Exam Questions on Of Mice and Men

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Foundation Tier

Find the passage in the novel where Lennie kills Curley’s wife, from the description of the barn to the point when Lennie leaves to go to the brush.

Write about:

· Why the writer begins this passage with the dead puppy

· Why Lennie and Curley’s wife behave in the way they do

· How the writer makes the death seem unavoidable

· Whether you were surprised when you first read about her death, and why.

Slide 9

Foundation Tier

Of Mice and Men shows us that people can be cruel, or kind, or sometimes a mixture of both.

Compare three characters.

Write about:

· The ways in which the different characters are cruel, or kind, or a mixture of both

· Why they behave as they do

· How you respond to them

· How Steinbeck writes about them to make you respond this way.

Slide 10

Exam Topics

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Below are some possible essay topics suitable for GCSE Level questions on 'Of Mice and Men'. Use these topics for revision by writing or planning the essays and comparing your work with that of a friend.

The killing of Candy's old dog foreshadowed Lennie's death. Describe the two killings, pointing out any similarities and differences between them.

When all the other ranch hands go to town, Lennie, Crooks and Candy are left behind. Describe what each of these three do after the others leave, and explain what they have in common that causes them to be left out. See MODEL ANSWER

Describe in some detail the farm that George and Lennie dream of owning one day. When Candy and Crooks join the dream, what part do they foresee themselves playing?

Curley's wife appears three times in the novel. Briefly describe what takes place on each occasion. On which occasion does she reveal the most about herself, and what is it?

'I like to pet nice things with my fingers, soft things.' Trace in detail the 'sof' things' that Lennie pets in the novel, showing that the petting grows more serious as the novel goes on.

Describe in some detail the incident where Lennie crushes Curley's hand. What does this incident reveal about each of these two characters?

While Curley is physically aggressive towards Lennie, his wife is sexually provocative. Show how these two characters create trouble for Lennie, and combine to cause his death.

Many people in the novel suffer from disappointment. Choose any three of the following characters and discuss what reasons they have to be disappointed about their life: Crooks - Curley - George - Candy

Which character do you feel most sorry for in this story? Explain your choice by referring closely to the events of the novel.

Slim is the only character in the novel who is not handicapped in some way. Do you agree?