Here's a breakdown:
Characteristics:
* Doesn't require an answer: The speaker already knows the answer, or the answer isn't the point.
* Makes a statement: The question serves to express an opinion or feeling.
* Engages the audience: It makes the audience think about the topic and potentially agree with the speaker.
Examples:
* "Is the sky blue?" (The answer is obvious, but it emphasizes the point that the sky is indeed blue.)
* "Do you want to live in a world without clean water?" (The question provokes the listener to think about the importance of clean water.)
* "Are we just going to stand by and let this happen?" (This question encourages the audience to take action.)
Uses:
* To emphasize a point: "Don't you think it's unfair?"
* To provoke thought: "What would you do in that situation?"
* To engage the audience: "Can you imagine what it would be like?"
* To add humor: "Does a bear s**t in the woods?"
* To create suspense: "Who could have done such a thing?"
In essence, rhetorical questions are powerful tools for communication that can make your writing or speech more engaging and impactful.