Of Mice and Men

1. Aims and objectives:
In this unit you will:
 Identify and understand the social context of the novel.
 Understand character, theme and plot.
 Be able to identify and comment on a range of language.
 Understand the role of the reader and the writer.
 Be able to make comparisons.
 Use empathy to engage with characters.
 Use a variety of spoken and written tasks to understand the novel.
 You will develop your writing skills including spelling, punctuation
and grammar.
 You will comment on specific language usage.
 You will have model essays to use in your own practice essays.
 You will plan and prepare the skills you need to complete your
exam question.
 You will learn to write to a time limit.

2. Assessment:
 You will use a range of peer and self assessment.
 You will receive verbal and written feedback from your
teacher who will give your advice on ways to improve.
 You will be given opportunities to make improvements
in lessons or as homework.
 Your reading skills will be assessed and how your
writing develops.
 Your teacher may use a speaking and listening task to
complete a formal assessment that will form part of your
controlled assessment.
 Essays will be marked in line with the exam criteria,
which you will also know how to use successfully for
yourself.

3. Work Evidence:
By the end of this unit you will have in your
exercise book:
 Skills based tasks and assessment.
 Character profiles.
 Mind maps on theme, character, plot, context and language.
 Annotated notes.
 Model paragraphs and essay.
 Evidence of improvements made on teacher’s comments.
 Practice sections of exam questions.
 Timed essays.
 Planning and preparation.

4. The idea of the American Dream is rooted in the second
sentence of the Declaration of Independence which states
that "all men are created equal“ and that they are "endowed
by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights“ including
"Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
The American
Dream
The dream originated from
the belief that America was
the land of opportunity.
Those who came to
live in America
were driven by
hope of a new life.
America offered the
escape from poverty
and starvation for
immigrants.
America was a new
land and had plenty of
space to live and
work.
The economy collapsed.
Money was scarce. There
was no social security
system. If you didn’t work
your didn’t eat!
The American Dream
survived until the 1920’s
with the Great Depression
and the Wall Street Crash
– America no longer gave
opportunities.
Gold was discovered, which
reinforced the idea that
America could bring wealth to
anyone.