Making a Public Argument: Newspeak Style
Overview: Consider our discussions about how language can be used to change ideas and manipulate individuals. This is the world that Orwell cautioned against, evidenced by the millions he portrays who blindly follow the Ministry of Truth’s lies.
Objective: Construct a news program clip and a propagnada poster that makes an argument about any issue (e.g. political, social, religious) affecting or important to your generation; this can be a school, local, national, or global issue. The twist for this assignment is that you must create something the Ministry of Truth would approve. You need to incorporate Newspeak, euphemsitic langauge or a combination of the two framing your argument in such a way that slants opinion the way you want it to slant.
While you may have produced quick little films for classes without any editing (and that is OK for this assignment too), I want you to keep in mind that the steps going into making an effective visual argument are similar to the writing process steps. You will need to plan, organize, and revise your video as you would your paper. The key here is to ensure that you are communicating your stance on your issue in a Newspeak, Doublethink way.
Your audience is not me for this assignment: it’s your peers, your generation.
Project Requirements:
- All members of the group must be in the news program or commercial as actors or at least speakers.
- The broadcast will be 2-3 minutes in length. Don’t go over and don’t go under. This time DOES NOT include your end credits.
- You must pose an argument to your generation about your issue.
- You must include the propaganda poster as part of the video (think of how when the broadcaster is speaking, a lot of times there is a visual over the person’s shoulder).
- Final project must be submitted in such a way that I will be able to view after the presentation. DVD or other format is acceptable – just remember I have a PC. You may also consider uploading to YouTube.
For the filming of the broadcast, you will only have the block day to film to work outside of class. You have time in class over the course of several class periods to work.
All written components of this project must be submitted to turnitin.com by 11:59 p.m. on the due date. For group work, only one person needs to submit to turnitin.com; however, ALL group members’ names must be on the document.
Group Work and Contracts – This is due Tuesday, October 10 on turnitin.com
Prior to beginning work, the group will construct a contract that defines each person’s role within the group. How the contract is created is up to each individual group. The contract must include a method for peer evaluations. Each member must sign the contract indicating agreement and acceptance to the contract. Based on the criteria established by the contract, the group will evaluate their peers’ fulfillment of the contractal obligations at the end of the project.
Recon Ideas – This is due Tuesday, October 10 on turnitin.com
The group will need to identify three locations for filming the PSA.
- Why did you choose this site?
- How will this location aid in the overall argument? (think appeals here: logos, ethos. pathos)
- Consider the context of the location; is it just a place or is there a relevancy to it (i.e. if you are talking about being active instead of a slug, did you pick the gym?)
Script/Press Release – This is due Friday, October 13 on turnitin.com
As your group constructs the argument, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Write a script; consider Hamlet which offered stage directions. You will need to have not only basic dialogue but ideas of how the actors should be, setting that you have in mind
- Write a 200-word press release. Visit for how to write a press release.
- Rehearse/plan the filming of the commercial.
Propaganda Poster – This is due Monday, October 16
You must create a propaganda poster that visually reinforces your argument. Look at the following website at examples of propagnada posters from
As you construction your poster, you need to make sure that the following are present:
- The overall message of the poster clearly tells the public what it needs to do/think
- Plays predominately on emotions (other appeals may be present)
- Includes symbols and images that directly relate to the argument
- Arrangement of images and words work cohesively in communicating the argument
- Color (or lack) aids the argument
Filming – This will occur on either Wednesday, October 18 or Thursday, October 19
Personal Reflection – This is due Monday, October 23 on turnitin.com
Return back to the original unit question, can changing language change thought? Write a brief 300-word response that explores how you feel after having read 1984 and the secondary sources. Offer at least two examples from 1984 to support your argument.
Final Broadcast will be due Monday, October 23
Students will be graded on the following criteria for the final broadcast:
Time5 points
Topic relevancy*10 points
Newspeak/Euphemism language used 10 points
All group members were a part of the broadcast5 points
Propaganda poster present in filming5 points
*Your topic must be preapproved prior to any work completed. Topics may not cover controversial societal issues. The purpose of this assignment is not designed to argue a topic that may cause division and hostility; rather, it is for you to examine the power of language as described by Orwell. Think outside of the box. Groups can earn extra credit for creativity of topic.
Rubric:
Group Contracts ______/ 5 points
Peer Evaluations______/ 5 points
Recon Ideas______/ 5 points
Script/Press Release______/ 15 points
Reflective Essay______/ 15 points
Propaganda Poster______/ 20 points
News Program______/ 35 points