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Lesson 7

We will analyze Chapter 3 of 1984 and determine the meaning of the term doublethink.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I analyze and explain the impact of the author’s choice to use a dream sequence to develop Winston’s character?

  • Can I attend to details in 1984 to determine the meaning of the term doublethink?

  • Can I develop and clearly communicate a meaningful and defensible claim about the meaning of doublethink that represents an evidence-based analysis?

  • Can I apply feedback to revise and strengthen my writing?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • 1984, George Orwell, Signet Classics, 1949

Materials

Tools

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read – Discuss – Write

In small groups, we will discuss chapter 3 and use guiding questions to shape the discussion.

In a small group, discuss the questions below. Use your annotations to help guide your discussion.

  1. How is Orwell’s use of a dream sequence effective in developing Winston's character and a central idea of the novel?

Revise your notes based on the discussion.

Activity 2: Read – Write

We will reread a key excerpt of chapter 3 and draft a definition and explanation for the term doublethink.

Alongside Big Brother, the term doublethink is one of the most iconic ideas found in 1984.

Independently, reread and annotate pages 29-31 beginning with the paragraph starting, "Since about that time," and ending with the paragraph that starts, "Winston sank his arms to his sides.” As you read, focus on what the term doublethink means. After you have completed the reading, draft a paragraph that does the following:

  • defines doublethink

  • provides an example of doublethink

  • explains the significance of doublethink with regard to the powers of the government of Oceania

Activity 3: Read – Discuss – Write

We will exchange drafts with a partner to gain feedback on our paragraphs.

Exchange drafts with a partner. Use the questions below to guide your feedback for your partner. Write the feedback on sticky notes or in the margins of their paper. Remember, you are providing two types of feedback:

  • reinforcing (e.g., "You did a nice job with _____. It was a really effective way to _____.”)

  • constructive (e.g., "You could improve your connections between ideas by _____.")

Consider the following guiding questions:

  1. Does the writer state a clear and understandable definition of doublethink? Is the definition accurate?

  2. Does the writer provide an example of doublethink from the novel? Is it relevant?

  3. Does the writer explain the significance of doublethink with regard to the government of Oceania? Is the explanation thorough?

  4. Does the writer use proper conventions?

Once you have each independently reviewed your partner’s paragraph, review your partner’s comments. Ask your partner follow-up questions if you need additional clarification.

Activity 4: Read – Write

We will use our partner’s feedback to revise our paragraphs for clarity and cohesion.

Use your partner’s feedback to revise your paragraph for clarity and cohesion. Complete the revision for homework, if needed.

Activity 5: Read – Write

For homework, we will read Chapter 4 of 1984 and answer a set of guiding questions.

For homework, read and annotate Chapter 4 of 1984. Use the following questions to guide your annotations:

  1. What is Winston’s job at the Ministry of Truth?

  2. How does he feel about his work? What evidence from the text supports this conclusion?

  3. How does Winston directly assist the government of Oceania with controlling and manipulating its citizens?

  4. What is ironic about the title "Ministry of Truth”? How does the author develop this irony?

Be prepared to share your responses in the next lesson.

Write new or interesting words you encounter in your Vocabulary Journal.