'1984' Dystopia: Storyboard That Lesson Plans & Activities

Q: What are the main elements of a dystopian society in literature?

The main elements of a dystopian society include oppressive government control, restriction of independent thought, loss of personal freedoms, enforced conformity, portrayal of society as a utopia by authorities, and a protagonist striving to restore normal life. These traits are often set in a post-war or chaotic world.

Q: How does George Orwell’s 1984 illustrate a dystopian society?

George Orwell’s 1984 exemplifies a dystopian society through strict government surveillance, suppression of free thought, loss of individuality, and manipulation of truth. The Party maintains absolute control, creating a fearful and oppressive environment for citizens.

Q: What is the role of the Party in 1984’s dystopian world?

In 1984 , the Party functions as the totalitarian regime that enforces conformity, monitors citizens, controls information, and punishes dissent. Its primary goal is to maintain power by eliminating personal freedoms and independent thinking.

Q: How can students identify elements of a dystopia in 1984 for a storyboard assignment?

Students can identify elements of a dystopia in 1984 by looking for examples of government oppression, lack of freedom, propaganda, enforced conformity, and the protagonist’s desire for change. Illustrating these elements and writing descriptions helps demonstrate understanding.

Q: Why do authors use dystopian settings to convey messages about society?

Authors use dystopian settings to highlight flaws in current societies, warn about the dangers of unchecked power, and spark discussion about freedom and human rights. These stories encourage readers to reflect on real-world issues and imagine alternative futures.

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Activity Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Rubric

Activity Overview

Dystopian literature is a rapidly growing sub-genre of popular fiction. Authors often use dystopias to convey a message about the world we live in today.

Dystopias are extremely flawed societies. In this genre, the setting is often a fallen society, usually occurring after a large scale war, or other horrific event, that caused chaos in the former world. In many stories, this chaos gives rise to a totalitarian government that assumes absolute control. The flaws in this sort of a dystopia are center around oppression and restrictions on freedom by central authorities.

Example of Dystopia in 1984

The people are restricted from independent thought and action.
The government in control is often oppressive.
The setting is often futuristic, or in a fictional universe.
Contains elements of conformity, or extreme equality.
The government portrays their society as a utopia.
The protagonist wishes to restore the people to conventional life.

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that shows the six elements of a dystopia in 1984.

Click "Start Assignment".
Identify events or characteristics of the story that fit into the elements of a dystopia
Illustrate the examples for each event or characteristic.
Write a short description below each cell that specifically relates 1984 as a dystopia.

Simple 6 Cells-Based Spider Diagram Template

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-10

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Elements of Dystopia

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Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Dystopian Elements

As we read and discuss, identify and track the six common dystopian elements that appear throughout the story. Create a scene for each element that highlights how it is utilized throughout the work. Add a brief quote or description under each scene that highlights an important piece of the element being depicted. Make sure the art in your scenes is historically and factually accurate to the story. Your scenes need to be neat, eye-catching, and reflect creativity and care. Please proofread your writing and organize your ideas thoughtfully.

	Proficient 33 Points	Emerging 25 Points	Beginning 17 Points
Dystopian Elements	The six common dystopian literature elements are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, and are accurate and appropriate to the element being depicted.	4-5 dystopian literature elements are correctly identified and portrayed from the story, or some of the elements may not be identified correctly. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, but may be minimal, and are mostly accurate for the element being depicted.	1-3 dystopian literature elements are correctly identified and portrayed from the story, or most of the elements are inaccurately depicted. The quotes and/or explanations are too minimal, or missing altogether.
Artistic Depictions	The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative.	The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations.	The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited.
English Conventions	Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.	Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.	Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading.

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Activity Overview

Dystopian literature is a rapidly growing sub-genre of popular fiction. Authors often use dystopias to convey a message about the world we live in today.

Dystopias are extremely flawed societies. In this genre, the setting is often a fallen society, usually occurring after a large scale war, or other horrific event, that caused chaos in the former world. In many stories, this chaos gives rise to a totalitarian government that assumes absolute control. The flaws in this sort of a dystopia are center around oppression and restrictions on freedom by central authorities.

Example of Dystopia in 1984

The people are restricted from independent thought and action.
The government in control is often oppressive.
The setting is often futuristic, or in a fictional universe.
Contains elements of conformity, or extreme equality.
The government portrays their society as a utopia.
The protagonist wishes to restore the people to conventional life.

Copy Activity*

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that shows the six elements of a dystopia in 1984.

Click "Start Assignment".
Identify events or characteristics of the story that fit into the elements of a dystopia
Illustrate the examples for each event or characteristic.
Write a short description below each cell that specifically relates 1984 as a dystopia.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-10

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Elements of Dystopia

Copy Activity*

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Dystopian Elements

As we read and discuss, identify and track the six common dystopian elements that appear throughout the story. Create a scene for each element that highlights how it is utilized throughout the work. Add a brief quote or description under each scene that highlights an important piece of the element being depicted. Make sure the art in your scenes is historically and factually accurate to the story. Your scenes need to be neat, eye-catching, and reflect creativity and care. Please proofread your writing and organize your ideas thoughtfully.

	Proficient 33 Points	Emerging 25 Points	Beginning 17 Points
Dystopian Elements	The six common dystopian literature elements are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, and are accurate and appropriate to the element being depicted.	4-5 dystopian literature elements are correctly identified and portrayed from the story, or some of the elements may not be identified correctly. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, but may be minimal, and are mostly accurate for the element being depicted.	1-3 dystopian literature elements are correctly identified and portrayed from the story, or most of the elements are inaccurately depicted. The quotes and/or explanations are too minimal, or missing altogether.
Artistic Depictions	The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative.	The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations.	The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited.
English Conventions	Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.	Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.	Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading.

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How Tos about Elements of a Dystopian Society: The Party

1

How can I introduce dystopian themes using contemporary examples?

Connect students' experiences to dystopian concepts by referencing popular movies, TV shows, or news events that mirror themes of oppression or restricted freedoms. This helps students relate abstract ideas to the real world and boosts engagement.

2

Facilitate a class discussion on real-world parallels.

Encourage students to share examples of current events or historical moments that reflect dystopian elements. Guide them to identify similarities and differences, promoting critical thinking and deeper understanding of the genre.

3

Assign creative group brainstorming activities.

Ask students to work in small groups to invent their own dystopian society using a shared Google Doc or chart paper. Have them outline the society's rules, government, and daily life, fostering collaboration and creativity.

4

Use graphic organizers to map dystopian features.

Provide students with visual tools such as Venn diagrams or story maps to connect elements of dystopia from literature to classroom examples. This supports organization and helps visual learners grasp complex ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elements of a Dystopian Society: The Party

What are the main elements of a dystopian society in literature?

The main elements of a dystopian society include oppressive government control, restriction of independent thought, loss of personal freedoms, enforced conformity, portrayal of society as a utopia by authorities, and a protagonist striving to restore normal life. These traits are often set in a post-war or chaotic world.

How does George Orwell’s 1984 illustrate a dystopian society?

George Orwell’s 1984 exemplifies a dystopian society through strict government surveillance, suppression of free thought, loss of individuality, and manipulation of truth. The Party maintains absolute control, creating a fearful and oppressive environment for citizens.

What is the role of the Party in 1984’s dystopian world?

In 1984, the Party functions as the totalitarian regime that enforces conformity, monitors citizens, controls information, and punishes dissent. Its primary goal is to maintain power by eliminating personal freedoms and independent thinking.

How can students identify elements of a dystopia in 1984 for a storyboard assignment?

Students can identify elements of a dystopia in 1984 by looking for examples of government oppression, lack of freedom, propaganda, enforced conformity, and the protagonist’s desire for change. Illustrating these elements and writing descriptions helps demonstrate understanding.

Why do authors use dystopian settings to convey messages about society?

Authors use dystopian settings to highlight flaws in current societies, warn about the dangers of unchecked power, and spark discussion about freedom and human rights. These stories encourage readers to reflect on real-world issues and imagine alternative futures.