Note that student work varies significantly from one assignment to the next, even within the same mark range. The intent behind providing samples such as this one is to guide students in recognizing key criteria of assignments and in assessing their own work. SAMPLE INTRODUCTION – SATISFACTORY Topic: What role do dreams play in the lives of characters in the novel, Of Mice and Men? ****************************************************************************** Strengths: ● Your wording is clear throughout (communication). ● The thesis statement is argumentative and specific (thinking). Tips for Improvement: ● Add general discussion before introducing the novel to establish a general to specific progression throughout the paragraph (application). ● Outline arguments further. How do the dreams of the men end up? (application) ● Use more transition words to show the progression from one argument to the next (communication). ****************************************************************************** What are dreams? They are not only what you think of in your sleep. The novel, Of Mice and Men, is about many characters who have different dreams. These characters are George, Candy, and Lennie. They think about doing different things. George wants to be independent. Lennie wants to pet rabbits. Candy wants to keep working. In the novel, Of Mice and Men, the dreams of Lennie, George and Candy do not come true, but they give the men hope.