Final answer:
In an essay, a rhetorical question is commonly used as part of the author's argumentative strategy to engage readers and emphasize a point, establishing the essay's tone and theme without expecting an actual response.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an essay, a rhetorical question is typically a part of the author's argumentative strategy. Such questions are used to engage the reader and to emphasize a point, without the expectation of an actual response. Rhetorical questions often have no definitive answer, or the answer is implied within the context of the argument.
Rhetorical questions can serve multiple purposes: they may establish the tone and theme of the essay, create a dramatic effect to capture the audience's attention, or encourage readers to think critically about the subject matter. This technique falls under the umbrella of rhetorical devices that authors employ to persuade or convey messages effectively.
For instance, in analyzing a text, an essay might incorporate a provocative rhetorical question such as "What allows society to dismiss the needs of the less fortunate?" The ensuing discussion does not seek to find a direct answer to this query but instead uses it as a springboard to explore underlying societal issues.