'Animal Farm': selecting judicious quotes and tracking a character in an essay
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use textual evidence to support my inferences and track a character in an essay.
Key learning points
- Arguably, Squealer's manipulation of language makes him the most the treacherous pig.
- Judiciously chosen quotes should be used in essays.
- Tracking a character is an effective way to structure an essay.
- Snowball could be described as one of the 'unconsciously power-hungry people’ who blight revolutionary causes.
- Arguably, Squealer’s name is an example of nominative determinism.
Keywords
Treachery - to behave in a way that is deceitful and disloyal
Nominative determinism - the theory that people do jobs or activities that are connected to their name
Egalitarian - the belief that all people are important and should be treated equally
Sycophantic - praising people in authority, or those with a higher status, insincerely in order to gain an advantage
Judicious - kake thoughtful choices based on good judgement
Common misconception
Snowball isn't to blame for the failed revolution.
How many examples can you find where Snowball supports hierarchical ideas that go against the ideals of equality?
Teacher tip
Use as an opportunity to explore other characters and their treacherous behaviour. A ranking activity would support this and can also be linked to who is to blame for the failed revolution.
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.What rhetorical device is being used in this quote from 'Animal Farm'? ''Surely, Comrades, you don't want Jones back?''
Q2.In 'Animal Farm', which verb is used to describe Squealer's tail?
Q3.In 'Animal Farm', what does Squealer tell the animals about Snowball after he has been expelled?
Q4.Complete this quote from 'Animal Farm'; "Snowball was a more vivacious pig than Napoleon, quicker in speech and more__________".
Q5.In 'Animal Farm,' what is the primary purpose of Squealer's use of statistical data and numbers when delivering propaganda?
Q6.Which adjectives complete this quote about Squealer: "very round cheeks, __________ eyes, __________ movements, and a __________ voice."?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which definition describes the word treachery?
Q2.Which word beginning with 'E' describes the belief that all people are important and should be treated equally?
Q3.What is nominative determinism?
Q4.Which discourse markers can help track a character's development in an essay?
Q5.In 'Animal Farm' which phrases does Orwell use to establish Snowball's character?
Q6.What did Orwell say about individuals who were unaware of their ambitions of power?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Animal Farm': selecting judicious quotes and tracking a character in an essay, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Animal Farm': selecting judicious quotes and tracking a character in an essay, 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.