First Name Last Name
Ms. Clark
English II
Mythology Expository Essay
30 August 2011
Title
INTRODUCTION: Attention getter (without using “I” or “you”). 2 to 3 sentences of
background information about your Greek god/goddess/hero. Introduction to the thesis (your
god/goddess/hero’s name is an important god/goddess/hero). State the thesis sentence in 1
sentence (think of it as a road map to for the body paragraphs) (example: The idea of _________
has been around since Ancient Greece, the Greeks believed________________, and today
__________ still remains a part of Western culture).
BODY PARAGRAPH 1: Transition/topic sentence. This paragraph focuses on the
history surrounding Ancient Greece. There does not need to be much information listed about the
god/goddess/hero (that will be evident in the introduction as well as the other paragraphs). For
this paragraph, focus on the historical relevance of what your god/goddess/hero was known for
(for example: if you have Hermes, the messenger god, you would research communication in
Ancient Greece. If you have Poseidon, the god of the sea, you would research how Ancient
Greeks interacted with the ocean –such as for food and for traveling).
BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Transition/topic sentence. This paragraph focuses on1
particular myth surrounding the god or goddess. Just like stories we tell today, there are
generally many people involved. Therefore, it makes sense to mention how your
god/goddess/hero interacted with people or other gods/goddesses. Summarize the myth using
descriptive words (provide evidence and analysis- quoting Edith Hamilton’s Mythology and then
in your own words decide what it all means –without using “I” or “you” – I will know that it is
your opinion since you are writing it ).
BODY PARAGRAPH 3: Transition/topic sentence. This paragraph is dedicated to the
contemporary focus (i.e. “today in America”). You can add additional relevant details about your
god/goddess/hero’s myth here as well (2-3 sentences). Include an allusion1 of your
god/goddess/hero found in literature or artwork (2-3 sentences). Next consider how your
god/goddess/hero remains in today’s world (references to movies, commercials, marketing,
music, human interaction, weather, etc.).
CONCLUSION: Transition/topic sentence. Restate your thesis in 3 to 4 sentences
(adding details and descriptive words). Explain why your god/goddess/hero is an important in
Greek mythology. End with a strong statement (that is in the same topic of your Attention getter
in the first paragraph- you will want to leave your reader with something interesting to think
about after they have finished reading your essay).
1
allusion (a-LOO-zhuhn): a reference in a literary work to a person, place, or thing in history or another work of
literature. Allusions are often indirect or brief references to well-known characters or events. Allusions are often
used to summarize broad, complex ideas or emotions in one quick, powerful image. Allusions serve an important
function in writing in that they allow the reader to understand a difficult concept by relating to an already familiar
story.
Feel free to email me if you have questions: kclark.gccs@gmail.com.