Tracking important events and characters in 'Animal Farm'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can track the main events and characters of 'Animal Farm' and link to Orwell’s purpose.
Key learning points
- Orwell uses key plot points in the novella to present his themes.
- Freytag’s pyramid is a useful tool to plot character arcs and key moments.
- The characters in 'Animal Farm' show the impact and development of totalitarian regimes and individuals’ involvement.
Keywords
Democracy - Democracy is a system of government in which power is in the hands of society as well as leaders.
Tyranny - Tyranny is a cruel and oppressive government or rule.
Satirise - To satirise is to mock or criticise something in order to highlight its flaws or shortcomings.
Cynicism - Cynicism is a distrustful, pessimistic outlook or attitude.
Common misconception
Orwell offers a solution to the problems he explores.
Explore the idea of "resolution" in terms of 'Animal Farm'. Does Orwell offer any resolutions? Does the story feel finished?
Teacher tip
On completion of the diamond 9 in Task A, ask students to share and justify their answers. Key quotes could also be added too.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Animal Farm', what word beginning with 'D' could describe Napoleon as a leader?
Q2.In 'Animal Farm', what word beginning with 'T' describes the pigs' complete control over the animals' lives and the harsh regime they enforce?
Q3.In 'Animal Farm' which character can read, but refuses to. It says that he can "read as well as any pig".
Q4.In 'Animal Farm', what does Benjamin represent?
Q5.Starting with the first, put the key events from 'Animal Farm' into chronological order.
Q6.Match the characters from 'Animal Farm' to the correct quotes.
"Napoleon is always right"
"it was usually to make some cynical remark"
"The only good human being is a dead one."
"Whatever happened she would remain faithful"
"skipping from side to side and whisking his tail"
"there it lies, Sugarcandy Mountain"
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word beginning with 'D' describes a system of government in which power is in the hands of society as well as leaders?
Q2.Which word beginning with 'T' describes a cruel and oppressive government or rule?
Q3.Complete the sentence: __________ pyramid is a useful tool for plotting character arcs and key moments
Q4.Starting with the first, put the sections from Freytag's pyramid in chronological order.
Q5.In 'Animal Farm', the moment when Benjamin realises the pigs have come to resemble the humans, is arguably the__________ of the story.
Q6.Which character in 'Animal Farm' is characterised by intelligence, but remains aloof and detached?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Tracking important events and characters in 'Animal Farm', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Tracking important events and characters in 'Animal Farm', 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: the pigs and power unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.