Abusing Power: Animal Farm and Wicked History

Lesson 23
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ELA

Unit 3

8th Grade

Lesson 23 of 32

Objective


Complete a full draft of narrative "rewrites."

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Animal Farm by George Orwell 

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Submit a draft of your essay in response to the prompt:

A common experience for people reading Animal Farm is feeling frustrated with the animals not doing or understanding things that seem obvious to the reader. If only the animals would just think harder or speak out or fight back, maybe things could be different. 

In this short narrative writing task, you will explore this idea. Rewrite one of the following scenes answering the following "what if…" questions:

  • What if Boxer broke out of the carriage that was taking him to the knacker (pp. 122–123)?
  • What if the animals took action against the pigs in the final scene (pp. 140–141)?

Your "rewrite" should be at least 250 words long and include original dialogue and descriptive language. It should demonstrate an understanding of the text and the characters.

Sample Response

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Homework


Complete drafting if not finished in class.

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Common Core Standards


  • W.8.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
  • W.8.3.a — Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.
  • W.8.3.d — Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
  • W.8.3.e — Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.

Supporting Standards

L.8.1
L.8.2
L.8.3
L.8.6
W.8.4
W.8.5
W.8.6
W.8.10

Next

Engage in peer feedback with a partner and present narratives to the class.

Lesson 24
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