1st Assessment: Analysing writers’ techniques when conveying ideas to the readerAssessment:

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

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 dialogue2.    use of descriptive/ emotive language and       imagery/symbolism to convey the characters and create different moods3.  How themes are revealed  through the contrasting characters of George and Lennie

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

Higher marks: Band 4-5

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 LennieFocus 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 

Paragraphs 3-4: Use of Language to convey meaning and ideasFocus 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

• 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

Key issues for improving gradesThe 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

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.’