Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Essay
Set Text. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Question
Your teacher has asked you to write an essay based on the following topic.

What aspects of the novel,
Of Mice and Men, did you find the most poignant?

Write the essay. (220-260 words)

What you need to include to pass
Click here for our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good answer.

Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

  • In an essay you're expected to develop an argument or discuss the issues surrounding a topic. The question above asks you for your opinion, so you must choose the events that you found the most poignant, and explain why. Make a note of them, as in the following examples, choosing three at most:
    - When George has to keep repeating to Lennie the dream of 'living of the fat of the land' ... poignant because we see how much Lennie believes that it will come true
    - When Lennie takes the dead mouse of out his pocket... poignant because Lennie can't stop killing things
    - When George shoots Lennie at the end of the story... poignant because George is trying to save Lennie from the pain of being separated

  • Use a dictionary and thesaurus to find some alternative words and phrases that mean the same as 'poignant'. This will add variety to your writing:
    e.g. sad, moving, touching, heart-rending, brings a tear to the eye

  • Can you remember the details of the events and the characters' names? You may have to check your copy of the book to make sure the details are correct. (Note that this book has FOUR characters whose names begin with the letter C!) Check spellings of names and places in particular.

  • How are you going to organise your essay? You could use a separate paragraph for each of the aspects you choose.

Drafting and proofreading your work
You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

  • Have you answered all aspects of the question?

  • Is the layout and organisation appropriate?

  • Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?

  • Is the style appropriate and consistent?

  • Will it have a positive effect on the reader?

If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more drafting!