Definition & Meaning of "display question"

What is a "display question"?

A display question is a type of question asked to check or confirm information that the speaker believes the listener already knows. It is not intended to elicit new information but rather to prompt the listener to demonstrate their knowledge or understanding. For example, asking "What color is the sky?" when the speaker expects the answer to be blue serves as a display question. This type of question often reinforces shared knowledge between the speaker and listener, helping to maintain conversational flow without seeking new information.