A rhetorical question is a type of question that is asked for effect rather than to elicit an answer. It often emphasizes a point or provokes thought, making the audience consider the implications of the question. For example, asking, "Isn't it time we took action?" encourages listeners to reflect on the urgency of a situation without expecting a direct response. Rhetorical questions are commonly used in speeches, literature, and everyday conversation. They can create a dramatic effect or highlight a particular argument. By engaging the audience, rhetorical questions can enhance communication and make messages more memorable, as seen in the works of famous speakers like Martin Luther King Jr..