rhetorical
part of speech
adjective (rhetorical; adverb rhetorically); noun (rhetoric, uncountable)
meaning for a pupil
1) A rhetorical question is a question asked to make a point or for effect, not to get an answer: «Who wants to live in a world without trees?» tree →
2) (formal) Rhetorical means to do with the art of speaking or writing in a way that persuades or impresses people. tree →
sense in the lessons
In English lessons on persuasive writing and speeches, rhetorical questions make the reader think and agree: «Isn't it time we did something?» Pupils find and use them alongside the rule of three and repetition. In everyday life, «Do you know what time it is?» from a cross parent can be rhetorical — no answer needed. In the formal voice, «rhetoric» can mean fancy speech that may hide a lack of real action. Phrases: «rhetorical question», «rhetorical device», «empty rhetoric».
examples
- "Who would want to drop litter in such a beautiful park?" is a rhetorical question. tree →
- Add a rhetorical question to your persuasive letter. tree →
- "Do you think I'm made of money?" Dad asked — it was rhetorical. tree →
- The speaker used rhetorical tricks to excite the crowd. tree →
- Don't answer that, it was a rhetorical question! tree →
- Is the sky blue? That's rhetorical — of course it is. tree →
note
Say it "ri-TOR-i-kal". A rhetorical question still ends with a question mark. Noun: «rhetoric» (RET-or-ik). Answering a rhetorical question from an angry adult can sound cheeky.
In the corpora
- Persuasive techniques include reasons in order, strong words, exaggeration and rhetorical questions.
- A rhetorical question is asked for effect and doesn't expect an answer, like «Surely you agree?»
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «rhetorical» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.