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 O’Brien’s explanation of the Brotherhood’s inner-workings from Book 2, chapter 8, 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:

• Read for literal comprehension
• Compare aspects of the Party’s inner-workings to aspects of the Brotherhood’s inner-workings
• Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings
• Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques
• Articulate what this passage reflects about George Orwell’s attitude toward rebellion against dictatorships
• Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
• Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony
• Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
• Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
• Come to class better prepared to discuss literature