetorical Question?

• “Who doesn’t love weekends?”

• “Isn’t technology amazing?”

• “Do we really want machines replacing humans?”
  Which of these questions do you think needs an answer?
  Why do people use this kind of question?

Answer: None of them really expect answers — they are used to emphasize ideas.

What is a Rhetorical Question?

• “Who doesn’t love weekends?”

• “Isn’t technology amazing?”

• “Do we really want machines replacing humans?”
  Which of these questions do you think needs an answer?
  Why do people use this kind of question?

Answer: None of them really expect answers — they are used to emphasize ideas.

Difference Between “Answer” and “Emphasize Ideas” in Rhetorical Questions

Difference Between “Answer” and “Emphasize Ideas” in Rhetorical Questions

Example Question

“What time is it?” → expects a real answer (e.g., “It’s 9 a.m.”).

“Do you think money grows on trees?” → no real answer expected; emphasizes the idea that money is not easy to get.

Use in Writing or Speech

Everyday conversation, when you need facts or information.

Essays, speeches, debates — to persuade, engage, or emphasize an opinion.

Response Needed?

✅ Yes, someone should reply.

❌ No, it’s used to make the audience reflect or agree emotionally.

Why Writers Use Rhetorical Questions

• Functions:

  1. 🎣 To catch the reader’s or listener’s attention.

  2. 💬 To make a statement without directly saying it.

  3. 💡 To encourage the audience to think or reflect.

  4. 💪 To strengthen arguments or opinions.

• Example:

  “Could AI systems end up taking over the world?”
  → The writer doesn’t expect an answer — it makes the reader think about the risks of AI.

Let’s Practice: Spot the Rhetorical Question!

• Read these sentences:

  1. Do you know what time it is?

  2. Can money buy happiness?

  3. How many times have I told you to stop?

  4. What do you think of this movie?

• Task:
  👉 Discuss with your partner: Which of these are rhetorical?
  👉 Why?

Let’s Practice: Spot the Rhetorical Question!

Let’s Practice: Spot the Rhetorical Question!

(2) Can money buy happiness? → Rhetorical

• This question isn’t really asking if money can literally buy happiness.

• The speaker already knows the answer — it’s “No”.

• It’s used to make people think or emphasize a belief (that money alone doesn’t make people happy).

• 👉 Purpose: to express an idea or opinion, not to get information.

“Find it in the Text!”

Workbook 60-61