Author Description

This guide has been written specifically to assist GCSE candidates who are taking the AQA, OCR, iGCSE and WJEC exams in summer 2017 and beyond. Gavin Smithers is a private tutor working in the Cotswolds who helps students achieve their very best at GCSE English. Now he aims to help you!This guide will help you to understand what Orwell wanted to say through "Animal Farm". Find out how to:* unravel the hidden political and social meaning behind the animal setting.* understand what motivates each of the three 'lead' pigs.* discover the key themes that underpin the story* study sample essays and learn how to structure your own in-exam answer.* avoid common exam day pitfallsThe rebellion in Animal Farm starts with a promise that the animals will have a fairer future and a better life, but their failure to make their leaders accountable soon turns democracy into dictatorship. Through this book, Orwell shows us that the central question - what is it like to live under a violent dictatorship? - matters because these regimes continue to exist (and may always do so) in parts of the world today. Reading the book is akin to receiving a call to action; to be someone who questions what is not right.There are many study guides out there - and most are good at summarising the plot and characters. Few if any explain the context of the story as thoroughly as this guide. Understanding this, and how Orwell organises our responses as we read, (which this guide explains in depth) will make it easer for you to achieve a higher grade. Interested? All you need is a few clear hours and a willingness to begin with an open, curious mind. Like every Gavin's Guide for A and GCSE level, this study guide aims to help you come to appreciate a classic author AND raise your exam grade.