This document provides guidance for writing a 1,200-1,500 word essay analyzing the relationship between George and Lennie in John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men". Students are instructed to discuss how Steinbeck uses narrative structure, descriptive language, dialogue, imagery and themes to portray their relationship. The document outlines the key techniques to focus on, including Steinbeck's use of dialogue, plot devices, symbolism, language, imagery and mood. It provides a sample essay plan and marking criteria, emphasizing the need to support points with evidence from the text.

1. 1st Assessment: Analysing writers’ techniques
when conveying ideas to the reader
Assessment:
Word count is approx. 1200-1500 words
Explore the ways the relationship between George and
Lennie is presented by Steinbeck in ‘Of Mice and Men’
In your response, you should refer to how the language
used to describe George and Lennie, their
conversations with each other and their dealings with
other characters are used to reveal different aspects
of their relationship

2. How to analyse a writer’s
techniques
Your response should focus on the following techniques:
1. narrative structure – how the story is told
 use of dialogue
2. use of descriptive/ emotive language and
imagery/symbolism to convey the characters and
create different moods
3. How themes are revealed through the contrasting
characters of George and Lennie

3. Mark scheme
• Read and understand texts, selecting material appropriate to
purpose
• Develop and sustain interpretations of writers’ ideas and
perspectives (What do you think about the writer’s portrayal of the
characters)
• Explain and evaluate how writers use language and structure to
achieve effects and engage and influence the reader ( Discuss how
the story appears on the page, how it is structured and use of
language/imagery)
• Higher achieving candidates must approach the text in ways that
allow them to develop ideas and interpretations

4. Higher marks: Band 4-5

5. Essay plan
• Introduce the main ideas in OMAM and how these are revealed through the 2
main characters, George and Lennie, and their relationship with one another and
with the other characters in the story. Identify the techniques Steinbeck uses to
present this significant relationship
• Paragraph 1 -2: Use of structure in exploring the relationship between George
and Lennie
Focus on:
 use of dialogue to reveal emotions and relationships
 Plot devices: references to previous events and current incidents to
foreshadow conclusion
 How the story is told: condensed timeframe, use of same idealistic setting at
beginning and end , effect of 3rd person narrative; use of symbolism

6. Paragraphs 3-4: Use of Language to convey meaning and
ideas
Focus on:
• Use of descriptive and emotive language to depict the
characters and how this affects our views of them
• The impact of imagery in exploring ideas
• Use of slang in dialogue to reveal character
• Consider how language is used to set the mood in a scene
Focus on the effect of the opening and closing chapters

7. • Conclusion: What is the true relationship between Lennie and
George? How is this revealed by Steinbeck? How does he
show how George really feels about Lennie?
• How effective is Steinbeck in portraying this relationship?
• Draw together ideas from previous paragraphs and give your
personal views in answering the question
ALWAYS, ALWAYS REFER BACK TO THE TEXT WHEN MAKING ANY
COMMENTS: Make a Point, explain what you mean and refer back to
the text every time. Higher marks will go to the most appropriate
references and the more thoughtful comments made about the text

8. Key issues for improving grades
The marking criteria states that answers should:
• be relevant – you don’t need to write everything you know about the
text, only the things that relate to the question
• be sufficiently detailed – it is better to give a lot of detail about a small
part of the text than trying to cover lots of different points
• be well structured – with a clear introduction which addresses the
question and a clear conclusion that returns to the question
• use effective vocabulary – including literary terms where relevant
• use well-chosen evidence/quotations to support points. Try to embed
short quotes within your writing We know that George has known Lennie for
a long time: ‘Him and me was both born in Auburn.’
You can also refer closely to the text instead of quoting directly:
Rather than let Lennie face an angry mob, George chooses to shoot him in the
most compassionate way he can think of, by asking Lennie to remember the
dream they shared and shooting him from behind

9. To gain a top grade, candidates should show an enthusiastic and critical
personal response. The best candidates write about the author’s methods and
achievements, and will concentrate on comment, not content.
An example of such writing would be:
‘Steinbeck effectively reveals George’s softer side when he consoles Lennie by
reassuring him after he crushes Curley’s hand, “Sure. You ain’t done nothing wrong”.
The use of simple vocabulary and short sentences in this conversation reveals
George’s compassion and love for Lennie.’
‘Steinbeck uses adverbs after George’s dialogue to convey his frustrated and angry
character throughout the story. Adverbs like, “fiercely… “Viciously…” influences the
reader’s opinion of George’s character and reinforces his frustration with Lennie.’