Rhetorical purpose
⏱ ~3-min readAceMark Guide
What this topic is really about
An 'insert a sentence' question requires you to find the best position for a given sentence in the passage.. This question type tests your understanding of text cohesion by requiring you to place a pre-written sentence into the most logical position in the passage.
In the TOEFL iBT, a prose summary question requires test-takers to identify the major points that capture the overall meaning of the text. Option A is incorrect because you do not write your own summary; instead, you select pre-written options that best represent the main ideas.
See the mechanism
Rhetorical questions are used to make a point or engage the reader's interest, rather than to obtain a factual answer. Trace the diagram above to fix how the pieces of Rhetorical purpose fit together.
An exam-style question, fully explained
A "rhetorical question" in a passage is asked:
- Identify what the question tests: A "rhetorical question" in a passage is asked:.
- Rhetorical questions are used as a stylistic device to make a point or engage the reader's interest rather than to elicit a response.
- Option A is incorrect because the author does not expect the reader to provide an actual, factual answer to the question.
- Why it matters: Rhetorical questions are used to make a point or engage the reader's interest, rather than to obtain a factual answer. The author does not expect the reader to provide an actual response, but rather to consider the question as a way to emphasize or illustrate a point. This literary device is used to add depth and complexity to the text.
Traps the examiner sets
- Some readers may mistakenly assume that rhetorical questions are meant to be answered, or that they are used to confuse or test the reader. However, their purpose is actually to enhance the text's persuasive or engaging qualities.
- Some test-takers may confuse this question with one that requires them to write their own sentence or rewrite an existing one, but the correct answer is to find the best position for the given sentence.
- Option A is incorrect because the author does not expect the reader to provide an actual, factual answer to the question.
- Option A is incorrect because test-takers do not write their own sentences; they only place a sentence provided by the exam.
- Option C is incorrect because examples are intended to reinforce the author's points rather than contradict or undermine the established thesis.
Test your recall
Answer each from memory — you'll see instantly whether you're right and why.
Run a focused 10-question mini-mock on Rhetorical purpose and see it stick.
Practice more of this topic →