WJEC Of Mice and Men - Essay Writing

Summary

In this educational video, the presenter outlines a clear strategy for answering essay questions on *Of Mice and Men*. The focus is on how to structure a high-quality essay using the 'burger method', which incorporates knowledge of the text (A01), historical context (A04), and careful embedding of quotations. The presenter emphasizes the importance of understanding the 1930s context, particularly regarding characters like Lenny and Curley's wife, and how their dreams reflect the struggles of the time. The video provides tips on constructing well-rounded paragraphs and offers a preview of future content on introductions and conclusions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The essay will either focus on a theme or a character, and you will be given a choice between these two options.
• 😀 You need to include an introduction, three to four key points (related to characters or themes), and a conclusion in your essay.
• 😀 The majority of your essay should focus on context (AO4), which is worth twice the marks of knowledge (AO1).
• 😀 For each paragraph, include 5-6 quotes that are seamlessly integrated into your argument to demonstrate your understanding.
• 😀 The 'burger method' is a helpful strategy for structuring your paragraphs, with AO1 (knowledge) at the top and bottom, and AO4 (context) in the middle.
• 😀 Context should be linked to the question, discussing the 1930s and its impact on the characters' dreams and struggles.
• 😀 Embedding quotations within sentences (rather than isolating them) creates a more sophisticated and academic style.
• 😀 When discussing characters like Lenny, be sure to link their dreams to historical context, such as the Great Depression and societal treatment of the disabled.
• 😀 If you can't recall a quote exactly, paraphrase it and put it in square brackets, which is still acceptable for examiners.
• 😀 Conclusions should briefly explain why Steinbeck included specific themes or characters, providing closure to your argument.
• 😀 The introduction should come from your planning stage, setting the tone for the rest of the essay and framing your key points.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video in relation to essay writing?

The video focuses on providing a breakdown of how to write a good essay for the *Of Mice and Men* exam, covering general strategies, essay structure, and how to incorporate context, characters, and themes into the essay.

What is the significance of the PowerPoint mentioned in the video?

The PowerPoint, titled 'Of Mice and Men Revision Session', contains essential material for revising the novel and preparing for the exam. It includes strategies for essay writing, character analysis, and the use of context in essays. The speaker offers to provide it via email if anyone doesn't have access.

How are the essays structured in the exam, according to the video?

In the exam, there will be two essays: one on *Of Mice and Men* and another on poetry. The *Of Mice and Men* essay will usually focus on a theme or a character. The essay structure includes an introduction, body paragraphs (using the burger method), and a conclusion. Context plays a significant role, and quotes should be used to support the argument.

What is the 'burger method' for writing paragraphs?

The 'burger method' involves structuring a paragraph with a topic sentence (the bun), evidence (the meat), context (the lettuce and tomato), and analysis (the sauce). The idea is to ensure that each paragraph has a clear structure with both textual evidence and contextual information.

How many quotations should be included in each paragraph?

Each paragraph should ideally include around five to six quotations to support the argument, helping to demonstrate knowledge of the text and its characters or themes.

Why is context (AO4) emphasized in the essay writing process?

Context is emphasized because it accounts for 67% of the marks in the essay, while knowledge of the text (AO1) makes up 33%. Understanding the historical and social context, particularly the 1930s and the Great Depression, helps provide deeper insights into the characters and themes of *Of Mice and Men*.

What are some examples of historical context that should be included in the essay?

Examples of historical context include the Great Depression, the treatment of migrant workers, and the social attitudes towards women and people with disabilities in the 1930s. For instance, Lenny's dream can be linked to the struggles of migrant workers during the Depression, and Curly's wife’s desire to become a Hollywood star relates to the societal pressures on women at the time.

How should quotations be embedded into the essay?

Quotations should be embedded within the sentences rather than being listed separately. This makes the writing more fluid and academic. For example, instead of just stating the quote, it should be incorporated naturally into the analysis to maintain the flow of the paragraph.

What role does the conclusion play in the essay?

The conclusion should briefly summarize the key points made in the essay and reflect on the significance of the character or theme in relation to the question. It often includes an analysis of why Steinbeck included certain themes or characters in the novel.

How is Lenny's dream used as an example in the video?

Lenny’s dream is used as an example to illustrate how to structure an essay. The speaker discusses how Lenny's dream of owning land and taking care of rabbits can be connected to migrant workers' desires during the Great Depression. It also highlights how Lenny's mental disability affects his ability to achieve his dream, which can be linked to the historical context of treatment toward disabled individuals.