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French rhetorical questions: eight argument-writing questions

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated · About the library

Test what a French rhetorical question implies, which premise it assumes and how to support its answer. Eight questions with detailed explanations.

In short

A rhetorical question guides the reader towards an implied answer. Follow it with a reason the reader can inspect: Comment préparer une activité si les créneaux restent inconnus ? Les groupes ont besoin de connaître les horaires pour s’organiser.

Yellow the idea to rememberBlue French to learn

A small community group planning an activity around a table in a French meeting room, blank papers and stacked chairs nearby; no calendars clocks or diagrams.
Known horaires help a group organise its activity. Illustration: Atelier
Read the question in its paragraph
QuestionWhat the writer does nextLikely role
Combien de créneaux sont disponibles ?Lists the available times.Requests or introduces factual information.
À quoi servirait un calendrier publié après les activités ?Explains why groups need advance notice.Highlights the need for earlier publication.

The same question can have a different role in another exchange. Here, look at the wording and the sentence that follows. For each item, choose the reading or revision that fits the supplied context.

  1. Question 1No account needed
    A paragraph asks À quoi servirait un calendrier publié après les activités ? and argues for earlier publication. What answer does it invite?

    Choose one answer.

    Answer and explanation

    A calendar needs to arrive in time to help people plan.. The contrast between a calendar and its late arrival makes timing the issue. The implied answer supports advance publication.

  2. Question 2No account needed
    Identify the premise in Pourquoi le nouveau règlement exclut-il tous les petits groupes ?

    Choose one answer.

    Answer and explanation

    All small groups are excluded.. The question asks for the reason for an exclusion it already presents as happening to all small groups.

  3. Question 3No account needed
    The extent of any exclusion is still being examined. Which question keeps that issue open?

    Choose one answer.

    Answer and explanation

    Quels groupes le règlement risque-t-il d’écarter, et pour quelles raisons ?. The third question asks about the possible scope and reasons. The first two present general exclusion as established.

  4. Question 4No account needed
    Choose the follow-up that develops Comment préparer une activité si les créneaux restent inconnus ?

    Choose one answer.

    Answer and explanation

    Les groupes doivent connaître les créneaux pour réserver une salle et prévenir les participants.. The second sentence explains the practical link between advance information and organising an activity.

  5. Question 5No account needed
    What does N’est-il pas temps de publier un calendrier ? usually invite the reader to accept in a paragraph calling for action?

    Choose one answer.

    Answer and explanation

    The calendar should now be published.. In this context, the negative question presses for action and invites agreement that publication is due.

  6. Question 6No account needed
    Replace Comment organiser les activités sans horaires connus ? with a direct statement that preserves its point.

    Choose one answer.

    Answer and explanation

    Les groupes ont besoin de connaître les horaires pour organiser les activités.. The first statement makes the planning requirement explicit. It preserves the argument without adding a new outcome.

  7. Question 7No account needed
    A report says Le planning sera publié le 2 juin. The writer asks Pourquoi les groupes n’auront-ils jamais accès aux horaires ? What needs revision?

    Choose one answer.

    Answer and explanation

    The assumption that access will never be possible. The report gives a publication date. Jamais creates an absolute claim that conflicts with that information.

  8. Question 8No account needed
    A writer uses a loaded question. Which comment analyses the wording itself?

    Choose one answer.

    Answer and explanation

    La question présente l’exclusion de tous les petits groupes comme un fait acquis.. The third comment identifies the premise carried by the question. The other options attribute private attitudes to the writer.

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