A myth is a story with gods, goddesses, heroes, great deeds, and supernatural powers. Some words we use today have their origins in mythology.
Herculean refers to Hercules, a hero in a Greek myth, who performed twelve difficult tasks. To make a Herculean effort is to try extremely hard.
| Mentor | a trustworthy and wise character in ancient Greek myth |
| Vulcan | ancient Roman god of fire |
| Achilles | Greek soldier whose only weak spot was his heel |
Use Word Origins Work with a partner. Use the chart and a dictionary to discuss the meanings of these sentences.
1. Ms. Alvarez is a great teacher who has been a mentor to me.
2. There are still active volcanoes in Hawaii.
3. Not doing her homework has been her Achilles heel.
SOCIAL SCIENCE
Think of something that has changed for the better in your community. Write and deliver a speech to explain how the change came about.
1 Organize Information To organize your speech, use a cause-and-effect structure to explain what happened. To research your topic, interview people in the community or read local newspaper articles. Take notes.
2 Prepare Your Speech Write a strong introduction that makes your subject clear. As you conclude, restate your topic. Practice your speech.
3 Present Your Speech Make eye contact with your audience. Speak clearly and loudly. Refer to your notes if you need to, but try to use them as little as possible.