English I: Original Myth Composition
Typed Rough Draft due 11/19, 11/20
Typed Final Draft (with brainstorming, rough draft, etc.) due 11/26, 11/27

Your major assessment for your understanding of the elements of myths is to compose an effective and coherent myth explaining the origin of a natural phenomenon of your choice.

Your myth should include the following elements…

Elements of Myth:

·  Mythic characters—gods, goddesses, and/or monsters (these can be known or created)

o  Sphere of influence (i.e. Zeus=god of sky)

o  Interactions with other gods/goddesses and/or humans

o  Supernatural powers

o  Character descriptions include appearance and emotions

·  Logical explanation of natural phenomenon

Other Elements:

·  Epithet (in red)

·  Imagery

·  Dialogue

·  Simile/Metaphor (highlighted)

·  At least 5 words with Greek affixes (from list studied)—underlined

·  Myth is at least 2 pages long, in MLA format

English I Standards/Objectives:

·  W.9-10.3.Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

o  Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events.

o  Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.

o  Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole.

o  Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.

o  Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.

·  W.9-10.4.Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.)

·  W.9-10.5.Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.

Opportunity to Extend Knowledge of Myth (Extra Credit—worth 5 points)

Illustrate your myth on a story board with four squares. See examples from the actual myth of Narcissus:

  1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/47302084@N08/4329765237/
  2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/47302084@N08/4329765023/

English I Standard: RL.9-10.7.Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums

ORIGINAL MYTH RUBRIC

NAME:______PERIOD:_____

Category / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / Points Earned
Elements of Myth
Weight=5 / Myth fails to display elements of ancient Greek myths and offers no explanation for something / Myth contains few elements specific to ancient Greek myths and offers a weak explanation for something / Myth contains some elements specific to ancient Greek myths and offers a vague explanation of something / Myth contains several elements specific to ancient Greek myths and offers an explanation of a natural phenomenon / Myth contains most elements specific to ancient Greek myths and offers a logical explanation of a natural/universal phenomenon
Character Development
Weight=5 / Characters are poorly developed through vague description with nod ialogue. Gods and goddesses may not be included or have an epithet. / Characters aredeveloped through vague description and minimal dialogue. Their actions and the actions/reactions of others are somewhat explained. Gods and goddesses are included, but may not have an epithet. / Most characters are sufficiently developed through description/dialogue. The actions/reactions of others are somewhat explained. Gods/goddesses are characters and have epithets. / Most characters are fully developed through description and dialogue. Their actions and the actions/reactions of others are explained. Gods and goddesses are central characters and have epithets. / All characters are developed fully through vivid description and dialogue. Their actions and the actions/reactions of others are clearly explained. Gods and goddesses are central and have epithets.
Plot
Weight=5 / Progression of events is poorly developed and sequenced. Plot is scarce and may not make sense. Conclusion is not satisfactory. / Progression of events is somewhat scattered, and the events may not seem connected to the rest of the story. Provides a conclusion that may be rushed or underdeveloped. / Mostly demonstrates a logical progression of events. Sequence of events shows some planning/thought. Provides a conclusion that is reasonable. / Mostly demonstrates smooth progression of events. Generally sequences events so that they build on one another to create a whole. Provides a conclusion that is logical. / Demonstrates smooth progression of experiences/ events. Sequences events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole. Provides a conclusion that follows from what is experienced, over the course of the narrative.
Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation
Weight= 3 / Writing does not demonstrate control of language. / Writing has 5 or more errors, but it still understandable. / Writing has 3-4 grammatical errors. / Writing only contains 1-2 grammatical errors. / No grammatical/stylistic errors are present.
Following Directions
Weight=2 / Myth does not follow directions. / More than two elements are missing. / Two elements are missing. / One element is missing. / All elements are present.