Activity Overview
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.
Vocabulary words from 1984:
- orthodoxy
to think in an orthodox (or acceptable) manner
- crimestop
the faculty of stopping short, as though by instinct, at the threshold of any dangerous thought
- crimethink/thoughtcrime
thoughtcrime is death; thoughts that run contradictory to the ideology put forth by the Party
- doublethink
to hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously
- unperson
a person who has been “vaporized” and written out of existence
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
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in 1984 by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to show the meaning of the words with the search bar.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word 1 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 1 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
| Word 2 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 2 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
| Word 3 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 3 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
Activity Overview
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.
Vocabulary words from 1984:
- orthodoxy
to think in an orthodox (or acceptable) manner
- crimestop
the faculty of stopping short, as though by instinct, at the threshold of any dangerous thought
- crimethink/thoughtcrime
thoughtcrime is death; thoughts that run contradictory to the ideology put forth by the Party
- doublethink
to hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously
- unperson
a person who has been “vaporized” and written out of existence
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
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in 1984 by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to show the meaning of the words with the search bar.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word 1 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 1 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
| Word 2 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 2 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
| Word 3 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 3 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
How Tos about Defining Newspeak Vocabulary in 1984
How to Scaffold Newspeak Vocabulary for Diverse Learners
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.
Break vocabulary into manageable chunks
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.
Use visuals and real-life connections
Pair each Newspeak term with a clear image or relatable example. Connecting new words to students' lives boosts understanding and memory.
Encourage collaborative discussion
Ask students to discuss Newspeak terms in pairs or small groups. Talking through meanings together helps clarify confusion and deepens comprehension.
Check for understanding with quick formative assessments
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Defining Newspeak Vocabulary in 1984
What is Newspeak in George Orwell's 1984?
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.
How can I teach 1984 Newspeak vocabulary to high school students?
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.
What are some common Newspeak words in 1984 and their meanings?
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).
What is a visual vocabulary board and how does it help students learn?
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.
Why is it important for students to understand Newspeak vocabulary in 1984?
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.
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