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Year 10
Edexcel

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

I can identify the key words in a question and use them to create a thesis statement.

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Year 10
Edexcel

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

I can identify the key words in a question and use them to create a thesis statement.

Download all resources
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Share activities with pupils
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These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

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

Keywords

  • 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 misconception

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

It gives time to select what is relevant. It is just as important to know what **not** to include in a well argued response.


To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Essay writing: unpacking questions and writing theses on 'Animal Farm', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Opportunity for students to work in groups deconstructing different questions and sharing findings.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

You will need acccess to a copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell.

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What first instigates the animals' rebellion against Mr. Jones in 'Animal Farm'?
The Battle of Cowshed
The pigs' takeover of the farmhouse
Correct answer: Old Major's inspirational speech
The destruction of the windmill
Q2.
In 'Animal Farm', what role does Boxer, the horse, play in the development of the story?
He becomes the main antagonist.
He leads the rebellion.
He serves as the primary narrator.
Correct answer: He represents the working classes.
Q3.
In 'Animal Farm', what is the ultimate fate of Old Major?
Correct answer: He dies before witnessing the rebellion.
He is overthrown by the other animals.
He becomes the farm's leader.
He escapes to another farm.
Q4.
How does Orwell use the farmhouse in 'Animal Farm' as a symbol?
It represents equality among the animals.
Correct answer: It symbolises the pigs' descent into corruption.
It is a sanctuary for the animals.
It serves as a monument to Mr. Jones.
Q5.
'Animal Farm' can be considered dystopian because it...
Correct answer: Depicts a society under totalitarian rule based on fear and oppression.
Depicts an idealistic society based on equality.
Depicts a realistic representation of the Russian Revolution.
Q6.
What word beginning with 'O' describes a narrator who knows and sees everything?
Correct Answer: omniscient , Omniscient , omniscient., Omniscient.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What statement beginning with 'T' includes an overarching argument or the main idea in a response?
Correct Answer: thesis, Thesis statement , Thesis, thesis statement
Q2.
What word, beginning with 'A', refers to the action of making and adding notes or short explanations to texts or images?
Correct Answer: Annotation, annotation, annotate, Annotate
Q3.
The word "how" in an essay question refers to which things?
Correct answer: character arcs
themes
context
Correct answer: structural devices
Correct answer: language devices
Q4.
Where would you find a thesis statement?
In a conclusion.
In the main body of the essay.
At the end of an analytical paragraph.
Correct answer: In an introduction.
Q5.
Which of these is a good way to start a thesis statement?
Like a tyrant Napoleon aims to....
Snowball is a good talker.....
There are lots of ways to describe....
Correct answer: Through the characterisation of....
Q6.
What are the key words in this essay question? 'How does Orwell use Boxer to explore ideas around exploitation?'
does
Correct answer: how
Correct answer: boxer
Correct answer: exploitation
use