'Animal Farm': developing analytical paragraphs on Squealer
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can develop an extended response on the character of Squealer.
Key learning points
- When analysing characters it is important to acknowledge they are a construct.
- Commenting on characterisation with reference to methods and themes is an effective analytical strategy.
- Commenting on the progression of a character can help develop analysis.
- Linking to structure, form and style will elevate your analysis.
Keywords
Juxtapose - Opposite things or ideas placed next to, or near, each other to emphasise contrast.
Pivtotal - Describes something of crucial importance.
Sycophant - A person who praises someone with authority or higher status to gain an advantage.
Integral - To be completely necessary or important to something.
Common misconception
The characters are referred to as real people. For example "Old Major describes himself as ..."
Think about the purpose of the characters and why Orwell has constructed them the way he has.
Teacher tip
Task A can be a written task if discussion is not an option or if discussing out loud is not appropriate, try a silent debate on paper.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which one of these is not in the original commandments in 'Animal Farm'?
Q2.What word classes are used for effect in this quote from 'Animal Farm': "the others said he could turn black into white".
Q3.In 'Animal Farm' what does Squealer use to confuse the animals? Here is the quote: "things called “files”, “reports”, “minutes” and “memorandum".
Q4.What method of deception is being used in the quote: “Squealer always spoke of it as a "readjustment," never as a "reduction"?
Q5.Which historical figure beginning with 'M' does Squealer represent?
Q6.Starting with the first, put these plot point from 'Animal Farm' in chronological order. They all refer to Squealer.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word beginning with 'J' describes: opposite things or ideas placed next to, or near, each other to emphasise contrast?
Q2.Which word describes a person who praises someone with authority or higher status to gain an advantage?
Q3.Orwell can be described as a...
Q4.In 'Animal Farm', how does the final description of Squealer "walking on his hind legs" contribute to the novella's message?
Q5.What is the name of the Soviet propaganda newspaper that Orwell uses Squealer to satirise in 'Animal Farm'.
Q6.In 'Animal Farm' what convention of a fairy tale does Orwell subvert at the end of the novella?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Animal Farm': developing analytical paragraphs on Squealer, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Animal Farm': developing analytical paragraphs on Squealer, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Animal Farm: lies and deception unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.