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      Developing analytical paragraphs on 'Animal Farm'

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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can effectively analyse language in a detailed, perceptive and developed way.

      Key learning points

      1. ‘Hard working’ describes quotes which are analytically rich.
      2. Specific word classes, semantic fields or language device analysis can be used to analyse author's intention.
      3. Time conjunctions allow you to contextualise quotes.
      4. Conjunctions can be used to develop analytical comments.

      Keywords

      • Connotations - The words, ideas, feelings or concepts we associate with a word or symbol.

      • Modal verb - Shows possibility or intent. For example: must, might, should, will.

      • Tangible - Is to be perceivable by touch.

      • Semantic field - A group of words that are linked by meaning.

      Common misconception

      You need to learn lots of quotes to write a successful essay.

      Picking a few 'hard working', analytically rich quotes is a better strategy. It's what you do with them that counts.

      Teacher tip

      Opportunity for peer assessment at the end of Task B. This will allow students to share their work and celebrate good practice.

      Equipment

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

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      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

      Download starter quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What word beginning with 'A' describes a piece of writing that has a hidden meaning, usually a political or moral one?

      Correct Answer: Allegory, allegorical, allegory, Allegorical

      Q2.
      Which character from 'Animal Farm' said: "can you not understand that liberty is worth more than ribbons?"

      Napleon
      Old Major
      Correct answer: Snowball
      Squealer
      Benjamin

      Q3.
      Which character from 'Animal Farm' is described as: "not much of a talker, but with a reputation for getting his own way"?

      Correct answer: Napoleon
      Benjamin
      Mr. Jones
      Fredrick
      Moses

      Q4.
      In 'Animal Farm' the narrator states that a character "seemed quite unchanged since the Rebellion". Who is being described?

      Napoleon
      Moses
      Boxer
      Correct answer: Benjamin
      Mollie

      Q5.
      In 'Animal Farm' which of these are examples of how Napoleon has built a 'cult of personality' on the farm?

      Correct answer: He is given names like "father of all the animals" and "terror of mankind".
      He expels Snowball.
      Correct answer: He has Minimus write hyperbolic poems about him.
      He has a portrait of himself painted on the end of the barn.
      He sells the wood to Frederick at the last moment instead of Pilkington.

      Q6.
      Place the seven commandments from Orwell's 'Animal Farm' in the correct order.

      1 - Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
      2 - Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
      3 - No animal shall wear clothes.
      4 - No animal shall sleep in a bed.
      5 - No animal shall drink alcohol.
      6 - No animal shall kill any other animal.
      7 - All animals are equal.

      Assessment exit quiz

      Download exit quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What word beginning with 'C' is described as: the words, ideas, feelings or concepts we associate with a word or symbol.

      Correct Answer: connotation, connotations , Connotation, Connotations

      Q2.
      Which term describes a group of words that are linked by meaning?

      connotations
      Correct answer: semantic field
      word classes
      analysis

      Q3.
      What type of verb is used in this quote from 'Animal Farm': "I will work harder"?

      Correct Answer: Modal , modal, modal., Modal.

      Q4.
      What is the missing adjective in this quote from 'Animal Farm'? "He could turn black into ______".

      Correct Answer: white, White, white., White.

      Q5.
      Which of the following sentences uses a time conjunction?

      However, Orwell also suggests that revolution is important.
      Correct answer: Initially, Benjamin is presented as cynical and apathetic.
      Orwell emphasises the methods of control used by the pigs.
      The quote "I will work harder" demonstrates Boxer's commitment.

      Q6.
      Which of these sentences does not use a conjunction?

      Moreover, Squealer's manipulation of language is paramount in gaining control.
      Furthermore, Boxer's continued hard work enables the farm to prosper.
      Correct answer: Orwell suggests that hierarchy is inevitable.
      Additionally, food is also used to make the animals dependent.

      To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Developing analytical paragraphs on 'Animal Farm', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...