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'Animal Farm': reading and discussing Chapter 6

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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain the events of Chapter 6 in 'Animal Farm'.

Key learning points

  1. The motif of slavery is used to illustrate the plight of the animals
  2. The pigs violate the commandments by moving into the farm house and making deals with Mr. Whymper who is human
  3. The pigs doctor the commandments
  4. Squealer uses rhetoric to convince the animals that life is better than under Jones
  5. The revolution is not as idealistic as initially promised

Keywords

  • Manipulate - To manipulate is to control or influence someone or something, usually in a deceptive way.

  • Compliance - If a person demonstrates compliance, they are following rules, orders, or requests and doing what is expected of them without resistance.

  • Disillusionment - If you feel disillusionment you are disappointed or have lost faith in something you believe in.

  • Authoritarian - An authoritarian regime exercises complete control over people and limits personal freedoms.

Common misconception

That the animals are happy in the work and with the sacrifices they are making.

Link back to Orwell's purpose about manipulation and propaganda. Their reality does not match the promises of the revolution.

Teacher tip

Find examples of political propaganda in the form of images and posters. Get students to pick out the rhetorical devices and discuss how they are used to get messages across.

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What word beginning with 'A' is to show loyalty to a ruler, group or belief?

Correct Answer: Allegiance, allegiance

Q2.
In chapter 5 of 'Animal Farm', what was discovered under hay in Mollie's stall?

Collars and hats.
Milk and apples.
Correct answer: Lump sugar and bunches of ribbons.
Extra food.

Q3.
In 'Animal Farm', how do the animals react when Mollie disappears?

They are incredibly distraught.
Correct answer: They never mention her again.
They are angry and speak about it everyday.

Q4.
In chapter 5 of 'Animal Farm', what are the nine dogs wearing and what does this signify?

Correct answer: "Brass-studded collars" which emphasise Napoleon's increasing power and control.
"Hats and ribbons" which shows how they are tamed by humans.
"Collars and harnesses" which represent their need to be tamed.

Q5.
In 'Animal Farm', what word beginning with 'S' describes the way in which Snowball is blamed for incidents on the farm and portrayed as a bad character?

Correct Answer: Scapegoat, scapegoat

Q6.
In 'Animal Farm', what are Boxer's maxims?

Four legs good. Two legs bad.
No animal shall sleep in a bed.
Correct answer: I will work harder.
Correct answer: Napoleon is always right.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In Chapter 6 of 'Animal Farm', what is the name of the human solicitor the animals are making deals with?

Correct Answer: Mr. Whymper, Whymper

Q2.
In Chapter 6 of 'Animal Farm', what is the consequence if the animals choose not to work voluntarily on Sundays?

They have to sleep outside.
Nothing as it's their choice.
They are whipped.
Correct answer: Rations are halved.

Q3.
In Chapter 6 of 'Animal Farm', what technique does Orwell use to describe the animal's work?

He uses a metaphor to highlight their contentment.
Correct answer: He employs a simile to reveal their enduring hardships.
He utilises irony to emphasise their unity and cooperation.
He uses alliteration to convey their idyllic existence.

Q4.
In 'Animal Farm', what difficulty do the animals face when trying to construct the windmill?

They lack the necessary materials.
They struggle to find a suitable location for the windmill.
Correct answer: They can't break up the stone into pieces of suitable size.
They have no knowledge of how to build a windmill.

Q5.
In Chapter 6 of 'Animal Farm', what role do the pigs play in the construction of the windmill, and why is this significant?

The pigs lead the construction work, showcasing their equality with others.
The pigs refrain from any manual labor to maintain their leadership status.
Correct answer: The pigs join in at critical moments, emphasising their selective participation.
The pigs exclusively handle the transport of stone to ensure efficiency.

Q6.
In Chapter 6 of 'Animal Farm', how does Squealer reinforce Napoleon's control?

He uses questions to empower the animals and encourage critical thinking.
He employs rhetorical questions to maintain transparency.
Correct answer: He uses questions to confuse and instil doubt so the animals rely on the pigs.
He avoids using questions entirely to maintain direct control.

To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'Animal Farm': reading and discussing Chapter 6, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...