ANIMAL FARM WRITING ASSIGNMENT

LENGUA INGLESA 6
2023

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Students will be able to use writing conventions of the English language.

2. Students will be able to analyze written production with editing purposes.
3. Students will be able to recall textual structures –superstructure, macrostructure and
microstructure---to identify relevant textual elements.
4. Students will be able to understand reading material to make the difference in relation to
text typologies, context and genres.

INSTRUCTIONS:

You are going to write a book review describing and evaluating Animal Farm by George
Orwell. The work will be done individually and will have to be submitted by November 24st.

The assignment consists in defending a thesis statement in 700 words.

A thesis statement makes a claim that others might dispute. It is usually a single sentence near
the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your
argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes
evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

The title is not the same as the thesis statement. The title is generally brief, a phrase. For
instance, Friends or Foes? Or Animal Farm: a Colorful Cast.

STRUCTURE:

● INTRODUCTION
- Identify the book by author, title, and publishing information.
- Specify the type of book (for example, fiction, nonfiction, biography, autobiography).
- Mention the book's theme.
- Include background if necessary to enable reader(s) to place the book into a specific
context. For example, you might want to describe the general problem the book addresses
or earlier work the author or others have done.
- Make your thesis statement at the end of the paragraph.
- SUGGESTION: An interesting fact from the book may create a powerful opening for a
review.
 ● Body 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
- Plot: Write what the book is about WITHOUT SPOILERS!
- Characters: Who are the main characters? What conflict do they face?
- Setting: Where does the story occur? Is it mostly realistic with elements of fantasy? How
much does the author draw you into the setting and how does he accomplish that?
- Theme: What are the ideas behind the story? Does it have a moral? What makes the book
worth reading?
- SUGGESTION: Try to avoid using the tired phrase “This book is about ….” Instead, just
jump right in.

● Body 2: ANALYSIS (This is where you share your reactions to the book)
SUGGESTIONS:

This paragraph is half of the review. Defend your thesis statement and answer any
of these questions.

- Why do you think other readers would enjoy it? Why did you enjoy it (if you did) or why
didn’t you (if you didn’t).
- Does the book engage your emotions?
- What do you like or dislike about the author’s writing style? Is it funny? Is it hard to
follow? Is it engaging and conversational in tone?
- How well do you think the author achieved what he was going for (intention) in the
writing of the book? Do you think you felt what the author was hoping you would feel?
Did the book feel complete, or did it feel as though key elements were left out?
- What was your favorite part of the book?
- Would you have done anything differently had you been the author?
- Would any reader enjoy this book? If not, to what ages or type of reader would it appeal?

● CONCLUSION:
- A short conclusion summing up your evaluation of the book. Ideally it should leave your
reader with something to reflect on and a sense of whether or not you consider the book a
success.

ASSESSMENT:

Your work will be assessed on the following criteria: Focus, support, structure and organization,
use of English and textual conventions. Each criterion has10 points.

You are expected to achieve the following:

1.- Focus: Effectively develops topic and demonstrates critical thinking, showing reflection.
Does not veer off the topic. Readers are addressed correctly and task (genre/type of text) mirrors
in the writing piece.
2.- Support: Most topic sentences are supported by meaningful, detailed examples, reasons or
claims. Makes associations with other relevant ideas or topics.

3.- Structure and organization: Introduction, body and conclusion are textualized in a logical
sequence. There is a clear thesis statement. All paragraphs present one topic sentence.
Shows clear organization of ideas with smooth transitions from one paragraph to the next with
linking devices.

4.- Use of English: Shows accuracy in the use of both complex grammatical forms and specific
function words. A variety of structures is used as needed. Word choice (collocations) is effective.
Absence of L1 structures.

5.- Textual conventions: One or two errors either in spellings, punctuation or capitalization.
Uses italics appropriately. Absence of formatting errors if text is digitalized.

IMPORTANT:
You will start writing the essay in class; thus, you will be required to submit review advances.