The Heart of the Matter Lesson Plan

Orwell on Greene

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Close reading of secondary text

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.7

Structure:

After the students have read the Orwell essay for homework, have a discussion.

Have students use their homework questions to use as discussion points. Before you begin, perhaps add a mini-lecture on Orwell -- see which students have read Animal Farm or 1984, and distribute and read this simple (but thorough) bio: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/orwell_george.shtml

HW questions:

What is Orwell's overall opinion of the book?

What are aspects he likes? Dislikes?

What is his major criticism?

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