Which of the following is a rhetorical question?

a. do birds fly?

b. did you know that birds have big brains?

c. when do birds start migrating south for the winter?

d. how many species of birds are there?

A. Do birds fly?

Rhetoric is a literary device used to pose the idea of initiating or engaging in a conversation. A rhetorical question does not have a direct answer to the question; however, its end purpose is to put forward an open platform for engaging in a discussion of the ongoing topic. Rhetorical questions are employed in many forms throughout English literature. It might be employed in the form of a negative assertion, which becomes impossible for a speaker to give a direct answer. Rhetorical questions are accompanied by proper punctuation, in order to make them grammatically correct.  

Further Explanation:

Usually, it can also be used to putting forward one’s views or opinions on the topic being discussed. For example, the above question, ‘Do birds fly?’ invites debate on whether the sky is actually blue, and presents a platform for the speakers to put forward their respective opinions. Thus, rhetorical questions are often argumentative in nature, or simply just put forward the opinions of the speakers. Instead, a justification could be provided followed by an explanation. The negative rhetorical questions might also be used in a positivist context in case of satire and sarcasm. Rhetorical questions, when used as metaphors, are used to imply the obvious nature of the subject in question and are often used in a humorous connotation. Rhetorical statements are used to express doubt or to conclude the ongoing debate about a particular topic.  

Learn more:

1. What was the impact of political and legal ideas contained in Justinian's code?

2. Which similar challenge did china and japan face following the Sino-Japanese war?

Answer Details:

Grade: High School

Chapter: How to use rhetorical questions.

Subject: English

Keywords:

Rhetoric, literary device, negative connotation, argument, debate, implied answers, metaphor.

breathe, think and analyze the situation, pull them aside and talk to them about it