1.) Write your own definition of Socialism.
2.) Does Socialism sound like a good idea to you? Why or why not?

3.) Write your own definition of Communism.

4.)  Does Communism sound good, or bad?  Explain your answer in two sentences.
5.) Draw a Venn diagram (two intersecting circles) and compare and contrast communism and socialism.

6.) Write your own definition of Allegory.

7.)  Do you think allegory is a good way to explain complex ideas and events, or is it just confusing?  Explain your answer in two to three sentences.

8.) Can you think of another story you have read or heard that is an allegory? If yes, what was it?

9.)  Are you starting to understand how Animal Farm is an allegory?  If you don't understand, what else do you need to know to help you?

10.) List and describe the personalities of the major characters in Animal Farm, leaving one or two lines between each.

11.) Using the list of characters that you created in question ten, now briefly explain which historical figure each character represents.

12.) After you read the brief biography of the last Russian czar, answer this question: was Nicholas II as badly behaved as Farmer Jones was in chapter one, or was he just in the wrong situation at the wrong moment in history?   Explain your answer in three to four sentences.

13.) Briefly summarize (in three to four sentences) the political life of Josef Stalin.

14.) Now that you know about Stalin, do you think Napoleon will turn out to be a nice guy (er--pig), or not? (Explain your answer!)

15.) Briefly summarize (in three to four sentences) the political life and exile of Leon Trotsky.

16.) After reading this page, make a list of ten facts you think will be the most important for you to know about while you read Animal Farm.

17.) Now create a list of ten things you would like to know about the Russian Revolution, Communism, political figures, Orwell, etc.,

18.) After reading this page, make a timeline with five major events that will help you understand the progression from Russian monarchy to socialism.