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.