KS3 English · Non-fiction writing · Year 7
Persuasive techniques
The tools writers use to change minds — and how to use them yourself.
About 20 minutes
Step 1 · Wonder why it matters
Hook
You are surrounded
“9 out of 10 dentists recommend…” “Don't miss out!” “Wouldn't you want the best for your family?”
Adverts, speeches and charity appeals all try to persuade you. Once you know the techniques, you will spot them everywhere — and you can use them in your own writing.
Step 2 · See it
Picture
See the toolkit
A handy way to remember the main techniques is AFOREST.
| Letter | Technique | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | Alliteration | Big, bold and brilliant. |
| F | Facts | Plastic takes up to 450 years to break down. |
| O | Opinions | This is the finest school in the county. |
| R | Rhetorical questions | Do we really want to live like this? |
| E | Emotive language | Helpless, starving puppies are left to suffer. |
| S | Statistics | Over 80% of pupils agreed. |
| T | Triples (rule of three) | Safe, simple and smart. |
Step 3 · Understand how it works
Logic
Technique → effect
Naming a technique earns very little on its own. What matters is explaining the effect on the reader.
Use Point, Evidence, Explain (PEE): make a point, quote the evidence, then explain how it persuades. For example: “The writer uses emotive language — ‘helpless, starving puppies’ — to make the reader feel guilty and sympathetic, so they are more likely to donate.”
- Persuade
- Try to make someone think or act a certain way.
- Emotive language
- Words chosen to make the reader feel a strong emotion.
- Rhetorical question
- A question asked for effect, not to get an answer.
Step 4 · Have a go
Do
Have a go
Write a short speech persuading your headteacher to make lunchtime longer.
- 1Plan three reasons, one per paragraph.
- 2Use at least four AFOREST techniques. Underline each one.
- 3End with a strong final sentence that tells the reader what to do.
- 4Swap with someone and ask them to name each technique you used and its effect.
Step 5 · Remember it
Recall
Quick quiz
Name the technique.
0 of 4 answered
1.“Isn't it time we did something?” is an example of…
2.Which phrase uses the rule of three?
3.What should follow the evidence in a PEE paragraph?
4.“Lonely, frightened children need your help tonight” mainly uses…
Step 6 · Link it to your world
Reflect
Think about it
Persuasion can be used for good or to mislead.
Find an advert. Which techniques does it use, and does it persuade you? Why or why not?
Saved to your notebook on this device only.
Finished all six steps?
Mark it complete to collect 3 stars. That's the last lesson in this course for now.