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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do Parsons' children to do the old market-woman?

2. How does Julia describe herself?

3. What is the name of Winston's "friend" who works at the Research Department?

4. What edition of the Newspeak dictionary is currently being written?

5. What device is used to write songs?

Short Essay Questions

1. Try to imagine what it would be like to live in a country like Oceania where you are constantly watched by government agents. How would you feel?

2. How have Winston's feelings towards Julia changed by Part 2, Chapter 4?

3. What is unusual about Winston's telescreen, and why is it important?

4. Why does Winston think Syme will be vaporized? What does Syme lack?

5. What do the Parsons children want to go see in Part 1, Chapter 2? What do you think of them?

6. Why are the proles the only force capable of overthrowing the Party?

7. Look up the word "comrade" up in a dictionary. Why do you think everyone in Oceania is supposed to call each other comrade?

8. Who was comrade Ogilvy, and what was he like? How did he supposedly die?

9. Why does Winston keep thinking about O'Brien? What does O'Brien represents to Winston?

10. What might the woman singing in the street symbolizes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Against the Party, one may feel that almost any action is acceptable, or that "the ends justify the means." Is violence an acceptable way of solving problems or achieving goals--even in combating a violent regime? Be sure to discuss:

1) Show how violence has succeeded or failed in the past.

2) Pros and cons associated with using violence.

3) Moral arguments for or against the use of violence.

4) The role of violence in the future of the world.

Essay Topic 2

The slogan of the Oceania's government is "WAR IS PEACE. FREEDOM IS SLAVERY. IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH." Any act of independent thought, even writing a diary, are punishable by death. Explain the difference between life in America and life in Oceania. Are there any similarities? In your conclusion, write about some ways in which the American people can ensure that future governments do not abuse citizens like in Nineteen-Eighty-Four.

Essay Topic 3

The ideology of the Party is both extremely sophisticated and highly dangerous. If you had the opportunity to be a "Big Brother," what type of society would you design? Write a short essay (manifesto) detailing the ideology, government, rules, practices, and other elements of your fictional nation. Be sure to explain:

1) Why you think the system would work.

2) What dangers your ideology would face, and how they could be overcome.

3) Why your system is morally acceptable.

(see the answer keys)

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