ENG 3U SUMMATIVE: Research and Oral Presentation – 1984
Purpose:
Orwell’s novel, Nineteen Eight-Four (1949), presents a dystopian view of the future and
uses allusions to world history as justification for this view. Many socio-political
circumstances since the first publishing of the novel seem to support some of Orwell’s
warnings about totalitarianism; we can clearly recognise some of his key themes in world
events.
Students will research one of the historical allusions present in the novel and/or make
connections to events since the book was published and how they reflect themes of the
novel. The presentation must present key historical facts (five W’s) and must make
specific links to the novel. Supporting quotations from Orwell’s text must be integrated
into the presentation.
Instructions:
1. Choose one of the topics or subtopics listed below. Maximum of two students
per topic.
2. Research your topic in the library
 Use minimum of three different sources (one of: a reliable website; an
encyclopedia article (Wikipedia is not acceptable); an article from a
database or scholarly journal, a printed book).
 Make organized jot notes on each of your sources (consider using the five
Ws as subtitles for your notes)
 Record a complete bibliography of your sources using the correct MLA
citation style
3. Prepare a 10-12 minute structured presentation that has a clear introduction and
conclusion.
 Include the most important historical facts about your topic.
 Make three or more direct links to the novel (quotations are essential!)
4. Use jot notes written on cue cards to remind you of your main points
5. Incorporate a visual aid (PPT overhead, poster, handout, even a simple outline on
the black board) to keep the focus of your audience. There must be some sort of
material beyond just your spoken voice!
6. Practice your presentation to make sure you do not go over or under time.
7. Be prepared to present on your assigned day (determined randomly); if you are
absent without medical documentation a zero will be assigned.
Evaluation: See Rubric for Oral Presentation
YOU MUST HAND IN THE FOLLOWING TO THE TEACHER AFTER YOUR
PRESENTATION. Failure to do so will affect your Application mark (one level
drop for each item missing):
1. Detailed and organized Research Notes (in your own words);
2. Complete Bibliography in MLA format (minimum of three sources listed);
3. Cue Cards (jot notes only) or printed PPT slides used for presentation.
LIST OF TOPICS
Student generated topics must be approved in advance.
Social / Literary Issues
Orwellisms in our society
Orwell’s use of satire
Atmosphere, mood, and/or imagery
Symbolism
The book(s) within the book
Orwell’s life and the novel
The role of surveillance technology:
a) CCTV Cameras
b) Spyware
c) Privacy and the use of the Internet
(e.g. Facebook, MySpace, hacking,
Google Streetview, Gmail, calendars)
Sexual politics
A thematic study (student choice of theme)
The role of Fear
Orwell’s use of Irony
Why students should read Nineteen Eighty-Four
Narrative structure
Narrative perspective and Winston as protagonist
Ethnic cleansing / Genocide
Crimes against humanity
Argentina and “the disappeared”
McCarthyism
Brainwashing experiments (Montreal)
China’s Cultural Revolution
East Germany and the Stasi
Kosovo conflict
Pinochet in Chile
War Measures Act (Canada)
Cambodia / Vietnam
Child soldiers
RCMP abuse of power
The Taliban
Post 9/11 – Conspiracy Theories, Patriot Act
Guantanamo Bay
Current Political Events
(e.g. Tunisia; Egypt; Libya; Syria; Bahrain)
Historical influences on Orwell’s Nineteen
Eighty-Four, including:
Use of propaganda during WWI or WWII
Russia and Stalin
Marxism
Spanish Civil War
Hitler
Hitler Youth
Nazism
Political Purges
Mussolini
Internment of Japanese Canadians in WWII
Concentration / forced labour camps