Robert Burns’ “To a Mouse” Paragraph Assignment
Due typed and printed in class on Tuesday 11/12
Completion Grade: 10 points, NO LATE points
There will be a competition for the most effective paragraph
Writing prompt: Do you agree with Burns’ view of plans and dreams? Why do you think
we still continue to dream even though many dreams are never realized and many plans
are defeated? Write a well-organized paragraph, following the format below.
A. Topic Sentence: Mention the title of poem, the author of the poem and the theme
of the poem. Be sure to address how Burns views dreams in the poem.
Example: In "To a Mouse," Robert Burns views dreams….
[Remember, DO NOT write “the theme is…”]
B. Evidence: (transition, lead-in, quote) To lead into the quote, briefly explain what
happens to the mouse and then connect it to the quote, “The best laid schemes of
mice and men go often awry.”
Analysis: Answer in one or two sentences:
1. How does the mouse’s misfortune illustrate Burns’ view of dreams and
plans?
[Remember, DO NOT write “This shows that…” or “This quote…”]
Connection to John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men: Answer in one sentence
1. How does Burns’ view of dreams and plans connect to Steinbeck’s view as
portrayed in Of Mice and Men?
Universal Connection: Answer in one or two sentences:
1. Are dreams important even if they do not come true? Are plans important
even if they do not work out? Why or why not?
C. Concluding Sentence: Wrap it up. What is your point? What did you prove?
You will have 6-7 sentences in your paragraph.
Follow MLA rules for your heading and formatting of your paragraph.
DO NOT use first or second person. DO NOT use contractions.
adapted from: elacommoncorelessonplans.com