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Year 10 - English

Essay writing: unpacking questions and writing theses on 'Animal Farm'

Animal Farm: the pigs and power

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils start their exploration of Orwell's 'Animal Farm' by focusing on the pigs and how they weild power. Pupils first read the book before exploring symbolism, key characters and Orwell's methods. They finally hone their essay writing skills and write about the pigs' use of power.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify the key words in a question and use them to create a thesis statement.

Key Notes

  • Underlining key words in an essay question helps identify what the focus of the question is.
  • The 'how' in the question refers to language devices, character arcs and structural devices.
  • Connect key words in the question to key themes in the novella.
  • Connect key words in a question to key plot points in the novella.
  • A thesis statement is an overarching argument and should include the writer's purpose.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • thesis: An overarching argument or the main idea in a response.
  • inevitable: To suggest that something is certain. It will definitely happen.
  • hierarchy: A system in which people are ranked according to power or status.
  • annotate: To make and add notes or short explanations to texts or images.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Spending too much time reading the question wastes time when you could be writing the essay.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Underlining key words in an essay question helps identify what the focus of the question is. The 'how' in the question refers to language devices, character arcs and structural devices.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'thesis'

An overarching argument or the main idea in a response.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Spending too much time reading the question wastes time when you could be writing the essay. Correction: It gives time to select what is relevant. It is just as important to know what **not** to include in a well argued response.

More Lessons In This Unit

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