Animal Farm ESSAY QUESTIONS
The day of the test is __________________________________
I would like to answer one of the following in class: _____
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
_____
_____
_____
Choose the four you would most want to answer. On the day of the test make sure these questions are marked
on this question sheet. I will then randomly assign each person a question from those five. This essay will be
worth 50 points.
After you are assigned your questions, you will write a five paragraph essay in class. Make sure you begin with a
short introduction and by stating a thesis for your answer and end with a conclusion. Be sure to include three
main points and several examples to support your points. Try to even include direct quotes from the book to help
make your point. If you have time, you can ask for an additional essay question to be answered for extra credit
(up to 10 points). You will be able to use any notes, worksheets and the novel. You could even do some
prewriting/a graphic organizer for the topics you’re choosing. The suggested thesis statements are just that—
suggestions. You do not have to use them, but they might give you some ideas of how to get started. You won’t
be marked down for using them or not using them.
Where did the “other” animals go wrong? What could they have done to prevent the downfall of their society?
Choose at least three examples of how and/or when the other animals on the farm could have improved the
outcome.
a. Suggested thesis: The “other” animals in Animal Farm, by George Orwell, could have prevented the
downfall of their society by _______________________________, _________________________, and
_____________________________.
Choose one theme of Animal Farm and explain how the novel conveys that theme. Remember, a theme is an
idea about life in general that is illustrated by the novel. What can we learn about life, our society, and ourselves
by reading and thinking about this book? Find specific examples where this idea is brought out in the novel.
a. Suggested thesis: Animal Farm, by George Orwell, shows us that ________________________; this
idea is illustrated by _______________________, _______________________________, and
______________________________.
A well-known quote is, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” How is Napoleon corrupted by
power? What are three examples of his power leading to corruption?
a. Suggested thesis: Napoleon, the leader in Animal Farm, by George Orwell, is fueled by his desire for
power which in turns results in corruption; this can be seen when he ___________________,
______________________, and ____________________.
Snowball writes the seven major "commandments" of Animalism on the barn wall. Do you think these laws are
appropriate? Can you think of any that should have been added?
a. Suggested thesis: The seven commandments in George Orwell’s Animal Farm are/are not appropriate;
the animals should have included commandments concerning _______________________ and
______________________.
If Snowball had seized power, would the outcome have changed? Would Animal Farm be a better place?
Explain why/why not. Make sure you use examples from the novel to make your point.
a. Suggested thesis: Snowball, the exiled leader in Animal Farm, by George Orwell, would/would not have
made a better leader because ________________, ______________________ and
_______________________.
Explain the special treatment of the pigs at Animal Farm from the time of the Rebellion to the final scene.
a. Suggested thesis: In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the pigs receive special treatment from the time of
the Rebellion, which increases after Snowball is exiled, and then grows to extremes by the end of the
novel.
How is Squealer able to keep the other animals in line? Why are they effective? Why is a person like this so
important in a dictatorship/totalitarian regime?
a. Suggested thesis: Squealer is the manipulative yet persuasive pig in Animal Farm, by George Orwell; he
is important to Napoleon’s reign because he ___________________, ________________________, and
_________________________.
Why must Napolean discredit Snowball to maintain power? Why is he successful?
a. Suggested thesis: In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Napoleon uses Snowball as a scapegoat when
_________________, __________________, and __________________.
Is the story of Animal Farm believable? Explain why or why not.
a. Suggested thesis: Animal Farm, by George Orwell, is/is not believable because ________________,
__________________, and _________________________.