What type of question raises a hypothesis, conjecture, or supposition?

A hypothetical question is designed to raise a hypothesis, conjecture, or supposition. It typically poses a scenario that requires the respondent to imagine a situation that may not exist or may not be grounded in reality. By doing so, it invites speculation and encourages critical thinking about potential outcomes or responses. This type of questioning is useful in discussions that require exploration of ideas rather than soliciting definitive answers or factual information.

Other question types, such as rhetorical questions, often aim to provoke thought without expecting an answer, leading questions suggest a particular response, and open questions encourage a broader range of responses but may not necessarily lead to a hypothesis or conjecture. Hypothetical questions uniquely engage the respondent’s imagination, making them a powerful tool in both writing and dialogue.