1984 shows us a world afflicted by constant surveillance, a domineering government, and the destruction of individuality and free thought. Was Orwell right or wrong in his prediction of a dystopian future?

  Writing Topic:
1984 shows us a world afflicted by constant surveillance, a domineering government, and the destruction of
individuality and free thought. Was Orwell right or wrong in his prediction of a dystopian future? Explain how
Orwell’s vision has come to pass (either in the US or abroad) or explain how it has been proven false by the
progression of history. Be sure to make real-world connections between Orwell’s vision and the reality of the
present day. Please choose one side or the other, and do not argue that he was both right and wrong. While
you may think doing so is balanced, it only serves to make the paper seem indecisive.
Due to the prevalence of A.I. cheating, it is very important that you stick to the prescribed outline for this
assignment. Submissions that do not adhere to the specific guidelines described in the outline can expect a
significant deduction.
Source Requirements
For your final essay, you must use at least three secondary sources which pass the CRAAP credibility test. In
addition, the novel itself must be cited as the primary source. You may cite either the PDF provided in
Blackboard, or the link to the audiobook on YouTube (also provided in Blackboard).
Composition Requirements
• Your essay must have at least five well-developed paragraphs.
• It must have between 1000 – 1200 words.
• You must format your essay using MLA style.
o Be sure to use one-inch margins all the way around (Word default), true double spacing
throughout your entire document, Times New Roman, 12 point font size, and an inserted page
number, not header, preceded by your last name and one space.
▪ Please see the sample MLA document or the MLA websites listed in Blackboard if you do
not know how to format an MLA style essay.
o This assignment requires you to cite several sources; therefore, you must use quotation marks
around the cited material and include an in-text citation following the quoted or paraphrased
material.
o The in-text citation must correspond to a full source citation included on a work(s) cited page.
o The sources on your works cited page must be organized is alphabetical order based on the first
author’s last name.
• The introduction must have an attention-getting hook and effectively introduce your thesis statement,
the LAST sentence of the introduction.
• Each body paragraph must have an easily identifiable topic sentence (generally the first or second
sentence of the body paragraph), substantial major and minor details, and transitional words or
phrases indicative of the argumentative/analytical rhetorical strategies.
• Each body paragraph must include TWO DIRECT QUOTES—One from the primary source (1984), and
one from a credible source that shows a connection between the novel and the real world. These
quotes should be accompanied by a lead-in statement, parenthetical citations, and direct analysis (in
your own words).