Pre-Reading for Animal Farm Unit
12/17/14
7th-Grade English
Ms. Franke
Essential Question/Aim:
How can we understand propaganda tactics and later relate these to Orwell's Animal
Farm?
Rationale:
In order to relate to Orwell's plot and to the Russian Revolution, we need to understand
ideas like capitalism, socialism, and communism. We must also understand the term
propaganda because it gives us insight on how dictators, or unfavorable leaders, rise to
power. We will study these ideas outside of the book as well as within the book, as these
concepts build knowledge that is widely used and still relevant today in society. Let’s
first take a look at propaganda, or the manipulation of language, and learn how and
where it appears today.
Do Now: Take notes on these, based on class discussion:
 What is propaganda?
 Who uses propaganda?
 What purposes does it serve?
 What is needed for propaganda to be successful?
 How was propaganda used in history, in the Russian Revolution specifically?
Task: Read each term and definition below. Next, add a similar definition in your own words to
clarify your understanding of the propaganda tactic.
1. Oversimplification: Covering part of the truth with general statements which lack
essential details.
2. Euphemism: Sugarcoating the truth with words that sound sweeter
3. Faulty Cause and Effect Reasoning : Not providing a direct reason for a statement or not
explaining a statement logically
4. Scapegoating: Placing the blame elsewhere to make the blamer look more appealing
5. Bandwagon: Do it because others are doing it; be like others; don’t be left out
6. Begging the Question: Not directly answering a question being asked; trying to move
away from the question by distracting the audience
7. Bribery: Offering money or gifts to the public to gain votes and/or support
Task #2: For each example provided, identify and apply the correct propaganda tactic.
1. When Omar asks Cosmo why he’d make a good class president, Cosmo responds with,
“I’m glad you ask, my friend. You’ve got great hair!” ___________________
2. While running for the 2014 St. Mary’s 7th Grade presidential seat against Cosmo,
Lindsey’s presidential campaign developed “Pie Friday” where Lindsey’s supports are
promised free delicious pie for five consecutive Fridays. ___________________
3. Nina, a third opponent for class president, mentions in her 2014 speech that leaders of
the past, especially President Matt from 2013, have disappointed us greatly, as he made
false promises of Llamas visiting school. Nina vows to “stop the madness” and change
the damages done by Matt. ____________________
4. Eamon, a respected supporter of Lindsey, is spotted wearing a “Vote for Lindsey” fitted
T. on Plandome Rd one Saturday. Soon after, many boys are seen walking around with
these ill-fitting shirts after school hours. _____________________
5. Cosmo shouts, at the end of his speech, “You must wear a blue ribbon if you’re one of
my supporters! Just do it!” ____________________
1. According to reports, Ms. Rachel Franke, 7th Grade English/Religion Teacher at St.
Mary’s Elementary, accidently ended the life of a squirrel yesterday afternoon, at
approximately 3:00, on her way home from work. The squirrel reportedly got stuck
under the wheel of her vehicle, and, a source tells us, “the poor confused Franke
proceeded to drive, as she believed she’d hit a ‘piece of garbage.’ ” Hopefully, this,
in no way, will affect her reputation of good character _____________________.
2. President Nina, Winner of the 2014 Election for Class President, says her campaign
party hats are “environmentally friendly” and “made from recycled paper”
(although we later learn, from disgruntled former supporter Arianna, that only 10%
of the paper is actually recycled). ___________________