Animal Farm

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 10 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: What dream does Old Major share with the animals, and why do you think it makes them feel hopeful?
2. Chapter 2: After the animals take over the farm, how do Snowball and Napoleon begin to show what kind of leaders they might become?
3. Chapter 3: The word “maxim” means a short saying or rule. Why do you think the pigs change the Seven Commandments into the maxim “Four legs good, two legs bad”?
4. Chapter 4: How do the animals work together during the Battle of the Cowshed, and what does this show about them?
5. Chapter 5: What prediction can you make about the farm after Snowball is chased away? Use details from the chapter to explain your thinking.
6. Chapter 6: How does Napoleon explain the changes about trade and the farmhouse, and why might some animals accept his explanations?
7. Chapter 7: Which character do you feel most concerned about in this chapter, and what events make you feel that way?
8. Chapter 8: What lesson about power is shown when the commandments and stories about the battle keep changing?
9. Chapter 9: Boxer keeps working hard even when he is weak. What does his choice show about his character, and how do you feel about what happens to him?
10. Chapter 10: By the end of the book, how has Animal Farm changed from Old Major’s dream, and what message do you think the author wants readers to understand?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Chapter 2: After the animals take over the farm, how do Snowball and Napoleon begin to show what kind of leaders they might become?

I think Snowball shows that he likes to plan and teach because he helps paint the commandments and explains ideas to the other animals. Napoleon seems quieter, but he also seems like he wants control, especially when he takes the puppies away. To me, Snowball seems more interested in sharing ideas, while Napoleon seems more interested in gaining power. This makes me wonder if they will have trouble working together.

Chapter 5: What prediction can you make about the farm after Snowball is chased away? Use details from the chapter to explain your thinking.

I predict the farm will become less fair because Napoleon is now in charge by himself. He used the dogs to scare Snowball away, so the other animals may be afraid to disagree with him. Also, the meetings are stopped, which means the animals will not get to vote the same way. I think Napoleon will make more rules that help him instead of everyone.

Chapter 9: Boxer keeps working hard even when he is weak. What does his choice show about his character, and how do you feel about what happens to him?

Boxer’s choice shows that he is loyal, brave, and very hardworking. He believes that if he works harder, he can help the farm, even when his body needs rest. I feel sad and angry about what happens to him because he trusted the leaders and deserved kindness. In my opinion, Boxer is one of the most caring animals in the story.