1984 - Themes: Control
English
GCSE
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet focusing on the theme of control in George Orwell's 1984, including analysis and annotation tasks for GCSE students.
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1984 - Themes: Control
Subject: EnglishGrade: GCSE
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade GCSE
A
Scene Summary and Context Guide
In George Orwell's 1984, the theme of control is central to the oppressive regime of Big Brother. The novel depicts a dystopian society where the Party maintains absolute power through surveillance, propaganda, and psychological manipulation. The protagonist, Winston Smith, struggles with his desire for truth and freedom in a world where independent thought is considered thoughtcrime. The Party employs mechanisms such as constant monitoring via telescreens, the rewriting of history, and the use of slogans like 'War is Peace' and 'Freedom is Slavery' to reinforce their authority. Orwell illustrates how control extends beyond the physical into the mental realm, ensuring obedience by shaping perceptions and suppressing dissent. The narrative reveals the extent to which power can distort reality and influence individual identity. Phrases such as 'Big Brother is Watching You' serve as chilling reminders of pervasive surveillance, while slogans like 'Ignorance is Strength' exemplify the regime's control over knowledge. Orwell's depiction warns of the potential consequences of unchecked governmental authority and the importance of resistance and truth. This scene underscores the mechanisms of control used by totalitarian regimes and invites analysis of how language and imagery contribute to the overarching theme.
B
Questions
Answer the following questions based on the scene summary and context guide. Use evidence from the text where appropriate.
1.
Identify one phrase from the summary that exemplifies surveillance in 1984.
[2 marks]2.
Explain how Orwell uses slogans like 'War is Peace' to control beliefs. Provide a brief analysis (1-2 sentences).
[3 marks]3.
Find and quote a phrase from the summary that illustrates the suppression of independent thought.
[2 marks]4.
Describe how the Party rewrites history to maintain control, based on the summary.
[6 marks]5.
Identify a literary technique Orwell employs in the slogan 'Ignorance is Strength' and explain its effect.
[2 marks]Aa) Irony - it highlights the contradiction in the slogan
Bb) Metaphor - it directly compares ignorance and strength
Cc) Hyperbole - it exaggerates the power of ignorance
Dd) Alliteration - it uses repetition for emphasis
6.
Using the context guide, analyse how language contributes to the theme of control in Orwell’s depiction.
[8 marks]7.
Creative Writing Prompt: Write a short monologue from the perspective of Winston reflecting on the meaning of 'freedom' in a controlled society.
[10 marks]8.
Identify the literary device in the phrase 'Big Brother is Watching You' and discuss its purpose.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet