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Year 10
Edexcel

Comparing the pigs

I can create useful character summaries to compare the pigs

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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel

Comparing the pigs

I can create useful character summaries to compare the pigs

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Orwell presents the pigs in a nuanced way exposing both their positive and negative qualities.
  2. Summaries are a useful way to embed key character information.
  3. Exploring comparisons in summaries can offer a more nuanced perspective of characters.

Common misconception

That there are "good" pigs and "bad" pigs.

For Orwell, all are susceptible to power and corruption. Orwell uses the pigs to critique the subtle and overt ways that this can be done.

Keywords

  • Revolutionary - A revolutionary is someone who actively works for or supports radical change in society.

  • Misguided - If you are misguided you have poor judgement and have been influenced in the wrong way.

  • Ruthless - A ruthless leader is someone who shows no compassion, empathy or mercy. They behave or act in a harsh and severe way.

  • Susceptible - If you are susceptible you are easily influenced or manipulated.

  • Nuance - Nuance refers to subtle or slight variations in meaning.

There is an opportunity to ask the students their thoughts on who they consider the "good" and the "bad" pigs and unpick this using justification and evaluation.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is rhetoric?
a command or order
Correct answer: the art of persuasive communication
an exaggerated statement for emphasis
a distrustful, pessimistic outlook
Q2.
Which rhetorical device involves expressing a direct command or order?
collective personal pronoun
rhetorical question
Correct answer: imperative
hyperbole
Q3.
In 'Animal Farm', Napoleon's use of rhetoric has a tone which could be described as...
sincere and earnest
calm and soothing
Correct answer: aggressive and angry
inclusive and joyful
Q4.
In 'Animal Farm', how does Snowball respond to Mollie's question about "ribbons" after the Rebellion?
with an imperative command
by using a collective personal pronoun
Correct answer: with a rhetorical question
by presenting an earnest and serious response
Q5.
What conclusion can be drawn about the pigs' use of rhetoric in 'Animal Farm'?
All pigs use rhetoric in the same way.
Correct answer: The pigs use different rhetorical styles.
Napoleon and Squealer focus on inspiration.
Snowball relies on fear to control the animals
Q6.
Match the rhetorical device to the quote from 'Animal Farm' which uses it.
Correct Answer:Rhetorical question,"Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed?"

"Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed?"

Correct Answer:Imperative,"No more delays"

"No more delays"

Correct Answer:Hyperbole,"Fountain of happiness"

"Fountain of happiness"

Correct Answer:Collective personal pronoun,"Comrades!"

"Comrades!"

Correct Answer:Rule of three,“Our lives are miserable, laborious and short.”

“Our lives are miserable, laborious and short.”

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What word beginning with 'R' describes Napoleon's leadership style in 'Animal Farm'.
Correct Answer: Ruthless, ruthless
Q2.
What does it mean to be "susceptible"?
actively supporting radical change
Correct answer: easily influenced or manipulated
showing no compassion or empathy
rewriting narratives and using propaganda
Q3.
In 'Animal Farm', which pig could be described as revolutionary and idealistic?
Correct answer: Old Major
Squealer
Napoleon
Minimus
Q4.
What word beginning with 'N' refers to subtle or slight variations in meaning. It can also be used to describe a detailed understanding.
Correct Answer: Nuance, nuanced, nuance, nuanced., Nuanced.
Q5.
Match the pigs from 'Animal Farm' to the correct quote.
Correct Answer:Napoleon,"...reputation for getting his own way."

"...reputation for getting his own way."

Correct Answer:Snowball,"...need to be ready to die for Animal Farm if need be."

"...need to be ready to die for Animal Farm if need be."

Correct Answer:Squealer,"Do not imagine, comrades, that leadership is a pleasure!"

"Do not imagine, comrades, that leadership is a pleasure!"

Correct Answer:Old Major,"Weak or strong, clever or simple, we are all brothers."

"Weak or strong, clever or simple, we are all brothers."

Correct Answer:Minimus,"...had a remarkable gift for composing songs and poems."

"...had a remarkable gift for composing songs and poems."

Q6.
In 'Animal Farm', where does Snowball primarily conduct his work?
barn
farmhouse
Correct answer: everywhere
stables