Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from 1984, in particular from the strange language of Newspeak. Often throughout the novel, Newspeak words carry a lot of weight for the characters because of their implications, such as thoughtcrime.
Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
to think in an orthodox (or acceptable) manner
the faculty of stopping short, as though by instinct, at the threshold of any dangerous thought
thoughtcrime is death; thoughts that run contradictory to the ideology put forth by the Party
to hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously
a person who has been “vaporized” and written out of existence
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in 1984 by creating visualizations.
Support all students by providing differentiated activities and visual aids tailored to various reading levels. This promotes inclusion and helps every learner grasp challenging Newspeak terms from 1984.
Divide Newspeak words into small groups and teach them over several days. This keeps students from feeling overwhelmed and allows for repeated exposure, which builds confidence.
Pair each Newspeak term with a clear image or relatable example. Connecting new words to students' lives boosts understanding and memory.
Ask students to discuss Newspeak terms in pairs or small groups. Talking through meanings together helps clarify confusion and deepens comprehension.
Use exit tickets, short quizzes, or think-pair-share to assess grasp of Newspeak words. Frequent feedback lets you adapt instruction and supports student growth.
Newspeak is a controlled language created by the totalitarian regime in 1984 to limit freedom of thought and restrict expression. Its purpose is to make certain ideas impossible to express, reinforcing the Party's power.
Engage students by having them create visual vocabulary boards using key Newspeak terms from 1984. Ask students to define each word, use it in a sentence, and illustrate its meaning through scenes or images.
Key Newspeak words include orthodoxy (thinking in an acceptable way), crimestop (instinctively stopping dangerous thoughts), thoughtcrime (holding beliefs against the Party), doublethink (believing two contradictions), and unperson (someone erased from existence).
A visual vocabulary board is an activity where students define words, use them in sentences, and create illustrations to show their meaning. This approach helps reinforce understanding through both language and imagery, making abstract terms more concrete.
Understanding Newspeak vocabulary helps students grasp key themes in 1984, such as language control and thought manipulation. It deepens comprehension of how the Party maintains power and the impact of language on freedom.