English 9 Semester 2 Study Guide: Of Mice and Men

Essential Question

Do we determine our own destinies?

Exam Weight

This semester's exam will count as 15% of your overall Semester Two final grade.

Objective Portion

The objective portion of the exam will include 60 questions (9 Honors, 75 questions).

Exam Period

The exam period will be 100 minutes.

Written Portion

The written portion of the exam will be worth 15 points.

Writing Process

Time will be allotted in class to complete the steps in the writing process; however, students may work on the written portion outside of class as well.

Fate vs. Free Will

A key idea explored in the context of determining our own destinies.

Power of Choice

A key idea related to the concept of determining our own destinies.

Impact of Society, Class, and Environment

A key idea that influences our destinies.

Personal Responsibility and Dreams

A key idea that relates to our ability to shape our destinies.

Chapter 1 Focus

Water imagery and foreshadowing; George and Lennie's dream.

Chapter 2 Focus

Setting the tone of the ranch; Introduction of key figures: Candy, Curley, Curley's Wife, Slim.

Chapter 3 Focus

George and Lennie's bond; Candy joining the dream; First act of violence (Curley vs. Lennie).

Chapter 4 Focus

Loneliness: Crooks, Candy, Curley's Wife; Racial and gender dynamics.

Chapter 5 Focus

Death and loss; Lennie's loss of control.

Chapter 6 Focus

The novel comes full circle; Mercy and sacrifice.

Dreams and Disillusionment

A major theme in 'Of Mice and Men.'

Loneliness and Isolation

A major theme in 'Of Mice and Men.'

Strength and Weakness

A major theme in 'Of Mice and Men.'

Fate and Destiny

A major theme in 'Of Mice and Men.'

Inspirational Quote

"Tell me about the rabbits, George."

Alias

an assumed name

Amble

to walk slowly

Burly

big and strong

Distort

to twist out of shape

Dogged

persistent

Dumbfounded

speechless

Grit

courage

Inevitable

certain to happen

Meteoric

brilliant and fast

Parody

a humorous imitation

Prevail

to triumph over

Rend

to tear apart

Replenish

to fill again

Rummage

to search

Skimp

to save by being stingy

Sleuth

a detective

Vandalism

deliberate destruction

Abduct

to kidnap

Ambiguous

unclear

Balk

to refuse

Compact

an agreement

Confer

to consult

Earmark

to designate

Frigid

very cold

Implement

to carry out

Incalculable

unpredictable

Indisputable

beyond question

Intensive

thorough

Maneuver

a planned move

Sabotage

to destroy

Scant

not enough

Stealthy

secretive

Strapping

tall and strong

Strident

harsh sounding

Thrive

to prosper

Titanic

enormous

Valiant

brave

Adhere

to stick to

Affirm

to declare

Atrocity

an extremely wicked act

Cope

to deal with

Deter

to discourage

Disquieting

disturbing

Empower

to give power

Fluent

able to speak easily

Lag

to fall behind

Mangle

to injure severely

Misapprehension

a wrong idea

Optimist

a hopeful person

Prowl

to roam stealthily

Recitation

a reading in public

Stupefy

to stun

Sulky

gloomy

Supplement

to add to

Surge

to rise suddenly

Trait

a characteristic

Unscrupulous

dishonest

Abstain

to stay away

Accommodate

to make fit

Allegiance

loyalty

Amalgamate

to unite

Append

to attach

Commemorate

to honor

Enumerate

to count

Exalt

to elevate

Extort

to obtain by force

Far-fetched

improbable

Glum

gloomy

Replica

a copy

Responsive

reacting readily

Sanctuary

a sacred place

Self-seeking

selfish

Submissive

obedient

Tally

to count

Taskmaster

one who assigns work

Transform

to change

Upheaval

sudden change

Beacon

a guiding light

Berserk

violently out of control