Thursday, July 8, 2010

How to I write an introduction for an essay on the theme of dreams in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men?

When writing an introduction, you want to make sure you have a clear thesis.  A thesis is a statement that tells the reader what you are writing about.  It should be one clear statement that directly addresses the prompt or topic.


There are many topics you could write about for this book.  I have provided you a sample thesis below so you can see how it works.



In Of Mice and Men, many characters pursue the American dream but are ultimately unsuccessful.



George and Lennie dream of buying a farm and tending rabbits.  Crooks dreams of having a space of his own.  Candy wants to participate in George and Lennie's dream.  None of these characters get what they want.


It is a good idea to begin with some kind of hook before your thesis.  Some people quote the book, and others tell anecdotes, which are brief, relevant personal stories.  It should be something related to your thesis and meaningful.  A good hook for this essay topic would be related to the American Dream concept.



Since the founding of America, people have attempted to find a piece of the American Dream by owning land.



Once you have chosen a topic and written a hook and a thesis, you have a few options depending on what your teachers wants.  Some teachers want a brief summary of the book in the introduction.  Make it no more than a few sentences.  Some teachers want you to preview your arguments.  Make sure you have planned your points and how you will support them.  Try not to be too repetitive, but previewing your argument lets the reader know what you will be talking about.

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