Category: Reading

Nineteen Eighty-Four: What to do with a quote

Exploring different approaches we can take to expand on a selected quotation.

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The Grammar of Dystopia

The Dystopia genre has its own grammar – This close reading of the opening page of Nineteen Eighty-Four offers a clear insight into the grammatical means by which George Orwell infused his futuristic vision with an eerie authenticity.

Homework: Select a sample of rich language

In spite of being the author of the quotation “Good prose should be transparent, like a window pane.” Orwell’s writing is rich with grammatical complexity and textured imagery. Find for yourself some examples of his deft

The Death of Truth

These are the articles I read to the class about some of the historical antecedents to Nineteen Eighty-Four

Novel Study: Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

NCEA 3.1: Respond critically to specified aspect(s) of studied written text(s), supported by evidence

Grammar of Satire – Writing Task

After our short study of the Grammar of Satire, it’s time to have a go at writing a satirical piece in your own right. Here are some suggestions as to how you might get going:

The Grammar of Satire – School, by Thabit Choudhury

School. It’s an amazing thing. There’s nothing a 15-year-old boy loves more than getting up at 6:30, eager to educate himself.

Grammar of Satire – Trident, by Frankie Boyle

I wrote a joke the other day, along the lines of: “Our greatest fear is that we die alone – which is why I intend to take quite a few people with me.”

Grammar of Satire – A Postcard from Russia

The most exciting way of getting into Russia is to cross Germany in a sealed train and arrive at the Finland Station in St Petersburg to be greeted by a cheering revolutionary mob who promptly rename the city after you.