Of Mice and Men Essay / Outline Assignment
Liberty English
To conclude our reading of Of Mice and Men, you will write an outline for a literary
analysis essay as well as one body paragraph. You will create your own developed theme
statement* (based on a major theme from the novel that your “Theme Team” has been
tracking). You will then create an outline, which will have your developed theme statement,
effective textual evidence backing up your argument, compelling analyses of evidence, and
a powerful conclusion. Finally, you will choose one body paragraph to fully develop.
*Developed Theme: A big message about life, people, and human behavior.
Product Due
Due Date
Revised developed theme statement and three areas of
Wednesday, 12/16
focus (where developed theme is revealed) written on provided
outline.
Essay Outline: Body ¶ 1 and 2
Thursday 12/17
Essay Outline: Body ¶ 3 and Conclusion
Friday 12/18
Final Packet (selected body paragraph, outline and rubric)
Monday, 12/21
Of Mice and Men
ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING Rubric
Writing Rubric Checklist:
1. Paragraph contains a strong purpose statement that:
(__/10 pts)
 Introduces main idea/topic of paragraph (4)
____
 Contains a main idea/topic that is true to the text (accurate!) (4)
 Is clear and concise
(1)
____
 Includes title and author (1)
____
2. Paragraph contains well-chosen evidence to support claims:
(__/30 pts)
 2-3 relevant supporting quotes provided (10)
 Quotes used require inferential analysis (4)
 Context provided prior to quotes(4)
 Transitions between evidence
(2)
 Quotes are properly embedded (5)
 Properly formatted citation included (5)
____
____
____
____
____
____
3. Developed analysis of selected evidence:
(__/40 pts)
 Analysis connects back to purpose statement/main idea (15)
 Writer explains quote in support of main idea
(15)
 Analysis is roughly twice as long as evidence
(10)
____
____
____
____
4. Strong concluding statement/clincher that summarizes the claims made in the
paragraph: (__/10 pts)
 Summarizes main ideas of paragraph in a new & interesting way (4)
____
Ties back to purpose statement
(6)
____
5. Attention to grammar and mechanics
(__/8 pts)
 Proper punctuation, spelling, and capitalization
(3)
 Maintain present tense
(1)
 No personal pronouns (I, you, we, us)
(1)
 Avoid using clichés (as you can see, in conclusion, all in all (1)
 Avoid using “talking statements” (this quote proves, etc.) (2)
____

6. Typed (size 12 font) and double-spaced
____
(__/2 pts)
COMMENTS:
Total: ___/100
Name______________________
Of Mice and Men Essay Outline
Date_________________
Major theme that will be examined in this essay: _________________________________
Introduction
Developed Theme Statement:

Focus of Body Paragraph 1 (Thesis Statement) –

Focus of Body Paragraph 2 (Thesis Statement) –

Focus of Body Paragraph 3 (Thesis Statement) –
Body Paragraph 1 - Thesis Statement:
a) Supporting Evidence #1 (provide context and pg. # plus analysis of how the evidence supports you purpose
statement):
b) Supporting Evidence #2 (provide context and pg. # plus analysis of how the evidence supports your purpose
statement):
c) Link Supporting Evidence #1 and #2 to your Developed Theme Statement:
Body Paragraph 2 - Thesis Statement:
a) Supporting Evidence #1 (provide context and pg. # plus analysis of how the evidence supports you purpose
statement):
b) Supporting Evidence #2 (provide context and pg. # plus analysis of how the evidence supports your purpose
statement):
c) Link Supporting Evidence #1 and #2 to your Developed Theme Statement:
Body Paragraph 3 - Thesis Statement:
a) Supporting Evidence #1 (provide context and pg. # plus analysis of how the evidence supports you purpose
statement):
b) Supporting Evidence #2 (provide context and pg. # plus analysis of how the evidence supports your purpose
statement):
c) Link Supporting Evidence #1 and #2 to your Developed Theme Statement:
Conclusion
Memorable clincher that extends the reader’s thinking about your developed theme statement.
(Note: need to reinforce main ideas of your theme statement to pull it all together.)