Animal Farm by George Orwell
Examination examples
This novel is a set text for both the OCR and EDEXCEL exam boards. Both will give
you an extract to analyse.
OCR will give you a single question based on a printed extract. You will be expected
to focus your answer on this, using close reading and selecting evidence for your points.
You will also be expected to show some wider knowledge of the book.
EDEXCEL will give you four questions on a printed extract from the book. These
will be different for the foundation tier and the higher tier. You will be expected to
write an extended answer for each one, but make sure you manage your time and answer
all the questions. You should stick to the extract only for the first three questions, and
the fourth one will ask you to refer to other parts of the book.
Example extract
Chapter 5
Read from: ‘Silent and terrified, the animals crept back into the barn.’ to: ‘Then the
sheep broke out into a tremendous bleating of “Four legs good, two legs bad!”
which went on for nearly a quarter of an hour and put an end to any chance of
discussion.’
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Page 1 of 6
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Examination examples
OCR: FOUNDATION TIER
Either 5a
What is your opinion of the way Napoleon behaves in this extract?
You should consider:
Or 5b

how the animals are feeling

the way Napoleon uses the dogs

the words and phrases Orwell uses.
[16]
How do you feel about the way in which Napoleon uses the dogs and the sheep to keep
power over the other animals?
Remember to support your views with details from other parts of the novel.
[16]
OCR: HIGHER TIER
Either 5a
How does Orwell show the shift in power to Napoleon in this extract?
Or 5b
How does Orwell show the way in which the pigs, under Napoleon, become the new
ruling class in Animal Farm?
Remember to support your ideas with details from the novel.
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[24]
[24]
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Animal Farm by George Orwell
Examination examples
EDEXCEL: FOUNDATION TIER
1
Answer all parts of the question that follows as fully as possible.
a) Outline the key events from when the milk disappeared up to this extract
[10]
b) Explain how the writer presents the theme of corrupt power in this extract.
Use evidence from the extract to support your answer.
[10]
c) From this extract what do you learn about the character of Napoleon?
Use evidence from the extract to support your answer.
[8]
d) Napoleon makes use of the dogs and the sheep to silence the animals.
Explain how Napoleon makes use of the dogs and the sheep later on in the novel.
Use examples of the writer’s language to support your answer.
[12]
Total for Question 1 = 40 marks.
EDEXCEL: HIGHER TIER
1
Answer all parts of the question that follows as fully as possible.
a) Explain how the author presents the character of Napoleon in this extract.
Use evidence from the extract to support your answer.
[8]
b) Comment on how the language in the extract is used to show Napoleon’s attitude to the
other animals.
Use evidence from the extract to support your answer.
[10]
c) Explore the importance of the way power corrupts in this extract.
Use evidence from the extract to support your answer.
d) Explore the importance of the corruption of power in one other part of the novel.
Use examples of the writer’s language to support your answer.
[12]
Total for Question 1 = 40 marks.
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Page 3 of 6
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Examination examples
Both the OCR and EDEXCEL assessment objectives require you to:
 show a critical and imaginative response to the text and be able to select and evaluate
evidence to support your ideas
 be able to explain how language, structure and forms help the writer to present
themes, ideas and setting.
Tackling the question
There are lots of approaches you might take to this sort of question. Try the
method outlined and demonstrated below and see you well it works for you.
 Work with a partner and make a set of numbered notes outlining your ideas for your
answer.

Use a pencil and either underline or circle appropriate quotations to support your
ideas.

Number these so they correspond to your notes.

Now make a further set of notes outlining how you would evaluate your chosen
evidence.

There is an exemplar below to give you some ideas.

When you are happy with your notes work independently to write your final answers
in an appropriate style for the exam.
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Animal Farm by George Orwell
Examination examples
The following notes are examples of annotations that you might make. They use a
personalised shorthand. Explain each annotation to a partner and match them up
with an appropriate quotation.
How Orwell shows the corruption of power:
1. Extract follows expulsion of
Snowball – brute force over
reasoned argument
a) ‘silent and terrified’ / ‘they were
huge dogs and as fierce-looking
as wolves.’
2. Nap has planned it – took dogs
as puppies to train. They are
obedient
b) ‘It was noticed that they wagged
their tails to him in the same way
as the other dogs had been used
to do to Mr Jones’
3. Other animals taken by surprise
– also planned
c) ‘ … a special committee of pigs
presided over by himself.’
4. Other animals cowed by dogs –
use of terror
d) ‘… the shock that Snowball’s
expulsion had given them …’
5. New committee to replace
debates = no more equality /
contrast Major’s dream
e) ‘ … a tremendous bleating of
“Four legs good, two legs bad!”
… put an end to any chance of
discussion.’
6. Even Boxer feels something
wrong
f) ‘ … the dogs sitting round
Napoleon let out deep menacing
growls.’
7. Young pigs who protest silenced
by dogs
g) ‘Even Boxer was vaguely
troubled.’
8. Sheep used to prevent discussion
h) ‘At first no one had been able to
imagine where these creatures
came from …’
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Page 5 of 6
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Examination examples
Now read the notes below. Discuss and explain them with a partner. Do you agree
with these evaluations? What would you add to each?
Evaluating the quotations
1. Dogs used to expel Sno from farm – everyone forgotten them but now shows role as
Nap’s secret police / army. Nap does not try to argue with Sno. just uses force.
2. Reminder how Nap. took puppies earlier in book. Obviously planned because
trained them himself. Begins to behave like Jones.
3. Animals did not know dogs – forgotten. Did not expect force to be used against Sno
‘all animals equal’.
4. Animals frightened by Sno’s experience – don’ know how to react. Dogs are big &
fierce. Want to protest ban on meetings but can’t think of words
5. Nap takes control & forbids debates. Ironic use of same platform as Old M with
dream of equality.
Use of committee of privileged class (pigs) to make decisions = end of equality for
all.
6. Boxer is hardest worker & most faithful. Respected by others. If he feels uneasy
there is good reason. Not very bright – can’t find words. Later support of Sno wins
enmity of Squealer.
7. Animals see the only protest from young pigs met with menace from dogs. Have
seen Sno’s fate, so they shut up, but later ‘executed’ by dogs.
8. Nap and Sq trained sheep to ‘shout down’ opposition. Can bleat for a long time!
Ironic that too stupid to learn 7 commandments but can be taught simple slogans
endlessly repeated.
Now choose your question from the appropriate exam board and tier. Write an
extended answer based on the exemplar along with your own additional notes.
Remember to add your own personal response and some comments on Orwell’s use
of language.
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