Name_______________________________________Date______________________________Pd_____
Of Mice and Men Composition
Directions:
1). Select a topic from the following choices and write a four paragraph composition:
A. Symbolic Objects: Select two objects that are symbolic of different ideas/concepts from the novel
and discuss their symbolism.
(Consider: the pool, the bunkhouse, rabbits, Candy’s dog, Lennie’s puppy, the dream farm)
B. Symbolic Characters: Select two of the following characters and discuss their symbolism:
George, Lennie, Slim, Carlson, Curley’s wife, Curley, Crooks, Candy
Think about the following when composing your paragraph:
What does each character symbolize?
What textual evidence supports this?
What happens to the character, and how does this relate to their symbolism?
C. Theme: Pick one theme and discuss how this theme is portrayed in two separate events in the novel.
D. Theme: Using Robert Burns’ poem “To a Mouse” and events from the novel, discuss two reasons why
Steinbeck chose the title Of Mice and Men.
2). Write a thesis statement that clearly states what your composition will prove.
3). Find a minimum of two significant quotations per body paragraph (that’s a grand total of 4 quotes
altogether) that clearly support your thesis. These quotations may be from character dialogue or other
textual information provided by the narrator/author.
4). Create an outline, map, or other organizational tool that clearly charts the direction of your
composition. Your outline is due on _________.
5). Write a rough draft that can be corrected/edited in class. Your rough draft is due on _________.
6). Have your rough draft proofread, revised, and edited (some of which will be done in class).
7). Type your final copy using final paper format. We will review final paper format in class, and the final
paper format handout can be found on my website.
NOTES:
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This is formal writing. Pay attention to common usage and faulty diction errors.
Pay attention to your punctuation. You will be held accountable for the punctuation we’ve studied
this year as well as other common punctuation rules you should already know.
Your introductory paragraph should include the title and author and a brief plot summary of no more
than 3 sentences along with your thesis statement.
Make sure to cite properly your quotations using in-text citations. We will discuss how to do this in
class.
Make sure to create a works cited for the novel at the bottom of your paper. We will discuss how to
do this in class as well.
Name________________________________________________Date_____________________Pd_____
Of Mice and Men Composition Rubric
CATEGORY
MAIN IDEA/THESIS:
Thesis statement is clear and coveys the main idea
of the overall composition. It is located in the
correct location in the introductory paragraph.
CONTENT – INFORMATION
Content is accurate and correct and indicates a
clear understanding of the plot, characters, and
literary elements.
CONTENT – SUPPORTING DETAILS/SPECIFIC
EXAMPLES
Specific examples are present and are direct
quotations that clearly illustrate the topic/point.
Examples are cited properly.
ORGANIZATION:
Composition is well-organized. Each paragraph
flows well and focuses on one topic/idea that
relates to the overall thesis.
GRAMMAR/MECHANICS:
Composition is free from grammatical and usage
mistakes including but not limited to spelling,
punctuation, capitalization, word choice, and
sentence structure.
FINAL PAPER FORMAT:
Paper follows correct final paper format.
REQUIREMENTS:
Paper meets all requirements including but not
limited to format, length, topic, etc.
4 = excellent
3= above average
2=average
1=below average
0=poor/did not include
SCORE OUT OF 4
Total score: ______________/ 28
Average: ______________/4
Overall Grade: ______________/100