EXCLAMATORY QUESTIONS
An exclamatory question is characterised by the following:
– They have an interrogative form
– According to the meaning, they are an exclamatory assertion
– They have a falling tone
There are two types of exclamatory questions according to the orientation of the question: a positive question or a negative question. However, both show a positive assertion (and they both have a falling intonation):
A positive form indicates a positive assertion.
Am I hungry!
A negative form also indicates a positive assertion.
Wouldn't it be lovely!
RHETORICAL QUESTIONS
Rhetorical questions have an interrogative form, but they do not demand an answer. Although they have the form of a question, they are used with the meaning of a strong assertion. Two types:
· YES-NO rhetorical questions
They are characterised because they have a rising intonation. They can also have a different assertion according to the orientation of the question.
– A positive question has a negative assertion.
Is that a reason for despair?
– A negative question has a positive assertion.
Haven't you got anything better to do?
· WH- rhetorical questions
They are characterised because they have a rise-fall tone or falling tone. They can also have a different assertion according to the orientation of the question.
– A positive question has a negative assertion. It is equivalent to a statement in which the wh- element is replaced by a negative element. (Rising intonation)
What SHOULD I do? (There is nothing that I should do)
Who KNOWS? (Nobody knows)
ECHO QUESTIONS
Echo questions repeat part of what has been said. They do not have interrogative form, but they have a rise-fall tone. They are used in two main situations:
1. When the speaker wants to show interpersonal involvement.
– I had to do three exams
– Three exams?
2. For confirmation or clarification.
– Take a look at this
– A look at what?
Echo exclamations are also possible:
– I'm going to London
– To London!
