What type of question can be used to persuade by making a statement seem obvious?

A rhetorical question is crafted to make a statement seem obvious or self-evident, often leading the audience to consider the answer as clear without the need for a response. It typically does not require or expect an actual answer; rather, it emphasizes a point or provokes thought, guiding the audience toward a specific conclusion. For instance, asking "Isn't it time we started taking climate change seriously?" implies that the answer is a resounding 'yes,' thereby persuading the audience by reinforcing a common belief or feeling.

In contrast, a leading question suggests a particular answer by its phrasing but doesn’t inherently allow the questioner to express a desirable conclusion as clearly as a rhetorical question does. Hypothetical questions are primarily designed to explore possibilities without asserting what is obvious. Clarifying questions aim to gain more information or clarification on a point rather than to persuade or reinforce an opinion. Thus, the strength of the rhetorical question lies in its ability to subtly lead the audience to a desired conclusion by stating what seems universally accepted, facilitating persuasion effectively.