The Final Project
Get ready for your final Animal Farm challenge! You have TWO major projects to complete to show off your skills: an analytical essay AND a creative Canva project. First, you'll write a 500-750 word essay, acting as a literary detective to uncover how Orwell uses language to expose the themes of power and manipulation in the novel. Then, you'll switch gears and become a propaganda pro yourself, creating a Canva campaign complete with a poster, a speech, and a reflection, just like one of the characters in the book. Both the essay AND the Canva project are REQUIRED, so make sure you complete both to ace your final assessment and demonstrate your understanding of Animal Farm!
Project 1: The Animal Farm Essay (AKA: The "Why is Orwell So Sneaky?" Essay)
What's the Point?
This essay is about figuring out how George Orwell, the author of Animal Farm, uses words to trick the reader (and the animals in the story). He's a master of using language to make you think certain things, even if they aren't entirely true. Your job is to be a word detective and show how he does it.
What Am I Actually Writing About?
You're going to write an essay about how Orwell uses words to show who has power and how they manipulate others in Animal Farm.
You need to pick ONE of these options:
Option A: Pick a Character and Analyze Their Words: Choose one character from the book who's good at manipulating others with their words (like Squealer, Napoleon, or Old Major). Then, find examples of what they say and explain how those words give them power or help them trick the other animals.
Option B: Pick a Sneaky Word Trick and Explain It: Orwell uses many sneaky tricks with language. These are called "propaganda techniques." Pick one type of propaganda (like using slogans, using big words to confuse people, or scaring people) and explain how Orwell uses it in the book to show how the animals get manipulated.
How Long Does It Need to Be?
Your essay should be 500-750 words long. That's about 2-3 pages double-spaced.
What are the Parts of the Essay?
Introduction:
Start by talking about the big ideas of power and manipulation in Animal Farm.
Then, introduce your main point, called your thesis statement. This is where you clearly tell the reader which option you picked (A or B) and what you're going to argue.
Example Thesis (Option A): "In Animal Farm, Squealer uses clever word choices, like repeating slogans and twisting the truth, to manipulate the other animals and keep Napoleon in power."
Example Thesis (Option B): "Throughout Animal Farm, George Orwell uses the propaganda technique of fear, particularly through scary descriptions of humans and made-up stories about Snowball, to show how the pigs control the other animals."
Body Paragraphs (You need at least 3 of these):
Each paragraph should focus on one example from the book.
Start with a topic sentence: This sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about.
Give your example (concrete detail): This is where you use a quote from the book (with quotation marks!) that proves your point.
Explain the example (commentary) x2: This is the most important part! Explain how the quote you picked shows how the character is manipulating others or how the propaganda technique works. Don't just summarize the quote; analyze it!
Closing Sentence: A closing sentence wraps up the conversation like a cherry on top of a sundae, neatly summarizing the main idea, reinforcing the message, and signaling to the reader that the discussion has reached its thrilling conclusion, leaving them satisfied and ready for what comes next!
Example Body Paragraph:
Topic Sentence: Squealer is a master of using repetition to brainwash the other animals. He repeats slogans so often that they stop thinking for themselves and just accept what he says.
Concrete Detail: A great example of this is when the animals are confused about Napoleon's new rules. They start to wonder if things are really getting better. To stop their doubts, Squealer keeps chanting, "Four legs good, two legs bad" (Orwell 47).
Commentary: Think of it like this: instead of having a real conversation about their concerns, the animals are bombarded with this simple, mind-numbing chant. "Four legs good, two legs bad" doesn't explain anything; it just shuts down their brains.
Commentary: By repeating it over and over, Squealer makes it impossible for them to think critically. They're like robots programmed to believe the slogan, which shows just how easily Squealer can control them with this simple trick.
Closing Sentence: Ultimately, Squealer's use of repetition proves how easily the animals can be manipulated, highlighting Orwell's warning about the power of propaganda.
Conclusion:
Restate your thesis: Remind the reader what your main point was.
Summarize your examples: Briefly go over the main examples you used.
End with a final thought: Why is this important? What does it all mean? What did Orwell want us to learn about power and language?
How Will I Be Graded?
Thesis (15%): Do you have a clear main point?
Textual Evidence (30%): Did you use good quotes from the book to back up your ideas?
Analysis (30%): Did you explain how your quotes prove your point? This is the most important part!
Organization (15%): Does your essay flow logically? Do you have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion?
Style and Conventions (10%): Did you use correct grammar and spelling? Is your essay in MLA format?
Important Reminders:
We'll go over how to write a good thesis statement and how to use quotes correctly.
You'll have time to work on this in class, and you might have some homework, too.
Ask questions if you're confused!
You can do this! Just be a word detective and show how Orwell uses language to reveal the truth about power and manipulation.
Project 2: Become a Propaganda Pro! (Animal Farm Canva Project)
What's the Goal?
You're going to pretend you're one of the animals in Animal Farm (like Squealer, but you can choose others!) and create a poster and short speech to trick the other animals into believing something that might not be entirely true. This is called propaganda. Think of it like making a really persuasive advertisement, but for something that might be a little sneaky or dishonest. You will also need to write a short paragraph explaining your choices.
Why Are We Doing This?
This project helps you understand how those in power use sneaky language and images to control people. You'll see how it works in the book and how it works in real life, too!
What is Canva?
Canva is a website that lets you easily design posters, presentations, and other cool stuff. It's like a super-powered version of making a poster with markers and construction paper, but way easier and neater. We'll learn how to use it in class. Don't worry, it's user-friendly!
What Exactly Do I Need to Make?
You're making three things, all on Canva:
A Propaganda Poster: This is the main part. It's like a big, colorful advertisement to convince the animals of something.
What needs to be on the poster?
Slogans: Catchy phrases that are easy to remember (at least 2). Think of slogans like "Just Do It" or "I'm Lovin' It" but Animal Farm style. For example: "Four Legs Good, Two Legs Bad!" or "Vote Napoleon - He's Always Right!"
Pictures: Images that grab attention and support your message. You can use pictures from Canva's library or find some online. Make sure they fit the Animal Farm theme. For example, a picture of a strong-looking Napoleon, or a scary picture of a human to make the animals fear them.
Make it Look Good: Use colors and fonts that fit the mood you're trying to create. Canva has tons of options.
Real World Connection: Sneak in at least one picture or design idea from real-life propaganda posters. Your teacher will show you some examples from history, like old posters from wars or political campaigns. You'll be surprised how similar they are to what happens in Animal Farm!
2. A Short Speech (Use a Text Box on Canva): This is where you write out what your character would say to the other animals.
What to include in the speech:
Keep it Short: 100-150 words. That's about half a page of writing.
Use Sneaky Words: Use words that trick the animals. Make things sound better or worse than they really are. Use techniques like:
Bandwagon: Everyone's doing it!
Fear: Be scared of what will happen if you don't agree!
Repetition: Say the important stuff over and over.
Scapegoating: Blame all your problems on someone else.
Example: "Comrades! Are you tired of being hungry? Do you want a better life? Of course, you do! That's why we need to build the windmill! It will give us electricity, and electricity means less work and more food for everyone! Don't listen to the lies spread by Snowball. He's a traitor who wants to keep you in misery. Only Napoleon has your best interests at heart! Vote for Napoleon and the windmill! Vote for a brighter future!"
3. A Reflection Paragraph: This is where you explain what you did and why.
What to include in the reflection:
Explain Your Poster: Why did you choose those pictures and slogans? What message are you trying to send?
Explain Your Speech: What sneaky techniques did you use in your speech? Why did you choose those techniques?
Connect it to the Book: How does your poster and speech relate to what happens in Animal Farm? Give at least one quote from the book that connects to your project.
Talk About the Real-World Stuff: Explain how your poster connects to real-life propaganda.
Keep it Short: 150-200 words.
Character Choice
Option A: Be Like Squealer: Make a campaign for something that happened in the book, just like Squealer would.
Option B: Be Someone Else: Pick any other animal (like Napoleon, Benjamin, or even Boxer) and make a campaign that fits their personality.
How Will I Be Graded?
Your teacher will be looking for:
Did you use examples from the book? (20%)
Does your project show you understand the big ideas of the book? (25%)
Did you use sneaky propaganda tricks the right way? (25%)
Did you create a character from the book or connect it to real history? (20%)
Does your poster look good and make sense? (10%)
Important Reminders:
We'll learn how to use Canva in class. It's easy, I promise!
You'll have time to work on this in class, but you might need to do some work at home, too.
Don't be afraid to ask questions!
You got this! This project is your chance to be creative and show what you've learned about Animal Farm. Have fun with it!