AureliaeLacrimae Posted January 24, 2015 Report Posted January 24, 2015 RHETORICAL QUESTIONSThe rhetorical question is interrogative in structure, but has the force of a strong assertion. The speaker does not expect an answer. There are two main types of rhetorical questions: I. yes-no questionsII. wh-questionsI. RHETORICAL YES-NO QUESTIONS1. A positive rhetorical yes-no question is like a strong negative assertion: Is that a reason for despair? (Surely that is not a reason...), Can anyone doubt the wisdom of this action? (Surely no one can doubt...)2. while a negative rhetorical yes-no question is like a strong positive one: Isn't the answer obvious? (Surely the answer is obvious.), Haven't you got anything better to do? (Surely you have sth better to do.)II. RHETORICAL WH- QUESTIONS 1. The positive question is equivalent to a statement in which the wh-element is replaced by a negative element: Who knows/cares? (Nobody knows/cares.) or What difference does it make? (It makes no difference.)2. The less common negative question is equivalent to a statement in which the wh-element is replaced by a positive element: Who doesn't know? (Everybody knows.) ECHO QUESTIONSEcho questions repeat part of all of what has been said. 1. someone seeks confirmation: A: I'll pay for it. B: You'll what?2. someone ask for clarification:A: Anna fell. B: Who fell?EXCLAMATORY QUESTIONSThe exclamatory question is interrogative in structure, but has the force of an exclamation. Typically it's a negative yes-no question with a final falling instead of rising tone: Hasn't she grown! Quote
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