Myth Assignment
DUE: Monday, 2/17
Write a myth based upon National Geographic’s article “Spirit Bear.” To illustrate the fact that myths are based in some point of fact,
your myth should include at least one piece of factual information from the National Geographic article/graphics. Please be sure
to make the information blend with the rest of the story and not ‘stick out’ as if it were ‘taped on.’ Your myth may explain an aspect of
creation, explain how or why we perform a certain tradition (It doesn’t have to be a Native American tradition.), or teach a moral
lesson.
Requirements:
 Must contain at least one piece of factual information from the National Geographic article/graphics
 Must have a discernable purpose (to teach science, morals, or traditions)
 Must contain all four functions of myth
 Must display standard conventions of a short story (exposition, conflict/inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action/
dénouement, resolution)
 Must utilize standard grammar and usage
Grading Rubric:
Grade starts at 100, and points are deducted for each of the following categories:
Good
Explains the mysteries of the
universe
Instills awe
Supports customs
Guides moral behavior
Exhibits a clear purpose
Includes at least one point of
factual information from the Nat.
Geo. materials
Exhibits conventions of a short
story
Standard grammar and usage
Prewriting, original, revised, and
final drafts submitted
(Save multiple drafts if
composing on a computer.)
Fair
-0
*Includes the function in a
convincing manner
-0*
-0*
-0*
-0
-0*
-0
Story meets reader’s
expectations of standard plot
progression
-0
Contains 2 or fewer errors
-0
Evidence of all four stages of
writing submitted
Poor
-4
*Presence of the function is
weak or detracts from the
overall myth
-4*
-4*
-4*
-8
NA
-8
*No evidence of function
present
-8
Story meets reader’s
expectations of standard plot
progression, but is weak in
areas
-5
Contains more than 2 errors
that do not hinder
comprehension
-5
Evidence of only two stages
of writing submitted
-16
Contains noticeable gaps in plot
progression; author’s purpose
not discernable
-8*
-8*
-8*
-16
-20
-10
Grammar/usage hinders the
reader’s ability to comprehend
the text
-10
No evidence of the writing
process (or “sloppy” copy &
“neat” copy)
If you earn at least an 80 according to this rubric, you will receive a 93-98 as a major test grade.
(80/93; 84/94; 88/95; 92/96; 96/97; 100/98)
Plan of Action:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Gather details from the article that you would want to include in your myth.
Use a four functions of myth chart to brainstorm ideas for your poem.
Compose the myth.
Let it sit for at least a day.
Go back and reread your myth making note of any weak or skimpy parts. What questions might your reader ask for which
you need to provide answers? Provide those answers.
6. Read your myth to someone and ask them the following questions:
a. Do you have any questions that I need to answer in my myth?
b. Is there any material that seems unnecessary or boring?
c. What is the point of my myth? Can you easily tell what lesson I’m trying to impart?
7. Having considered the information gathered in steps 6 and 7, revise your original draft.
8. Proofread for grammatical, spelling, and/or usage errors.
9. Type and print your final copy.
10. Submit your original, revised, and final drafts, along with this rubric.