1984 by George Orwell

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Here are the activities I use with 1984:

• Foundations - This activity asks students to record and review details, make predictions, and draw conclusions about several characters, concepts, and topics from the opening chapters of the novel. It helps students build a foundation on which to begin their understanding of the novel. Topics include Winston, Big Brother, thoughtcrime, women, and history.
• Writing Assertions - Students practice generating an assertion, providing relevant and appropriate evidence, and writing thoughtful commentary. This activity may be used at any point in the novel. Available in my store!
• Animal Imagery - Students analyze Orwell's use of animal imagery and explain the significance of it. They look at how diction creates positive and negative connotations. Use this activity at the end of Book One. Available in my store!
• Diction Activity - Students examine Orwell's diction in several passages. Specifically students analyze how the use of certain words affect characterization and imagery. Students do this by choosing the three most important words in the passage and finding appropriate dictionary definitions for the words. Then they explain why they chose these words by discussing their connotations in relation to the conflict, mood, and themes of the novel. Available for free download here.
• Paired Scenes Analysis - Use this matrix to compare and contrast two pairs of scenes: Winston's two dreams about his mother (in the subway and eating chocolate), and Winston's two experiences with O'Brien (Two Minutes Hate and meeting in apartment). Students practice drawing conclusions based on evidence. Available in my store!
• Parallels to the Fall of Man - Use this matrix to compare and contrast Winston and Julia's relationship to Adam and Eve's. This activity encourages students to organize their thinking and analysis in the assertion-evidence-commentary model. Available in my store!
• Parallels to Contemporary Politics - This activity is particularly relevant, with the recent focus on North Korea. Students read an excerpt from the book Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden to discuss the similarities to Winston's experience in Room 101. The worksheet directs students to focus on certain sensory experiences to draw conclusions about fear, pain, and power.
• Study Guide - A comprehensive study guide helps students with characters, setting, ideas/concepts, conflicts, and themes in preparation for a multiple choice exam. Available for free download here.