1. Of Mice and Men
Essay Guidelines

2. Introduction Title of book (underlined) + name of the author
The book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is about…
The relationship to Burns’ poem “To a Mouse” is…
Background: Migrant workers, Great Depression, Dust Bowl
Thesis = Topic + Opinion + How/Why

3. Body Paragraphs
Transition sentence = should tie into the paragraph before it
Steinbeck demonstrates the theme of loneliness and isolation…
Steinbeck again shows loneliness in the character George Milton when…
He also shows this theme in Curley’s wife…

4. Body Paragraphs Quotes “……..” (Steinbeck 45).
Explain why it is important, what is happening (background)
Explain how this relates to the thesis

5. Conclusion Restate the thesis
Restate main points and examples for each main body paragraph.
End with one or two sentences of overall opinion of book.
Remember to avoid 1st person pronouns

6. Essay Guidelines You are allowed to use your book for the essay.
Use sticky notes to mark quotes in your book that you intend to use for your essay.