During a training session the instructor directs a question to the entire group to promote thinking. The question is not intended to elicit an oral response. This is an example of a

• A. Direct question
• B. Open-ended question
• C. Rhetorical question
• D. Probing question

Answer: (C)

Promoting thinking without expecting a spoken answer is typical of a rhetorical question. A rhetorical question is used to make the group consider a point or emphasize an idea rather than to solicit actual responses. In this scenario, the instructor directs the question to the whole group to stimulate thinking but does not intend for anyone to answer aloud, which fits the purpose of a rhetorical question. Direct questions expect a specific answer from someone, open-ended questions invite discussion and multiple responses, and probing questions seek deeper detail from a respondent.