Animal Farm
Study Questions
Before Reading Animal
Farm
·
Read the handout
“Introduction to Animal Farm.”
·
Watch the
Introduction Slide presentation
·
Discuss George
Orwell, the Russian Revolution, communism and socialism
Short writing exercises:
·
What makes a good
leader?
o
Discuss character
qualities and abilities that a good leader in any situation should have. Give
specific examples. How might you
distinguish a good leader from a bad leader?
·
When should a
government be overthrown?
·
Write definitions
for satire, allegory, and irony.
About the Study Guide Questions and Optional
Responses:
Each
week, students are assigned study guide questions to answer relating to the
assigned reading. These answers should be thoughtful and refer back to specific
points in the book. However, written
answers to prescribed questions are not the only way to respond to a book. Therefore, at the end of the Week 9
questions, students will find a list of “ala carte” options that can substitute
for one of the questions.
Chapter I & II
Discussion:
·
Give the reasons
for the animals’ rebellion.
·
What was the last
straw for the animals?
·
Describe the
“Beasts of England” song – imagery, message, emotions, dreams/hopes.
·
How is Moses, the
raven, and his story of Sugar Candy Mountain significant?
·
Describe the
reaction by the animals to the house.
·
List the
commandments and the vices/faults they reveal.
·
Who will be the
leaders of the animals? Why? Will they be good leaders?
Chapter III & IV
Before reading
·
What do you
speculate the future of the animals and farm will be?
Discussion:
·
What is Squealer’s
role and communication style?
·
Describe the
difference between the pigs and the other animals.
·
Describe the
Battle of the Cowshed and the roles that Snowball and Napoleon
Chapter V & VI
Discussion:
·
How would
Snowball run the farm differently?
·
List the changes
that have occurred at the farm.
·
What are Molly’s
reasons for running away?
·
Describe the
windmill controversy from Snowball’s point of view; from Napoleon’s point of
view.
·
Explain the issue
of trading with other farms.
·
Describe the
animals’ work situation.
Chapter VII & VIII
Discussion:
·
How does the destruction
and rebuilding of the windmill occur?
·
Describe the lies
told about Snowball.
·
Explain the
reasons for the animals not singing the hymn.
·
Describe the
situation with the traitors.
·
Describe Napoleon
as a leader. Is he a dictator?
Chapter IX
& X
Discussion:
·
Explain the
return of Moses.
·
Describe the
whiskey incident. Why is it
humorous? Compare the animals to humans.
·
What is happening
to Boxer? Why?
·
Explain the
social order for the animals.
·
How does Orwell
make fun of bureaucracy?
·
List the changes
to the farm.
·
Describe the
changes to the commandments.
·
Describe the
changes in the appearance of the pigs.
Ala Carte Responses
Any of the activities below can be substituted for one
of the weekly study guide questions.
Some options could be repeated as long as it is a new response that
relates to the assigned reading.
1. Create a new book cover.
2. Select 3 – 5 quotes that sum up the
selection or especially highlight a specific quality of a character, the
setting, or the plot.
3. Write a paragraph that describes your
relationship with a grandparent.
4. Write a paragraph about someone from
your past who is especially memorable.
5. Write a text conversation that
coincides with an actual conversation or “could have happened.”
6. Write a series of Facebook posts for
the plot of the section.
7. Write a paragraph that starts “I
would change . . .” that relates to the assigned reading.
8. Write a poem that relates to the
assigned reading.
9. Illustrate a scene.
10. Create a found poem. To create a concrete found poem, students
must only use words, phrases or even whole sentences “found” in their text.
Then, they must shape these words into a visual representation on paper. They
are not drawing; they must arrange the words, phrases, or sentences into an
image on the page.
11. Make a character “To Do” list.
12. Write a set of 5 – 6 postcards that
one of the characters might send to someone.
13. Create a soundtrack or playlist that
relates to the assigned reading.
14. Write diary entries that relate to
the assigned reading.
15. Put together a cast for a film
version of the book
16. Write a radio play excerpt that
relates to the assigned reading.
17. Write a letter to the author that relates
to the assigned reading.
18. Write a letter to one of the
characters that relates to the assigned reading.
19. Design/draw the clothing of one of
the characters that relates to the assigned reading.
20. Make a word game, such as a crossword
or word search, that relates to the assigned reading.
21. Write up a quiz that relates to the
assigned reading.
22. Draw a comic strip that relates to
the assigned reading.
23. Write a paragraph that starts “I
wonder why . . .” that relates to the assigned reading.
24. Rewrite a paragraph in a different
style. For example, write it in a
“flowery” over-dramatic style or as a play or as slang, etc.
25. Design a t-shirt that relates to the
assigned reading.
26. Make a collage that relates to the
assigned reading.
27. Design/draw a timeline that relates
to the assigned reading
28. Draw a map that relates to the
assigned reading.
29. Compare two characters that relates
to the assigned reading.
30. Find or create a recipe for one of
the foods mentioned.
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