GE L12 Unit 5 (rhetorical question)

Unit 5
rhetorical question

Global English level 12

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

Aspect	Answer	Emphasize Ideas
Meaning	A real question expects someone to reply or give information.	A rhetorical question does not expect an answer — it is used to make the listener think or feel strongly about something.
Purpose	To get information.	To highlight or stress a point (to make the idea stronger).

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!

#	Sentence	Rhetorical?	Why
1	Do you know what time it is?	❌ No	It asks for real information.
2	Can money buy happiness?	✅ Yes	Used to express an idea or opinion.
3	How many times have I told you to stop?	✅ Yes	Used to express frustration or emotion.
4	What do you think of this movie?	❌ No	Asks for someone’s real opinion.

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.

Multiple Choice

1. What is a rhetorical question?

• A. A question used to express emotion or make a point

• B. A question that needs a specific answer

• C. A question used only in exams

• D. A question that confuses people

Multiple Choice

2. Which sentence is a rhetorical question?

A. What time is your class?
B. Can you help me with this homework?
C. Isn’t this painting beautiful?
D. Where is the nearest bookstore?

• A. What time is your class?

• B. Isn’t this painting beautiful?

• C. Can you help me with this homework?

• D. Where is the nearest bookstore?

Multiple Choice

3. Why do writers or speakers use rhetorical questions?

• A. To ask for facts

• B. To fill time in a speech

• C. To make listeners think deeply

• D. To confuse the audience

Multiple Choice

4. Which of the following is not a rhetorical question?

• A. Can money buy happiness?

• B. How many times have I told you to stop?

• C. Who cares about what they think?

• D. C. What did you eat for breakfast?

Multiple Choice

5. “Who doesn’t love holidays?” — What does the speaker mean?

• A. They truly don’t know who loves holidays

• B. They want to know your answer

• C. They mean everyone loves holidays

• D. They are asking for names

“Find it in the Text!”

Workbook 60-61