WebQuests on 1984 by George Orwell

To prepare for this WebQuest, students will need to become familiar with George Orwell's book, 1984. Introduce the novel using an opening activity. Have them read the novel. Consider watching at least portions of the movie. Share current events information about real totalitarian regimes.

Assign a task or offer students a range of appropriate choices from this list:

(Knowledge Level)

• Write a biography of George Orwell focused on his work, 1984. When did he write the book and why?
• Create a newspaper clipping about events in the life of Winston Smith.

(Comprehension Level)

• Create a presentation outlining the themes of 1984 and supporting your selections with examples and quotations from the story.
• Write two biographies of Winston Smith: one version that is faithful to the book and one version that may have been written by the Ministry of Truth.

(Application Level)

• Choose three literary devices used by the author and explain how they added to the story.
• Create a time line of the plot events from 1984.

(Analysis Level)

• Compare the world that Orwell created in 1984 to another totalitarian culture, past or present. How are they similar? How are they different? Create a poster to show the comparison.
• Compare and contrast three of the main characters in the book.

(Synthesis Level)

• Write a new ending for 1984 where Winston escapes from the Ministry of Love before his will is broken.
• Choose three scenes from 1984 and rewrite them as screen plays. Choose actors and actresses for each part (from your own circle of acquaintances or from currently popular stars) and tell why each person should play the part you've chosen for them.

(Evaluation Level)

• Research the public's reaction to 1984 over the past decades. In your opinion, what was Orwell's purpose in writing? Did he accomplish it? What evidence can you provide to support your claims?
• Imagine that it is the year 2284. The International Public Library System has decided that it is time to archive books that are no longer relevant. Use video, audio clips, and/or other non-print media to make a case to keep 1984 on the virtual shelves and available to the public.

Teachers around the globe have contributed lesson plans and project ideas that may be useful to you in the planning of this WebQuest. Many analyses and summaries have been written about 1984 and can be useful to students as they complete their projects. These websites provide a sampling. Be sure to preview all suggested websites to be sure of their suitability for your students.

• Teacher CyberGuide: 1984
• Spark Notes: 1984
• Summaries and Interpretations: 1984
• Text of 1984 free and online
• Cliff's Notes on 1984
• Audio Clips from the Movie 1984
• George Orwell.org

Evaluation of students' finished products will provide information you need about what was learned or accomplished. Provide students with a clear rubric or set of expectations listing your criteria for a good grade. Your exact evaluation will vary according to the level and ability of the students in your class, but here are some ideas to consider:

• Is the project complete? Did the student answer all of the questions and provide all of the requested information?
• Are sources cited according to the standards and format that you requested?
• Does the student's project demonstrate that he or she understood the concepts that you were teaching?
• For partner or group projects, is there evidence that students worked together appropriately and that all contributed to the project?
• Was the final project published or shared in a manner that met grade level standards for grammar, spelling, neatness, and/or public speaking?