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Rhetorical statements How do you make rhetorical statements? The context is, your friend asks you something and you realize you don't know it. The friend asks you why you don't know, you'll check it out later but now you should say something to the friend. 1. I don't know what I don't know. 2. I say I don't know something that I don't know. 3. What's wrong with saying I don't know something that I don't know? Which one makes sense?
Sep 21, 2010 5:49 AM
Answers · 16
1
To answer with rhetorical statement: How should I know? Am I Einstein? Did I ever tell you I was a genius? All of them questions that aren't really questions
September 21, 2010
1
A rhetorical statement is actually a rhetorical question that plays the role of a statement in that it is not meant to be answered. A rhetorical question is a figure of speech -- a tool used in writing to emphasize a point or to present a challenge. An effective rhetorical question will serve as a call to action. It will challenge your readers to think for themselves. This type of question is frequently used by writers as part of their stylistic approach, but is considered off limits in many forms of essay writing.
September 21, 2010
You can just say: How should I know? / Am I supposed to know? "Why should I be expected to know?" is another rhetorical question but shows impatience or rudeness. "Don't ask me." is just a reply to the question your friend asked, but it does not only mean that you don't know the answer to the question but also you are annoyed you've been asked. http://www.innocentenglish.com/funny-dumb-quotes-questions-sayings/funny-stupid-questions.html
September 21, 2010
Thanks a lot, Nancy! Johar, your answer did help me and I really appreciate it. I just thought you should clarify the source in your answer according to italki policy.
September 21, 2010
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