Hypophora
Movement Pattern
Question→Answer→Question→Answer→...
Definition
A structure where the writer poses a question and then immediately answers it — using the question to frame the coming discussion and create a sense of dialogue between text and reader.
Examples
Example 1
"Why did the negotiations fail? Because both sides wanted victory more than peace. But why did they want victory? Because their domestic politics demanded it."
Political analysis — the self-posed question frames and propels the argument
Example 2
"What makes a great teacher? Not knowledge — any textbook has that. Not enthusiasm — that fades. What makes a great teacher is the ability to be surprised by a student's question and honest enough to say, 'I don't know. Let's find out.'"
Education essay — the question-and-answer rhythm creates a conversational tone
Example 3
"So why does this matter? Because every algorithm that decides who sees what news is making editorial decisions without editorial accountability. And who pays the price? Not the platforms. The public."
Technology critique — successive hypophora builds momentum toward the key point
AI Detection Note
Extremely common in AI text. LLMs frequently use hypophora as a structural crutch ('But what does this mean? It means...' / 'So why does this matter? Because...'). Multiple consecutive hypophora is a strong AI signal.
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