1. WRITING TO ARGUE
When we write to Argue, we use the mnemonic ‘DAFOREST ‘ to remind us of what criteria we have to use to achieve a good grade.

2. D is for Direct Address

3. A IS FOR AUDIENCE/TONE
Your audience is the person to whom you are writing
It may be your Head-teacher
It may be your parent
It may be a friend
It may be a local Councillor
It may be the residents of an old age home!
Think about who you have been asked to write to,
then decide whether your TONE will be
FORMAL or INFORMAL

4. F is for Facts
Facts are items of information about your topic that are true.
Eg. Spitting spreads diseases such as TB

5. O IS FOR OPINION
It is my opinion that this tree looks like a dancer. Do you think so or not?
No, I don’t think so. It looks just like a tree to me!

6. R IS FOR RHETORICAL ? R IS ALSO FOR REPETITION
Rhetorical Questions make the reader think about your idea. They become involved with your argument, and you are beginning to win them over.
R IS ALSO FOR REPETITION

7. E IS FOR Emotive Language
Expresses deep emotion & causes the reader to feel a certain feeling towards the subject
Ex: The longer you wait, the longer her blood seeps out of her veins into the ground (a child running to get a band aid)

8. S is for STATISTICS (NUMERICAL FACTS) Statistics show that
35% of ornamental
Trees die because of
Central heating.
This supports my
argument that trees
should not be brought
indoors.

9. T is for Three (Rule of)
More people seem to remember the listing of 3 the best.
I ask you, is this fair, is it right, is it just?
“Veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered) – Julius Caesar:

10. When Writing to Argue, use:
A = AUDIENCE
F = FACTS
O = OPINION
R = RHETORICAL QUESTIONS
E = EXPERT
S = STATISTICS
T = TONE

11. Rhetorical Devices Rhetorical Device Example Facts
The seriously slippery sidewalk is a health hazard
Repetition
75% of customers are happy
Rule of Three
It was a heart-breaking moment
Alliteration
The man has seven cautions on his police record.
Emotive Language
Our park is amazing, wonderful, mind-blowing
Opinions
It’s fantastic. Even the toilets are fantastic!
Statistics
One customer commented; “It’s great value for money”