−OCH3,NHCOCH3 and -OH are activating groups because the atom directly bonded to benzene ring activates the ring by +R effect using its lone pair of electrons. Activating groups are ortho- and para directing groups. -CN and −SO3H are deactivating groups because the atom directly bonded to benzene is bonded to more electronegative atom through multiple bonds and they are meta directing groups due to -R effect. Halides are deactivating groups due to -I effect.