DYSTOPIAN FICTION

YEAR 8

THE UNIT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING:

DYSTOPIAN WRITING FEATURES AND TIPS
A DYSTOPIAN FICTION TASK BY THE GATE
A RESPONSE TO THE TASK
AN ANALYSIS OF THE DYSTOPIAN FICTION FEATURES BASED ON THE RESPONSE
A VOCABULARY LIST FOR ENRICHMENT

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 DYSTOPIAN FICTION

DYSTOPIAN FICTION DEFINITION

Dystopian fiction is a genre of literature that depicts a hypothetical society or

community that is oppressive. The term "dystopia" comes from the Greek
words "dys" meaning "bad" or "abnormal" and "topos" meaning "place", and is
the opposite of "utopia," which refers to a perfect or ideal society. The genre
serves as a warning about the potential consequences of unchecked power
and societal decay, and encourages readers to consider the importance of
individual freedom and the need for social change.

DYSTOPIAN FICTION FEATURES AND TIPS

1- Oppressive government or ruling body: Dystopian stories often feature a

government or ruling body that is oppressive and controlling. This entity can
take many forms, such as a totalitarian regime or a powerful corporation.

2- Loss of individual freedom: In dystopian fiction, characters often have

limited personal freedom and are subject to strict rules and regulations. Their
behavior and actions are closely monitored, and any deviation from the norm
can result in severe consequences.

3- Societal decay: Dystopian societies are often characterized by decay, where

the environment is polluted or degraded, and society may have regressed to a
more primitive state

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 DYSTOPIAN FICTION

DYSTOPIAN FICTION FEATURES AND TIPS

4- Use of propaganda: Governments and ruling bodies in dystopian fiction

often use propaganda to control and manipulate the masses. This can include
the dissemination of false information or the promotion of certain ideologies.

5- Control of information: The ruling body in dystopian societies often

controls the flow of information. This can include censorship of books, media,
and even personal communication.
6- Surveillance: Surveillance is a common feature of dystopian societies, with
governments and ruling bodies monitoring citizens' every move. This can be
through the use of technology, such as cameras and drones, or through more
invasive means, such as implanted chips or mandatory tracking devices.

7- Oppression of minority groups: In dystopian societies, minority groups are

often oppressed and persecuted. This can include discrimination based on
race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.

8- Rebellion: Characters in dystopian fiction often rebel against the oppressive

government or ruling body. This can take many forms, from peaceful protests
to violent uprisings.

9- Bleak tone: Dystopian stories often have a bleak and dark tone. They depict
a world that is fundamentally flawed, with little hope for improvement.

10- Reflection of real-world issues: Many dystopian stories are inspired by real-
world issues, such as government corruption, environmental degradation, and
social inequality. They serve as a warning about the potential consequences of
unchecked power and societal decay.

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 DYSTOPIAN FICTION

THE LAST CITY

The sky above was a sickly shade of gray, polluted with the smog of factories
and the remnants of countless wildfires. The streets were barren, save for a
few ragged figures shuffling along, their faces haggard and their eyes hollow.
Mia navigated the desolate landscape with a sense of purpose, searching for
any scraps of food or supplies that could help her survive another day.
As she turned a corner, something caught her eye. A glint of metal, hidden
behind a pile of rubble. She approached cautiously, her heart pounding in her
chest. What could it be? A weapon? A cache of food?
As she cleared away the debris, she saw what lay beneath. A hatch, set into
the ground. It was old and rusted, but still sturdy. She hesitated for a
moment, wondering if she should open it. But her curiosity got the better of
her. She lifted the hatch and descended into darkness.
Mia's eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light as she descended into the bunker.
She could hear the sound of her own breathing echoing off the walls, and her
heart beats went faster with every step.
As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she found herself in a small room.
There were shelves lining the walls, filled with canned goods, medical supplies,
and even a few books. Mia felt a sense of wonder and relief wash over her. It
was like stumbling upon a hidden oasis in the middle of a desert.
Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her. "Who are you?"
Mia whirled around, her hand instinctively reaching for the knife she kept
strapped to her thigh. In the corner of the room stood a man, his eyes locked
on her with suspicion.

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 DYSTOPIAN FICTION

"I'm just looking for some supplies," Mia said, trying to sound as calm as
possible. "I didn't mean to intrude."
The man studied her for a moment, then stepped forward. "You're not from
around here, are you?" he said, eyeing her tattered clothes and dirt-streaked
face.
Mia hesitated, then decided to tell the truth. "No, I've been wandering for a
while. Trying to survive."
The man nodded, then gestured for her to follow him. "Come with me," he
said. "I have something to show you."
Mia was wary, but she followed him deeper into the bunker. As they walked, he
explained that the bunker was part of a resistance movement. They were
fighting against the oppressive government, trying to create a better world.
Mia was stunned. She had always suspected that things were bad, but she had
never imagined that anyone was actively trying to change them.
As they reached the heart of the bunker, the man gestured towards a table
covered in maps and blueprints. "We need your help," he said. "We're planning
a major operation, and we could use someone with your skills."
Mia looked down at the maps, feeling a sense of both fear and excitement.
This was her chance to make a difference. To fight for something bigger than
herself.
"I'll do it," she said.
Mia joined the resistance, ready to risk everything to create a better world.
Mia spent the next few weeks working with the resistance, learning new skills
and strategies for taking down the oppressive government. She felt like she
had finally found her purpose in life, and she was determined to see the
mission through to the end.

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 DYSTOPIAN FICTION

Throughout her time with the resistance, Mia had always been acutely aware
of the government's surveillance. They were constantly watching, listening,
and tracking the movements of anyone who dared to speak out against their
rule.
It was a constant game of cat and mouse, with the resistance members
constantly working to stay one step ahead of their oppressors. They
communicated in code, used encrypted messages, and always kept a watchful
eye out for any signs of betrayal.
But despite their best efforts, they knew that they were never truly safe. The
government's surveillance technology was constantly evolving, and they could
be watched at any moment.
It was a chilling reminder of the reality they lived in. A world where privacy
was a luxury, and freedom was always under threat. But for Mia and the other
resistance members, it only strengthened their resolve to fight. They knew
that the only way to truly be free was to keep fighting, no matter the cost.
As the operation drew closer, the resistance members grew more and more
nervous. The risks were high. failure means death or ‘worse’.
The night before the operation, Mia couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned, her
mind racing with all the possible outcomes. Finally, she got up and wandered
the halls of the bunker, looking for something to calm her nerves.
The air carried sounds of hope through the soft voices of some of the
resistance members who were singing a song while gathering around a small
fire. It was about a better world. A world where people could live without fear
or oppression. A world that was worth fighting for. Mia felt a lump form in
her throat.

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 DYSTOPIAN FICTION

The sun rose declaring either the beginning of a new era, or the end of the
hope.
Mia and the other resistance members set out to carry out the operation.
They moved quickly and silently, their hearts pounding with adrenaline.
Despite their careful planning, things went wrong almost immediately. The
government forces were more prepared than they had anticipated, and the
resistance members found themselves outnumbered and outgunned.
Mia fought with everything she had, dodging bullets and ducking behind
cover. She was not protecting herself. She was protecting her hopes. But in
the chaos, she lost track of the others. She was alone, surrounded by enemy
soldiers.
As she tried to fight her way out, Mia felt a searing pain in her side. She
stumbled and fell, her vision going blurry.
As the darkness closed in around her, memories flew in Mia’s mind: the
resistance members she had met, the songs they had sung, and the dream
they had shared. She knew that even if she didn't make it out alive, their fight
would go on. And that gave her a sense of peace.
Mia was no longer here, but her dreams were. Her sacrifice was not in vain.
The operation was a turning point in the resistance movement, inspiring
others to join the fight and creating a spark of hope in a world that had
seemed devoid of it.
Years later, when the government had fallen and the world had begun to heal,
people would remember Mia's bravery and sacrifice. They would sing songs
about her and tell stories of the time when a small group of rebels had dared
to dream of a better world.

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 DYSTOPIAN FICTION

FEATURES OF DYSTOPIAN FICTION USED IN THE

SAMPLE

1- A bleak and polluted environment: The sky is described as sickly gray and
polluted, the streets are barren, and the landscape is desolate.
2- A sense of hopelessness and desperation: The few people Mia sees are
ragged and haggard, and she is searching for scraps of food and supplies to
survive.
3- The existence of oppressive and corrupt government: The resistance
movement is fighting against the oppressive government that rules over the
world.
4- A protagonist who rebels against the system: Mia joins the resistance
movement to fight for a better world and to make a difference.
5- The use of technology for control: The government uses technology to
oppress the people, as seen in the pollution caused by factories and the
remnants of countless wildfires.
6- The danger of being caught or punished for rebelling: The risks for the
resistance members are high, and failure means death or something worse.
7- The sense of sacrifice and loss: Mia sacrifices her life for the cause, but her
dreams and hope continue to inspire others to join the fight for a better
world.
8- Surveillance: The resistance members are always aware of being watched
and listened to, and they are constantly working to evade surveillance using
encryption and coded messages which highlights the oppressive nature of the
government through monitoring its citizens and the chilling effect
surveillance has on privacy and freedom.

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 DYSTOPIAN FICTION

VOCABULARY FOR ENRICHMENT

1- Totalitarianism - (noun) a system of government in which the state has

complete control over all aspects of society.
Example sentence: “The country's descent into totalitarianism was rapid, with
civil liberties being eroded at an alarming rate.”
2- Oligarchy - (noun) a small group of people having control over a country,
organization, or institution.
Example sentence: “The oligarchy had amassed great wealth and power,
leaving the rest of the population struggling to survive.”
3- Authoritarianism - (noun) a system of government characterized by
absolute obedience to authority, often at the expense of personal freedom.
Example sentence: “The government's use of censorship and surveillance was
a clear indication of their authoritarianism.”
4- Dystopia - (noun) an imaginary place or state in which everything is
unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one.
Example sentence: “The novel portrayed a dark and oppressive dystopia,
where individual freedoms were non-existent, and people lived in constant
fear.”
5- Despotism - (noun) the exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and
oppressive way.
Example sentence: “The country had suffered under years of despotism, with
the ruling regime showing no regard for human rights.”
6- Totalism - (noun) a philosophy or ideology that aims to create a complete
and all-encompassing system of beliefs or practices.
Example sentence: “The group's totalism led to the exclusion of anyone who
didn't conform to their strict ideology.”

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 DYSTOPIAN FICTION

VOCABULARY FOR ENRICHMENT

7- Autocracy - (noun) a system of government in which one person has

complete control and power.
Example sentence: “The country had been ruled by an autocracy for decades,
with no signs of change on the horizon.”
8- Fascism - (noun) a political philosophy characterized by extreme
authoritarianism, nationalism, and often racism.
Example sentence: “The rise of fascism in the country had led to widespread
discrimination and violence against minority groups.”
9- Oppression - (noun) prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control over a
group of people.
Example sentence: “The government's oppression of dissidents had sparked
widespread protests and civil unrest.”
10- Total control - (noun phrase) complete and absolute control over all
aspects of society.
Example sentence: “The government's pursuit of total control had left little
room for individual freedoms and liberties.”
11- Censorship - (noun) the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books,
films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a
threat to security.
Example sentence: “The government's censorship of the media had effectively
silenced any dissenting voices.”
12- Propaganda - (noun) information, especially of a biased or misleading
nature, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view.
Example sentence: “The regime's propaganda had convinced many people to
blindly support their oppressive policies.”

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 DYSTOPIAN FICTION

VOCABULARY FOR ENRICHMENT

13- Repression - (noun) the action of suppressing a group or individual, often

through force or violence.
Example sentence: “The government's repression of political opposition had
led to the imprisonment and torture of countless innocent people.”
14- Indoctrination - (noun) the process of teaching a person or group to
accept a set of beliefs uncritically, often through repetition or coercion.
Example sentence: “The regime's indoctrination of young people had led to a
generation of loyal followers who blindly supported their oppressive policies.”

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 THE GATE

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