DAFOREST techniques grid & activities
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Help KS3-4 English students understand the different techniques that form the persuasive acronym DAFOREST with this resource which includes specific explanations and examples to review, learn and apply in their own work.
What's included
- Free printable DAFOREST grid PDF
- Editable DAFOREST grid, cut and stick worksheet, teacher notes and DAFOREST activity ideas (subscribers only).
What does DAFOREST stand for?
The acronym 'DAFOREST' outlines the main persuasive techniques:
D - Direct address
A - Alliteration
F - Fact
O - Opinion
R - Rhetorical questions
E - Emotive language
S - Statistics
T - Triples (Rule of three)
This DAFOREST grid looks at each of these in detail. Download the PDF version for free!
| Technique | Explanation | Effect on the reader | Teacher’s example |
| Direct address (you) | Speaking directly to the reader using 'you', ‘your’. | Makes the reader feel directly addressed and involved. | "You have the power to transform the world into a better place." |
| Alliteration | Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words placed together. | Captures readers’ interest and emphasises key points. | "Buy a better, brighter, beautiful future with the best electric car on sale." |
| Facts | Statements that can be proven true. | Gives credibility and authority to the argument. | "Nine out of ten doctors recommend vitamins." |
| Opinions | Statements based on personal views or beliefs. | Persuades the reader by making the argument seem more personal, biased or emotive. | "In my view, this policy will truly benefit everyone." |
| Rhetorical questions | Questions asked for effect, not requiring an answer. | Makes the reader think and engages them in the argument. | "Is this the future we want for our children?" |
| Emotive language | Words used to evoke strong emotions. | Stirs up feelings in the reader to persuade them to think or believe something. | "This heartbreaking tragedy could have been prevented." |
| Statistics | Quantifiable data used to support arguments. | Provides hard evidence to back up claims. | "75% of users experienced improvement after using our toothpaste." |
| Triples (rule of three) | Three related points or ideas expressed in quick succession. | Creates a rhythmic and memorable impact on the reader. | "Our solution is simple, affordable, and effective." |
How to use this DAFOREST techniques resource
This useful DAFOREST resource clearly identifies each technique in the acronym and helps students become more confident when integrating these persuasive techniques into their verbal and written responses.
Before handing out the grid, the whole class can collaborate to give a definition of each technique and a relevant example to share with the class. Examples for teachers to use as support have been included.
Students can then write their own examples into the final column and keep them as a reference to consult when planning or completing their work.
With the editable subscriber resource you'll find a fun cut and stick activity where students cut out the effect on the reader explanations and teacher’s examples and stick them in the correct category for each of the DAFOREST techniques.
Engaging activities using DAFOREST techniques
The teacher's notes suggest some possible activities to further engage students as they build confidence with these techniques, including:
- DAFOREST speed debate: Ask students to have a quickfire debate on any topic trying to use as many of the techniques as possible.
- DAFOREST paragraph: Choose a topic and ask students to write a paragraph, using at least three of the techniques effectively.
- DAFOREST hunt: Provide a text and ask students to identify and highlight the different techniques used.
Looking for more DAFOREST techniques resources?
Check out these additional resources to help students master persuasive writing techniques:
- Persuasive techniques bingo - A fun interactive game to help students identify and remember techniques
- Writing to argue and persuade techniques - Comprehensive guide with examples and exercises
- Persuasive writing worksheet - Practice activities for developing persuasive writing skills
- Speech analysis practice: Greta Thunberg - Real-world example of persuasive techniques in action
For a complete collection of argumentative and persuasive writing resources, visit our Arguments and persuasive texts section.
