Animal Farm by George Orwell- page 22

There was much discussion as to what the battle should be called.

• There: used to indicate existence [ðɛr]
• was: past tense of 'is' [wɑz]
• much discussion: a lot of debate or conversation [məʧ dɪˈskəʃən]
• as to: regarding; concerning [ɛz tɪ]
• what: which thing or event [wət]
• the battle: referring to a specific fight or conflict [ðə ˈbætəl]
• should be called: what name it should be given [ʃʊd bi kɔld]

In the end, it was named the Battle of the Cowshed, since that was where the ambush had been sprung.

• In the end: finally; after a period of time [ɪn ðə ɛnd]
• it: referring to the battle [ɪt]
• was named: was given the name [wɑz neɪmd]
• the Battle of the Cowshed: the chosen name for the battle [ðə ˈbætəl əv ðə cowshed]
• since: because; as a reason [sɪns]
• that: referring to the cowshed [ðət]
• was: past tense of 'is' [wɑz]
• where: the place in which [wɛr]
• the ambush: a surprise attack [ðə ˈæmˌbʊʃ]
• had been sprung: had been launched or initiated [hæd bɪn sprəŋ]

Mr. Jones’s gun had been found lying in the mud, and it was known that there was a supply of cartridges in the farmhouse.

• Mr. Jones’s gun: the gun belonging to Mr. Jones [ˈmɪstər ˈʤoʊnzɪz gən]
• had been found: was discovered [hæd bɪn faʊnd]
• lying: being in a horizontal position [laɪɪŋ]
• in the mud: wet, soft earth [ɪn ðə məd]
• and: conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• it: referring to the fact [ɪt]
• was known: was understood or established [wɑz noʊn]
• that: introduces a subordinate clause [ðət]
• there: used to indicate existence [ðɛr]
• was: past tense of 'is' [wɑz]
• a supply: an amount of something available [ə səˈplaɪ]
• of cartridges: ammunition for a gun [əv ˈkɑrtrəʤəz]
• in the farmhouse: inside the main house on the farm [ɪn ðə ˈfɑrmˌhaʊs]

It was decided to set the gun up at the foot of the Flagstaff, like a piece of artillery, and to fire it twice a year – once on October the twelfth, the anniversary of the Battle of the Cowshed, and once on Midsummer Day, the anniversary of the Rebellion.

• It: referring to the group of animals [ɪt]
• was decided: a decision was made [wɑz ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd]
• to set: to place or position [tɪ sɛt]
• the gun: referring to Mr. Jones's gun [ðə gən]
• up: in an upright position [əp]
• at the foot: at the base [æt ðə fʊt]
• of the Flagstaff: the pole on which the flag is flown [əv ðə ˈflægˌstæf]
• like: similar to [laɪk]
• a piece: an item [ə pis]
• of artillery: large guns used in warfare [əv ɑrˈtɪləri]
• and: conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• to fire: to shoot or discharge [tɪ faɪər]
• it: referring to the gun [ɪt]
• twice: two times [twaɪs]
• a year: per year [ə jɪr]
• once: one time [wəns]
• on October the twelfth: a specific date [ɔn ɑkˈtoʊbər ðə twɛlfθ]
• the anniversary: the date on which an event occurred in a previous year [ðə ˌænəˈvərsəri]
• of the Battle of the Cowshed: referring back to the battle [əv ðə ˈbætəl əv ðə cowshed]
• and: conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• once: one time [wəns]
• on Midsummer Day: a specific day, usually around June 21st [ɔn ˈmɪdˈsəmər deɪ]
• the anniversary: the date on which an event occurred in a previous year [ðə ˌænəˈvərsəri]
• of the Rebellion: referring to a revolt or uprising [əv ðə rɪˈbɛljən]

V

As winter drew on, Mollie became more and more troublesome.

• As: used to indicate that something happens during the time when something else is taking place [ɛz]
• winter: the coldest season of the year, typically following autumn and preceding spring [ˈwɪntər]
• drew on: gradually approached or arrived [dru ɔn]
• Mollie: a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈmɑli]
• became: to begin to be [bɪˈkeɪm]
• more and more: increasingly [mɔr ənd mɔr]
• troublesome: causing difficulty or annoyance [ˈtrəbəlsəm]

She was late for work every morning and excused herself by saying that she had overslept,and she complained of mysterious pains, although her appetite was excellent.

• She: referring to Mollie [ʃi]
• was: past tense of 'to be' [wɑz]
• late: arriving or happening after the expected or usual time [leɪt]
• for: indicating the purpose or reason for something [fər]
• work: activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result [wərk]
• every morning: each morning; without exception [ˈɛvəri ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• excused: to offer an apology or justification for an action or fault [ɪkˈskjuzd]
• herself: reflexive pronoun referring back to 'she' [hərˈsɛlf]
• by: indicating the means of achieving something [baɪ]
• saying: expressing something with words [seɪɪŋ]
• that: introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• she: referring to Mollie [ʃi]
• had overslept: slept longer than intended [hæd ˌoʊvərsˈlɛpt]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• she: referring to Mollie [ʃi]
• complained: expressed dissatisfaction or annoyance about something [kəmˈpleɪnd]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• mysterious: difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify [mɪˈstɪriəs]
• pains: physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury [peɪnz]
• although: in spite of the fact that [ˌɔlˈðoʊ]
• her: belonging to Mollie [hər]
• appetite: a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food [ˈæpəˌtaɪt]
• was: past tense of 'to be' [wɑz]
• excellent: extremely good; outstanding [ˈɛksələnt]

On every kind of pretext she would run away from work and go to the drinking pool, where she would stand foolishly gazing at her own reflection in the water.

• On: indicating a day or date on which something happens or is done [ɔn]
• every kind of: all types of [ˈɛvəri kaɪnd əv]
• pretext: a reason given to justify a course of action that is not the real reason [ˈpriˌtɛkst]
• she: referring to Mollie [ʃi]
• would: expressing a conditional or possible event [wʊd]
• run away: escape from a place or situation [rən əˈweɪ]
• from: indicating separation or removal from a place or time [frəm]
• work: activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result [wərk]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• go: move from one place to another [goʊ]
• to: expressing motion in the direction of a particular location [tɪ]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific instance [ðə]
• drinking pool: a pool of water used for drinking, especially by animals [ˈdrɪŋkɪŋ pul]
• where: at or in which place or situation [wɛr]
• she: referring to Mollie [ʃi]
• would: expressing a conditional or possible event [wʊd]
• stand: be in or rise to an upright position, supported by one's feet [stænd]
• foolishly: in a silly or unwise way [ˈfulɪʃli]
• gazing: look steadily and intently, especially in admiration or surprise [ˈgeɪzɪŋ]
• at: expressing direction or position [æt]
• her own: belonging to herself; emphasizing possession [hər oʊn]
• reflection: an image seen in a mirror or shiny surface [rɪˈflɛkʃən]
• in: expressing the situation of something that is or appears to be enclosed or surrounded by something else [ɪn]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific instance [ðə]
• water: a colorless, transparent, odorless, and tasteless liquid [ˈwɔtər]

But there were also rumours of something more serious.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has already been said [bət]
• there: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• were: past tense plural of 'to be' [wər]
• also: in addition; too [ˈɔlsoʊ]
• rumours: a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth [ˈrumərz]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• something: an unspecified or indefinite thing [ˈsəmθɪŋ]
• more: a greater or additional amount or degree of [mɔr]
• serious: grave; giving cause for concern [ˈsɪriəs]

One day, as Mollie strolled blithely into the yard, flirting her long tail and chewing at a stalk of hay, Clover took her aside.

• One day: on a particular day [wən deɪ]
• as: used to indicate that something happens during the time when something else is taking place [ɛz]
• Mollie: a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈmɑli]
• strolled: walked in a leisurely way [stroʊld]
• blithely: in a happy or carefree manner [ˈblaɪθli]
• into: expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else [ˈɪntu]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific instance [ðə]
• yard: an area of ground, typically one that is enclosed, adjoining or surrounding a building [jɑrd]
• flirting: behaving as though attracted to someone, but playfully rather than with serious intentions [ˈflərtɪŋ]
• her: belonging to Mollie [hər]
• long: measuring a great distance from end to end [lɔŋ]
• tail: the hindmost part of an animal, especially when prolonged beyond the rest of the body [teɪl]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• chewing: bite and work (food) in the mouth with the teeth, especially to make it easier to swallow [ʧuɪŋ]
• at: expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position [æt]
• a stalk: the main stem of a herbaceous plant [ə stɔk]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• hay: grass that has been mown and dried for use as fodder [heɪ]
• Clover: a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈkloʊvər]
• took: past tense of 'take' [tʊk]
• her: referring to Mollie [hər]
• aside: to one side; out of the way [əˈsaɪd]

‘Mollie,’ she said, ‘I have something very serious to say to you.

• Mollie: Addressing Mollie directly, using her name [‘‘mollie]
• she said: Indicates who is speaking [ʃi sɛd]
• I have something very serious to say to you: Expresses the importance of the upcoming message [‘‘i hæv ˈsəmθɪŋ ˈvɛri ˈsɪriəs tɪ seɪ tɪ ju]

This morning I saw you looking over the hedge that divides Animal Farm from Foxwood.

• This morning: Refers to the morning of the current day [ðɪs ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• I saw you looking over the hedge: Describes the action of looking over a boundary [aɪ sɔ ju ˈlʊkɪŋ ˈoʊvər ðə hɛʤ]
• that divides Animal Farm from Foxwood: Specifies the hedge's function as a divider between two locations [ðət dɪˈvaɪdz ˈænəməl fɑrm frəm ˈfɑksˌwʊd]

One of Mr. Pilkington’s men was standing on the other side of the hedge. And – I was a long way away, but I am almost certain I saw this – he was talking to you and you were allowing him to stroke your nose.

• One of Mr. Pilkington’s men: Refers to a person associated with Mr. Pilkington [wən əv ˈmɪstər pilkingtons mɛn]
• was standing on the other side of the hedge: Describes the man's location relative to the hedge [wɑz ˈstændɪŋ ɔn ðə ˈəðər saɪd əv ðə hɛʤ]
• he was talking to you: Describes the man's action of speaking to Mollie [hi wɑz ˈtɔkɪŋ tɪ ju]
• and you were allowing him to stroke your nose: Describes Mollie's action of permitting the man to touch her nose [ənd ju wər əˈlaʊɪŋ ɪm tɪ stroʊk jʊr noʊz]

‘He didn’t!

• He didn’t: Denial of the action [‘‘he ˈdɪdənt]

I wasn’t!

• I wasn’t: Denial of being present or involved [aɪ ˈwəzənt]

It isn’t true!’ cried Mollie, beginning to prance about and paw the ground.

• It isn’t true: Assertion that the statement is false [ɪt ˈɪzənt tru]
• cried Mollie: Indicates Mollie's emotional state and speech [kraɪd ˈmɑli]
• beginning to prance about: Starting to move around in a lively or playful manner [bɪˈgɪnɪŋ tɪ præns əˈbaʊt]
• and paw the ground: Using hooves to scrape or touch the ground [ənd pɔ ðə graʊnd]

‘Mollie!

• Mollie: Addressing Mollie directly [‘‘mollie]

Look me in the face.

• Look me in the face: Command to make eye contact [lʊk mi ɪn ðə feɪs]

‘It isn’t true!’ repeated Mollie, but she could not look Clover in the face, and the next moment she took to her heels and galloped away into the field.

• It isn’t true: A denial or exclamation of disbelief [‘‘it ˈɪzənt tru]
• repeated: said again [rɪˈpitɪd]
• Mollie: a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈmɑli]
• but: a conjunction indicating contrast [bət]
• she: pronoun referring to Mollie [ʃi]
• could not: was unable to [kʊd nɑt]
• look: to direct one's gaze [lʊk]
• Clover: a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈkloʊvər]
• in the face: directly, without avoiding eye contact [ɪn ðə feɪs]
• and: a conjunction indicating addition or sequence [ənd]
• the next moment: immediately after [ðə nɛkst ˈmoʊmənt]
• she: pronoun referring to Mollie [ʃi]
• took to her heels: an idiom meaning to run away quickly [tʊk tɪ hər hilz]
• and: a conjunction indicating addition or sequence [ənd]
• galloped: ran quickly, like a horse [ˈgæləpt]
• away: in a direction away from the speaker or a specified place [əˈweɪ]
• into: expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else [ˈɪntu]
• the field: an area of open land, especially one planted with crops or pasture, typically bounded by hedges or fences [ðə fild]

A thought struck Clover.

• A thought: An idea or concept [ə θɔt]
• struck: came to (someone) suddenly [strək]
• Clover: a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈkloʊvər]

Without saying anything to the others, she went to Mollie’s stall and turned over the straw with her hoof.

• Without: lacking; not having [wɪˈθaʊt]
• saying: uttering words [seɪɪŋ]
• anything: any matter or thing whatever [ˈɛniˌθɪŋ]
• to: expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• the others: other individuals or animals [ðə ˈəðərz]
• she: pronoun referring to Clover [ʃi]
• went: moved or traveled to a place [wɛnt]
• to: expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• Mollie’s: possessive form of Mollie, indicating ownership or association [mollies]
• stall: a compartment for an animal in a stable or barn [stɔl]
• and: a conjunction indicating addition or sequence [ənd]
• turned over: moved something so that the other side is facing up [tərnd ˈoʊvər]
• the straw: dried stalks of grain, used as bedding for animals [ðə strɔ]
• with: accompanied by [wɪθ]
• her hoof: the hard part of the foot of an animal [hər huf]

Hidden under the straw was a little pile of lump sugar and several bunches of ribbon of different colours.

• Hidden: kept out of sight; concealed [ˈhɪdən]
• under: beneath or below [ˈəndər]
• the straw: dried stalks of grain, used as bedding for animals [ðə strɔ]
• was: past tense of 'is' [wɑz]
• a little pile: a small heap or stack [ə ˈlɪtəl paɪl]
• of: indicating origin, possession, or association [əv]
• lump sugar: sugar in the form of small cubes or blocks [ləmp ˈʃʊgər]
• and: a conjunction indicating addition or sequence [ənd]
• several: more than two but not many [ˈsɛvərəl]
• bunches: a number of things, typically of the same kind, growing or fastened together [ˈbənʧɪz]
• of: indicating origin, possession, or association [əv]
• ribbon: a narrow strip of fine material used for tying or decoration [ˈrɪbən]
• of different colours: having various colors [əv ˈdɪfərənt colours]