1. Of Mice and Men Setting / Mood Analysis
Revision Checklist
Of Mice and Men
Setting / Mood Analysis

2. Thesis Is your thesis statement detailed?
If your thesis sounds like… “John Steinbeck creates a ____ mood through a vivid description of the setting", you aren’t being specific enough.
A detailed thesis will include the WHAT/WHERE, along with the WHY and HOW of your argument
Is your thesis unique?
Although you must provide 3 specific examples, try to avoid the basic 3 pronged thesis.

3. Integrating Break away from the chains of rigid quote introduction.
Basic quote introductions don’t appeal to your audience. Refrain from the typical:
“(Insert Author Name), in (Insert Title) states/quotes (1-3 sentence quote drop)”
Stop doing this.

4. Integrating Instead, try integrating!
Rather than providing multiple sentences in direct quotation, try limiting the quote to its most essential words (within author’s intended context) for what you’re attempting to argue.
[However, Steinbeck contradicts this peace by indicating that “the place was lifeless” until the two men “emerged” from the path (2).]
This format creates opportunities for establishing and maintaining an engaging writer’s voice.

5. Commentary
Outside of your introduction and conclusion, avoid using the mood word you argued within your thesis statement. Just as you did in your setting/mood assignment a week and a half ago, identify and focus on the various facets that contribute to your selected mood. You may spend time in your introduction and conclusion to help establish focus on that mood, tying your essay together.

6. Due Wednesday
Vocab Homework – Infinitive / Infinitive Phrase Identification
Reading Assignment – Through Chapter 4

7. Voice
Establish an engaging writer’s voice by utilizing 3 different Smiley Face Tricks.(See Handout)

8. Transitions Avoid tired transition words.
[To start, 1st, 2nd, Next, To Conclude, In conclusion, Etc.]
Transitioning into commentary.
Avoid [This quote] shows [that]
[Forced / Overused]
Google “Thesaurus”
Again, examples similar to the above only take away from your expression, making your writing bland.

9. Word Choice Diction Many of you over-rely on drowsy diction.
[Have + Verb]
[Had + Verb]
[Has + Verb]
Search for vibrant synonyms that pack a punch.

10. Etc. Title Italics = Of Mice and Men Referencing the author Citation
John Steinbeck = 1st time you introduce him
Steinbeck = every time after that.
John = Never. You and John are not bro’s. He’s dead. Have some respect.
Title
Creative and Engaging?
Citation
(Steinbeck, #). (# = paragraph number) (#notahashtag)