Model Answer for Mice and Men Short Answer TEST
Read the paragraph and answer the questions to analyze how to write good short answers on tests.
Why is George so worried about Curly’s wife?
George is greatly bothered by Curly’s wife’s appearance and behavior because he knows she’s
likely to cause trouble, which Lennie will either be part of or need to be protected from. While
Candy’s comments prejudice George the moment he hears them, it is only upon seeing her that he
realizes that any trouble this out-of -place character causes may threaten their dream. It is obvious
that Curly’s wife does not fit on a ranch. Steinbeck writes, “She full, rouged lips and wide spaced
eyes heavily made up. Her fingernails red…” What could such a woman possibly do on a ranch
but seduce the worker? A glance, a look or being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time
could easily mean being fired since she’s married to the boss’ son. Not only does she try to make
herself desirable, but she also tries to flirt. Seeking attention she leans forward “so that her body
was thrown forward” for the laborers to get a good look at it. In a roomful of men, she’s
irresistible, especially when the reader knows what the men sometimes do when they go into
town on Saturdays. In normal situations, Curly’s wife’s appearance and behavior could spell
disaster, but Lennie, as the reader knows, is not normal. So trouble is sure to happen.
1. Find the topic sentence. Does it tell you the main points in the paragraph?
2. Underline the two main points – what two things about Curly’s wife bother George?
3. Find the two quotes. Do they support the points? How do we include quotes when we are sure
the reader knows the book the quotes is taken from?
4. Circle the comments for each point. How are points and comments different?
5. Notice the flow of the paragraph. What linking words or phrases are used to make it flow
better?
6. Is there a classic concluding sentence? If so what is it? If not, why not?