How to Achieve a Grade Nine in the Of Mice and Men Exam

Overview

• Target audience: IGCSE English Literature students with Edexcel Pearson.
• Focus: Understanding mark scheme and how to critically answer exam questions.

Assessment Objectives

• AO1: Demonstrate close knowledge/understanding of text, maintain critical style, present informed personal engagement (20 marks).
• AO4: Show understanding of the relationship between texts and their context (20 marks).

Key Points for Success

• Assured Knowledge:
  • Know the text well; read "Of Mice and Men" at least twice.
  • The film is mostly loyal to the book; can be used as a revision tool.
• Personal Engagement & Critical Style:
  • Be perceptive; offer unique insights into themes like authority.
  • Relate every point in your essay to John Steinbeck's message about 1930s society.
• Discriminatory Use of Examples:
  • Use only the best examples, explained in detail.

Informed Personal Engagement

• Develop sophisticated arguments and examine issues from multiple perspectives.
• Consistently link your analysis back to the question of Steinbeck's societal commentary.

Potential Exam Questions

• Topics include animals, dreams, power, companionship, loneliness, etc.
• Have a clear point of view and something substantive to say.

Essay Structure

Introduction

• Importance: Captures examiners’ attention instantly.
• Content: Clear, concise, and links to the economic context of the Great Depression.
• Example: "Steinbeck represents themes of companionship and loneliness to illustrate the isolating effects of the Great Depression."

Main Body

• Aim for at least three paragraphs, each exploring different angles.
• Example Topics for Paragraphs:
  • Paragraph 1: Candy’s isolation due to age and societal values, linked to capitalism.
  • Paragraph 2: Curly’s wife and isolation; link to women’s roles in the Great Depression.
  • Paragraph 3: George and Lenny as a contrast to typical isolation, but ultimately doomed.

Conclusion

• Recap original point from introduction using key terms from the question.
• Integrate the main point and context effectively.

Exam Tips

• Consistently ask: "What is John Steinbeck trying to say about 1930s America?"
• Link all mini points to the overall theme.
• Utilize resources to strengthen understanding of historical context.

Additional Resources

• Description of video will contain links to contextual resources.
• Encourage engagement with questions and comments for further assistance.