What are rhetorical questions used for?

Rhetorical questions are used to pose questions for effect rather than to elicit direct answers. They are often employed in speeches, persuasive writing, and literary works to provoke thought, emphasize a point, or engage the audience emotionally. By asking a question that doesn’t necessarily require an answer, the speaker or writer can highlight a particular argument or notion, inviting the audience to consider the implications of the statement being made. This technique can make the message more compelling and memorable.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of rhetorical questions. Asking for information is a straightforward inquiry, while creating dialogue in a story pertains more to character interactions and narrative flow. Summarizing an argument involves condensing points made rather than enhancing the discourse through impactful questioning.