OF MICE AND MEN ESSAY TEMPLATE ENG 3CI
English Essay Template
Name:
Date:
Topic
Choices
1. Dream fulfillment is an important theme in the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Discuss how
this theme is developed in the lives of at least three different characters.
2. Loneliness is an important theme in the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Discuss how this
theme is developed in the lives of at least three different characters.
3. Friendship and loyalty is an important theme in the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Discuss
how this theme is developed in the lives of at least three different characters.
Thesis Statement
A strong thesis statement will be specific, justify discussion, and demonstrate a conclusion about
the topic. The thesis states what you want your reader to know, believe, or understand in a
single declarative statement.
Thesis Statement
(First Draft)
Type and print the first draft of your thesis statement.
Thesis Statement Starters:
In the novel Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck demonstrates ___________________________.
In the novel Of Mice and Men, Lennie and George have a dream _______________________.
In the novel Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck explores the theme ___________________________.
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Peer Assessment
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Self Assessment
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Teacher Assessment
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Peer Assessment
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Self Assessment
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Teacher Assessment
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Thesis Statement
(Second Draft)
Date:
The thesis statement does:
The thesis statement does not:
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state a realistic, provable, opinion
state an opposable argument
make a specific, focused and clear point
outlines three supporting main ideas
use elevated language
use formal language
use grammar and punctuation correctly
use the formal tone effectively
appear in the introduction
take one sentence to say
/10
The thesis statement does:
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include a plot summary
involve a personal opinion
ask a question
use general or vague terminology
sound like “In this essay it will be
proven...”
The thesis statement does not:
state a realistic, provable, opinion
o include a plot summary
state an opposable argument
o involve a personal opinion
make a specific, focused and clear point
o ask a question
outlines three supporting main ideas
o sound like “In this essay it will be
use elevated language
proven...”
use formal language
use grammar and punctuation correctly
use the formal tone effectively
appear in the introduction
take one sentence to say
/10
Type and print the second draft of your thesis statement.
The Essay Outline
Essay Outline
The essay outline is the scaffolding to construct your essay. Use your thesis
statement as a starting point and develop three main topic sentences to support your
argument. Record your ideas in bulleted point form to outline your essay.
Paragraph 1
Thesis:
Introduction
 Thesis Statement
 Briefly summarize your three
topic sentences
Paragraph 2
 Topic Sentence
 Elaborate on your topic
sentence
Each point will make a claim or
argument supporting your topic
sentence. Each proof will develop
and demonstrate that the claim is
correct
 Point 1 / Proof 1 (quotation)
 Point 2 / Proof 2 (quotation)
 Point 3 / Proof 3 (quotation)
 Transition into your next topic
Topic 1
Topic 2
Topic 3
(Most effective support)
(Least effective support)
(2nd most effective support)
Topic 1
Elaborate
Point 1
Proof 1
Explain 1
Point 2
Proof 2
Explain 2
Point 3
Proof 3
Explain 3
Transition
/12 sentences
Paragraph 3
 Topic Sentence
 Elaborate on your topic
sentence
Topic 2
Each point will make a claim or
argument supporting your topic
sentence. Each proof will develop
and demonstrate that the claim is
correct
 Point 1 / Proof 1 (quotation)
 Point 2 / Proof 2 (quotation)
 Point 3 / Proof 3 (quotation)
 Transition into your next topic
Proof 1
Elaborate
Point 1
Explain 1
Point 2
Proof 2
Explain 2
Point 3
Proof 3
Explain 3
Transition
/12 sentences
OF MICE AND MEN ESSAY TEMPLATE ENG 3CI
Paragraph 3
 Topic Sentence
 Elaborate on your topic
sentence
Each point will make a claim or
argument supporting your topic
sentence. Each proof will develop
and demonstrate that the claim is
correct
 Point 1 / Proof 1 (quotation)
 Point 2 / Proof 2 (quotation)
 Point 3 / Proof 3 (quotation)
 Transition into your next topic
Topic 3
Elaborate
Point 1
Proof 1
Explain 1
Point 2
Proof 2
Explain 2
Point 3
Proof 3
Explain 3
Transition
/12 sentences
Paragraph 5
Conclusion
The conclusion will summarize your three topic sentences and discuss how the ideas
in paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 fully develop and support your thesis statement. Write your
conclusion after you develop your essay outline.
Peer Assessment
Date:
The essay outline includes:
o a thesis statement
o three supporting main ideas written in full sentences
o each main idea that are supported by

point

proof

explanation
o
properly cited quotations (location)
o
a concluding sentence for each main idea
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thesis and supporting main points form connected, cohesive
argument
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order of supporting main points is appropriate for argument
Self Assessment
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Teacher Assessment
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/10
Introduction
Your introduction should include your thesis statement but should not be introduced until the middle/end
of your introductory paragraph. Your opening sentences should include the following criteria:
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

Paragraph
(First Draft)
sentences should be more than just a rewording/reshuffling of the topic question
sentences should be original and attention grabbing
sentences should avoid sweeping generalizations
Type and print the first draft of your introduction for assessment.
Peer Assessment
Date:
Self Assessment
Date:
Teacher Assessment
Date:
The introduction should include the
following:
o a hook to grab the reader’s attention
o the title of the work and author’s
name
o 1-2 sentences describing the general
plot of the story that is relevant to the
thesis statement
o the thesis statement
/5
The introduction should not include the
following:
o the thesis statement word-for-word
o additional arguments besides the
thesis statement
Body Paragraphs and Quote Integration
Body
Paragraphs
In the body paragraphs, you will expand upon and provide support for the thesis you introduced in the
first paragraph.
 A topic sentence that expands your theme and makes a transition from the previous paragraph
 Development of ideas that support your essay's theme
 An ending sentence that wraps up the paragraph and helps to transition into the next paragraph
Thesis
Statement
(First Draft)
Type and print the first draft of your body paragraphs for assessment. Be sure to include proper
quotation integration.
Peer Assessment
Date:
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Self Assessment
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Teacher Assessment
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Peer Assessment
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Teacher Assessment
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transitions between ideas within
paragraphs
transitions between paragraphs
formal tone
approximately 12 sentences (topic,
PPEx3, concluding)
coherent argument
good flow of language and clear
communication
varied language
present tense
/10
Body paragraphs include the following:
o
Self Assessment
Date:
Body paragraphs do not include the
following:
o 1st or 2nd person pronouns
o informal/casual language (e.g., slang,
informal titles, etc.)
o repetition of words
Body paragraphs include the following:
o
o
o
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o
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o
o
transitions between ideas within
paragraphs
transitions between paragraphs
formal tone
approximately 12 sentences (topic,
PPEx3, concluding)
coherent argument
good flow of language and clear
communication
varied language
present tense
Body paragraphs do not include the
following:
o 1st or 2nd person pronouns
o informal/casual language (e.g., slang,
informal titles, etc.)
o repetition of words
/10
Quotation Integration
Peer Assessment
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Self Assessment
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Teacher Assessment
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Proper Integration of quotations involves
the following:
Proper Integration does not involve the
following:
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proper punctuation MLA format
concluding idea (one sentence)
proper introductory phrases
the inclusion of context/background
the exact part of the quotation that
supports your point and nothing more
/5
floating the quotation
the phrase “In the quote”
changing the meaning of the text