Discussion Prompts

This discussion-based worksheet supports students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 as they analyze theme, argumentation, textual evidence, interpretation, and real-world relevance through George Orwell’s 1984. Using open-ended prompts, learners craft written responses and engage in thoughtful discussion about power, fear, heroism, control, and the lasting significance of Orwell’s political warnings.

Academic Focus

• Collaborative Discussion (Grades 9-12): Students prepare and participate in structured conversations that build on others’ ideas.
• Argument Writing & Evidence Use: Learners support claims with textual evidence and clear reasoning.
• Theme & Relevance Analysis: Students examine how ideas such as surveillance, propaganda, and conformity apply to modern society.
• Critical & Interpretive Thinking: Learners evaluate Orwell’s warnings and consider multiple perspectives.

Instructional Support

• Teacher-Created Resource: Designed by educators to align with secondary ELA and social studies standards.
• Open-Ended Prompts: Encourage deeper thinking, discussion, and written reflection rather than simple recall.
• Flexible Use: Ideal for seminars, literature circles, written responses, debate prep, or assessments.
• Cross-Curricular Connection: Supports civic awareness, political thought, and historical context.

This discussion prompts worksheet helps students strengthen argumentation, interpretation, and evidence-based reasoning while engaging deeply with a complex dystopian novel. By connecting 1984‘s themes to contemporary social and political issues, learners build analytical writing skills, speaking and listening confidence, and critical awareness. Suitable for classroom instruction or homeschool study, this printable resource promotes meaningful discussion and thoughtful engagement with literature that remains powerfully relevant today.

This worksheet is part of our 1984 Literature Study collection.