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Lesson 1

We will generate three open-ended, thought-provoking questions related to ideas in the novel 1984, and we will respond to each.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I formulate and use questions to establish and deepen my understanding of the novel 1984?

  • Can I generate and develop ideas about the novel 1984?

Texts

Core

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

Materials

There are no materials for this Lesson.

Activity 1: Read – Write

We will craft three open-ended, thought-provoking questions related to ideas from the novel 1984.

Consider the novel 1984, as well as the informational text you have read in this unit. Write three open-ended, thought-provoking questions about ideas found in the novel. Three examples of such questions are below:

  1. What are the impacts of surveillance and technology on freedom and safety?

  2. What are the methods to manipulate emotions and influence human behavior?

  3. What evidence is there that people use the process of doublethink in our own society?

Below are some thought-provoking question frames that you might use to craft your questions:

  1. What do I think about _____? What evidence from the text supports my belief?

  2. What is the relationship between _____ and _____?

  3. What do the texts say about _____? What about this perspective do I agree or disagree with?

  4. What significance is this to _____? If _____ is true, then _____?

Questions to avoid:

  • questions that are too vague (these invoke uncertainty in other group members)

  • questions that are too general (these do not ensure understanding)

  • yes-or-no questions (these do not elicit discussion)

Write down your questions in your Learning Log.

Activity 2: Read – Discuss – Write

We will discuss our questions with our peers.

Use your open-ended, thought-provoking questions to engage in a peer discussion. Be sure to include details from the novel to support your ideas.

Activity 3: Write

We will write a one-paragraph response to each of our questions.

For each of your own questions, write a one-paragraph response. Be sure to include details from the novel to support your ideas.

Write down your answers in your Learning Log.