Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about the social obstacles facing Winston from Book 2, chapter 1, this activity may be assigned as independent homework or as a collaborative classroom exercise. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading worksheet, students will:

• Identify what the text says both explicitly and implicitly
• Discern meaning from figurative expressions
• Use context as a clue to the meaning of words and phrases
• Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations
• Analyze and articulate how the author’s word choices contribute to Winston’s characterization
• Demonstrate knowledge of onomatopoeia
• Analyze the passage to discern its primary function
• Analyze and articulate Winston’s internal conflict as illustrated in the passage
• Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
• Come to class better prepared to discuss literature