OMAM literary analysis First paragraph OMAM literary analysis

Rubric requirements For a 10: Introduction is excellent. There is a compelling hook that does not use a question, a solid connection/tie- in/background info section, and a clear and well-thought out thesis statement.

1) Hook 1-2 sentences. A piece of information or statement that will capture the reader’s attention. Avoid using a question! Options: Startling or shocking statement, hypothetical statement, quote, statistic

1) Hook My thesis: Steinbeck used George and Lennie’s relationship to show that true friendships are thoughtful, loyal, and protective despite physical and mental differences. Possible hooks: Imagine a world without friends. Helen Keller once said, “Walking with friends in the dark is better than walking alone in the light” (Brainyquote.com). According to the Huffington Post, scientists have proven that people with friends have a 50% better chance of surviving than people without friends (huffingtonpost.com)

2) Background information 1-2 sentences This is information as to why the prompt is relevant or important. This may help connect the hook to the thesis.

2) Background information Hook: Helen Keller once said, “Walking with friends in the dark is better than walking alone in the light” (Brainyquote.com). Background information: Friendship is an integral part of life that helps people build connections, gain confidence, and find meaning in their lives.

3) Context 1-2 sentences This is how the prompt relates to the piece of literature you read. The title and author of the piece should be included here as well.

3) Context Hook & background info: Helen Keller once said, “Walking with friends in the dark is better than walking alone in the light” (Brainyquote.com). Friendship is an integral part of life that helps people build connections, gain confidence, and find meaning in their lives. Context: In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck emphasized the importance of having good friends.

4) Claim/Thesis You should already have written this and can take it from Box A on page one. Template I gave you: Steinbeck used _________________________ to show _______________________

Finished introductory paragraph Helen Keller once said, “Walking with friends in the dark is better than walking alone in the light” (Brainyquote.com). Friendship is an integral part of life that helps people build connections, gain confidence, and find meaning in their lives. In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck emphasized the importance of having good friends. Steinbeck used George and Lennie’s relationship to show that true friendships are thoughtful, loyal, and protective despite physical and mental differences.

Body paragraphs The format for all three body paragraphs is identical. Start with a topic sentence, give a quote as evidence, provide commentary, repeat, and give a concluding sentence Notice you have two different boxes for commentary: One will explain the quote in your own words, and one will explain how the quote supports the topic sentence in your own words.

Body paragraphs Topic Sentences: The topic sentence should always support the thesis/claim. If my thesis is “Steinbeck used George and Lennie’s relationship to show that true friends are thoughtful, loyal, and protective despite physical and mental differences,” then my first topic sentence might be “Steinbeck used George and Lennie’s relationship to show that true friends are thoughtful.” Then I would choose two quotes from the text that prove that true friends are thoughtful.

Body paragraphs Quotes from the text: Quotes from the text should be relatively short: one (possibly two) sentences. Make sure you format your quotes correctly: Quotation marks go before and after the quote, and closing punctuation will go after the parenthetical citation. Introduce your quote. This can be by speaker or simply using the words “In the text.” For example: In the text, George tells Lennie, “You don’t need to be scairt no more. You done jus’ what I tol’ you to” (p. 65).

Body paragraphs Quotes from the text: In the text, George tells Lennie, “You don’t need to be scairt no more. You done jus’ what I tol’ you to” (p. 65). Notice where the period is. Notice the addition of the page number. Notice that the misspellings and dialect choices have been left alone. Copy the words directly from the text!!! Notice the comma after the introductory tag.

Body paragraphs Topic sentence: Steinbeck used George and Lennie’s relationship to show that true friends are thoughtful. Quote #1: In the text, George tells Lennie, “Tell you what I’ll do, Lennie. First chance I get I’ll give you a pup” (p. 13). Commentary: Because George knows that Lennie is upset about not being allowed to have a mouse, he promises him that he can have a puppy someday. Commentary: Instead of just out-lawing pets altogether, George thoughtfully thinks of an alternative pet that Lennie might be able to handle. This shows that he cares about Lennie and he wants him to be happy.

Conclusion paragraph 1) Restate the three main points of your essay. 2) Restate your claim/thesis in a different way. 3) Final statement about why your claim is important.

Conclusion paragraph 1) Restate the three main points of your essay: As evidenced in the text, George and Lennie had a friendship that was thoughtful, protective, and loyal.

Conclusion paragraph 2) Restate your claim in a different way: As evidenced in the text, George and Lennie had a relationship that was thoughtful, protective, and loyal. Steinbeck used this relationship to show that despite drastic differences, true friendships can persevere.

Conclusion paragraph 3) Final statement about why your claim is important: As evidenced in the text, George and Lennie had a relationship that was thoughtful, protective, and loyal. Steinbeck used this relationship to show that despite drastic differences, true friendships can persevere. When people build a lasting friendship, they gain far more than just an acquaintance: they gain a confidante who will listen, a protector who will always be there in time of need, and a companion who truly cares. Friendship is integral to a happy life.

Finished conclusion As evidenced in the text, George and Lennie had a relationship that was thoughtful, protective, and loyal. Steinbeck used this relationship to show that despite drastic differences, true friendships can persevere. When people build a lasting friendship, they gain far more than just an acquaintance: they gain a confidante who will listen, a protector who will always be there in time of need, and a companion who truly cares. Friendship is integral to a happy life.