Final answer:
The author uses rhetorical questions to engage readers, set the tone, and invite them to consider the importance of the subject being discussed. These questions also challenge conventional expectations and establish the author's credibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author begins an article with two rhetorical questions to engage the reader and prompt them to think about the subject at hand actively. This technique is powerful in establishing the tone and theme of the piece, as well as in making the reader curious about the author's position on the matter. Rather than seeking direct answers, these rhetorical questions serve to invite the reader to see the relevance of the subject, encourage participation in the discourse, and set the stage for the writer to present a well-considered argument or exposition.
By asking rhetorical questions, the author can also potentially challenge conventional expectations in a rhetorically effective way, suggesting a critical approach to the topic. Furthermore, considering what the audience knows and needs to know, rhetorical questions can introduce the issue in an engaging manner, establish credibility, and influence readers through effective presentation of evidence.