Orwellian writing: Training and the English language

26 January 2026
2:00 pm
3:00 pm

This Training Club session explores practical writing techniques for creating clear, effective teaching materials. The session draws on guidance from George Orwell’s essay Politics and the English Language, adapting his principles for use in educational and training contexts.

Through a short presentation and interactive activities, we will translate Orwell’s rules into practical strategies for teaching-focused writing.

The session will cover:

  • The use of metaphors – when they help, when they hinder, and how to create new ones
  • The benefits and limits of simple language in teaching materials
  • Writing with clarity while being kind to yourself as an author

How to join

This event will be held virtually. Register to join the ELIXIR-UK Training Club to receive the meeting link and further details. If you don’t wish to attend the community calls in the future, you can unsubscribe at any time.

Speakers / organisers from ELIXIR-UK
  • Matthew Gemmell
    • University of Liverpool