Welcome to the English as a Second Language course for Year/Grade 7 students. In this course, we will be focusing on Animal Farm by George Orwell. This book is a political allegory that uses animals as characters to represent the major figures and ideologies of the Russian Revolution and early Soviet Union. Through this course, students will improve their English language skills while also developing a deeper understanding of the text's themes and symbolism.
Course Goals and Aims:
The main goal of this course is to improve students' English language abilities, with a particular focus on reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Read and analyze Animal Farm, with an understanding of major themes and symbols.
- Use English to express themselves effectively in speaking and writing.
- Apply knowledge of grammar and vocabulary to communicate clearly and accurately.
- Understand how literature reflects and shapes cultural and societal values.
Course Plan:
Module 1: Introduction to Animal Farm (Lessons 1-5)
- Lesson 1: Course Introduction and Overview of Animal Farm
- Lesson 2: Introduction to George Orwell and His Writing Style
- Lesson 3: The Historical Context of the Russian Revolution and Soviet Union
- Lesson 4: Overview of Plot and Characters in Animal Farm
- Lesson 5: Vocabulary and Terms for Understanding Animal Farm
Module 2: Chapters 1-3 (Lessons 6-10)
- Lesson 6: Plot Summary and Analysis of Chapter 1
- Lesson 7: Vocabulary and Grammar Review: Simple Present Tense and Nouns
- Lesson 8: Plot Summary and Analysis of Chapter 2
- Lesson 9: Vocabulary and Grammar Review: Adjectives and Personal Pronouns
- Lesson 10: Plot Summary and Analysis of Chapter 3
Module 3: Chapters 4-6 (Lessons 11-15)
- Lesson 11: Plot Summary and Analysis of Chapter 4
- Lesson 12: Vocabulary and Grammar Review: Simple Past Tense and Verbs
- Lesson 13: Plot Summary and Analysis of Chapter 5
- Lesson 14: Vocabulary and Grammar Review: Adverbs and Conjunctions
- Lesson 15: Plot Summary and Analysis of Chapter 6
Module 4: Chapters 7-8 (Lessons 16-20)
- Lesson 16: Plot Summary and Analysis of Chapter 7
- Lesson 17: Vocabulary and Grammar Review: Modal Verbs and Gerunds
- Lesson 18: Plot Summary and Analysis of Chapter 8
- Lesson 19: Vocabulary and Grammar Review: Conditionals and Phrasal Verbs
- Lesson 20: Review and Practice
Module 5: Chapters 9-10 (Lessons 21-25)
- Lesson 21: Plot Summary and Analysis of Chapter 9
- Lesson 22: Vocabulary and Grammar Review: Passive Voice and Infinitives
- Lesson 23: Plot Summary and Analysis of Chapter 10
- Lesson 24: Vocabulary and Grammar Review: Reported Speech and Prepositions
- Lesson 25: Review and Practice
Module 6: Themes and Symbolism (Lessons 26-30)
- Lesson 26: Themes in Animal Farm: Power, Corruption, and Revolution
- Lesson 27: Symbolism in Animal Farm: Animal Characters and Political Ideologies
- Lesson 28: Using English to Express Opinions and Thoughts on Animal Farm
- Lesson 29: Writing a Critical Essay on Animal Farm
- Lesson 30: Course Review and Reflection: How English and Animal Farm have Impacted You
References:
- Orwell, G. (1945). Animal Farm. New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company.
- Murphy, R. (2004). English Grammar in Use: A Self-study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Swan, M. (2016). Practical English Usage. Oxford: Oxford University Press.