Abusing Power: Animal Farm and Wicked History

Lesson 27
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ELA

Unit 3

8th Grade

Lesson 27 of 32

Objective


Unpack a Writing Prompt and begin to gather evidence for a literary analysis essay.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Animal Farm by George Orwell 

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Begin to gather evidence in preparation for responding to the prompt:

In this unit, you have studied different types of propaganda and propaganda techniques. All propaganda has the same aim: to shape and control the way that others think, what they believe, and how they behave. 

In this writing task, you will analyze Old Major's speech (Animal Farm, pp. 6–13) and identify at least two different propaganda techniques he uses to persuade the animals to follow his teachings. Select two of the following techniques to write about: name calling; glittering generalities; fear; testimonial; bandwagon; or unwarranted extrapolation.  

You will write a four-paragraph essay—including an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion—where you support your analysis with quoted evidence from Animal Farm. You may also use evidence from The Propaganda Critic to support your analysis of propaganda techniques.

Sample Response

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Homework


Students should complete rereading and annotating/gathering evidence from pages 6–13 for homework.

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Common Core Standards


  • W.8.1 — Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
  • W.8.9 — Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Supporting Standards

L.8.6
RI.8.2
RL.8.1
RL.8.10
SL.8.1
W.8.4
W.8.5
W.8.10

Next

Draft a claim statement and create an outline for a four-paragraph literary analysis essay.

Lesson 28
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Lesson Map

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