Argumentative Topics: Animal Farm

These are our topics for Animal Farm. You 

1. To what extent is Squealer responsible for the animals’ suffering on Animal Farm? You may argue that Squealer is equally responsible because he spreads propaganda and defends Napoleon’s actions, or that he is less responsible because Napoleon holds the real power.
2. What is the main reason the pigs are able to gain control of Animal Farm: the animals’ lack of education or Napoleon’s use of fear and violence? You should choose which factor is more important and explain why.
3. Is Boxer’s loyalty more helpful or more harmful to Animal Farm? You may argue that his loyalty supports the farm and helps the animals survive, or that it allows Napoleon to gain more power without being questioned.

Vocab: Chapter 5 and 6

 QUIZ ON FRIDAY!

• Disheartened — feeling discouraged or losing hope
• Rations — fixed amounts of food given to people or animals
• Factions — smaller groups within a larger group that disagree with one another
• Controversy — strong public disagreement about an issue
• Canvass — to ask people for their opinions or support
• Tactics — planned methods used to achieve a goal
• Capitulated — stopped resisting and agreed to another person’s demands
• Concealed — hidden or kept secret
• Retribution — punishment given in return for a wrong action
• Surrendered — gave up control or stopped fighting
• Unaccountably — in a way that cannot easily be explained
• Commissions — payments received for arranging sales or business deals

Class discussion - in groups we will work with these questions. Each group does a different one:

1. Are the animals still free? By Chapter 6, are the animals truly freer than they were under Mr. Jones? Consider their work, food, choices, and ability to disagree.
2. How does Squealer manipulate the truth? Identify the methods Squealer uses to persuade the animals. Why do the animals accept his explanations?
3. How is the windmill used to control the animals? Does the windmill represent hope, progress, manipulation, or all three? Who sacrifices for it, and who benefits?
4. Boxer: admirable or dangerously obedient? Are Boxer’s beliefs—“I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right”—strengths, weaknesses, or both?
5. How are the Seven Commandments losing their power? Why do the animals doubt their own memories when the rule about beds changes? What does this show about literacy, memory, and power?

To answer the question - show reasons why your group thinks your answer is correct.

Updated writing: July 22

 How does Napoleon gain control of Animal Farm by the end of Chapter 5? Explain how he uses fear, propaganda, and the removal of opposition.

Find evidence of each of the following, and integrate the evidence into a single paragraph with brief explanations.

1. Fear and violence: Napoleon secretly raises the dogs and uses them to chase Snowball away.
2. Propaganda and manipulation: Squealer changes the explanation of events and persuades the animals that Napoleon is protecting them.
3. Removal of democracy: Napoleon ends the Sunday debates and gives decision-making power to the pigs.

Written Response - Chapter 1 - 4

 Who seems to be the strongest leader so far: Snowball, Napoleon, or Boxer? Explain your choice using examples from Chapters 1–4. What qualities make this character an effective—or ineffective—leader?

Write three developed paragraphs.

Paragraph 1: Introduce your choice

• Clearly identify the character you chose.
• Explain what you believe makes someone a strong leader.
• State your main opinion about the character.

Sentence starter:
Of the three characters, ______ appears to be the strongest leader because…

Paragraph 2: Use evidence from the novel

• Describe at least two important actions or decisions made by the character.
• Include a quotation or specific example from the novel.
• Explain how the evidence supports your opinion.

Sentence starters:
One example of this character’s leadership occurs when…
This demonstrates that…

Paragraph 3: Evaluate and reflect

• Discuss one weakness, problem, or possible danger connected to the character.
• Predict how this character might influence the future of Animal Farm.
• End with a concluding statement.

Sentence starters:
However, one possible weakness is…
In the future, this character may…

Requirements

• Three complete paragraphs
• At least two specific examples from Chapters 1–4
• At least one integrated quotation
• Clear explanation after each example
• Formal school-appropriate language

Animal Farm Chapter 3-4 spelling!~

Toil — to work very hard for a long time.

Shirk — to avoid doing work or taking responsibility.

Implement — a tool used to complete a job, especially farm work.

Obstinate — stubborn and unwilling to change your mind or behaviour.

Maxim — a short statement that expresses a rule or belief.

Apathy — a lack of interest, concern, or emotion.

Ignominious — embarrassing or shameful.

Retreat — to move away from danger or an enemy.

Ambush — a surprise attack from a hidden position.

Impromptu — done without planning or preparation.

 

Animal Farm Chapter 1: Spelling!

 Quiz on Friday

ensconced — settled comfortably and securely in a place

scullery — a small room near a kitchen used for washing dishes and cleaning

benevolent — kind, generous, and willing to help others

tyranny — cruel or unfair rule by a person or government

rebellion — an organized attempt to resist or overthrow authority

comrades — companions or fellow members of a group

slaughter — the killing of animals or people in large numbers

concealed — hidden or kept out of sight

majestic — grand, impressive, or dignified

unanimously — with everyone in complete agreement

English 10 Adapted: ESSAY TOPICS!

 Essay topics for Harrison Bergeron.

1. How does Kurt Vonnegut use George and Hazel to develop his message about the dangers of forced equality in "Harrison Bergeron"?
2. What does the story suggest is more dangerous: too much power or people who stop thinking for themselves? 

English 10 Adapted

 Welcome to English 10 Adapted!