Of Mice and Men Honors English 2 Final Exam
Directions: Read carefully the writing prompt in the box.
True to its title, Of Mice and Men demonstrates how the best-planned schemes often
fail. But is it a book about the death of dreams or about the persistence of dreams?
In particular, set during the hard times of the Great Depression, what does the book
say about the persistence of the American Dream?
Your assignment is to write an argumentative essay looking at the American Dream
through the lens of Steinbeck’s novel and your own experience.
Answer this question: Is the American Dream a positive influence on the characters—
and the rest of us—or an elusive fantasy setting unreachable goals?
Take a position about either one of these two points of view, or present a different
point of view on the question. Use relevant, specific evidence from your reading,
your experience, and your observations to support your argument. You must refer to
four different characters and their definitions/viewpoints of the American Dream
within your essay.
Make sure you address and answer the counterclaim(s) to your position.
STEP ONE – PREWRITING/OUTLINING
Brainstorm in the t-chart provided ideas for both sides of the argument. Next, outline your
ideas for a claim/position (thesis) statement, meaningful reasons, and relevant, specific
supporting evidence/details. Make sure you address and answer the counterclaim(s) to your
position in your outline.
STEP TWO – DRAFTING
Use your prewriting and outlining to write your argumentative essay.
STEP THREE - REVISING/PROOFREADING
Use the writing checklist to self-evaluate your draft before turning it in.
 Developed a multi-paragraph response to the assigned topic that clearly
communicated a claim/position statement to the audience.
 Supported the claim/position with meaningful reasons and relevant, specific
evidence. (A developed body paragraph will have a minimum of TWO pieces of
evidence. Four different characters and their dreams need to be included).
 Addressed and answered the readers’ concerns, opposing viewpoints, or
counterclaims.
 Organized the essay in a clear and logical manner. Used transitional words, phrases,
and sentences. Included an introduction, body, and conclusion.
 Used well-structured sentences and language that are appropriate for the audience.
 Edited the essay to conform to the conventions of standard American English.
STEP FOUR – GOING PUBLIC
Share your essay with Mrs. Fisher-Reed using your Parkway gmail account.
Submit your essay to turnitin.com.
Print a final draft of your essay. Staple the following items beneath your final draft in the
order you see it below:
o
o
o
o
Prewriting/Outlining
10 Novel Post-It Notes
American Dreams Character Chart
Scoring Sheet on Bottom
Prewrite #1: Charting
The American Dream is a positive
influence on the charaacters in Of
Mice and Men and the rest of us.
The American Dream is an elusive
fantasy setting unrealistic goals.
Prewriting #2 - Outlining
Introduction Paragraph-My Position/Claim:
Body Paragraph #1-Topic Sentence-Reason 1
Supporting Details
Specific Evidence #1
Specific Evidence #2
Body Paragraph #2-Topic Sentence-Reason 2
Supporting Details
Specific Evidence #1
Specific Evidence #2
Body Paragraph #3- Counterclaims (Opposing Side’s Arguments)
Answer to the counterclaims (how you will prove opposing side is wrong, illogical, irrelevant, less
significant, etc.)
Specific Evidence
Specific Evidence
Conclusion Paragraph-Restate-My Position/Claim in different words