Name: Due: Dear Student, Myth for a day Ancient Greece Speech project This year, we will be learning about the amazing civilization of Ancient Greece! A central element of Ancient Greek culture and religion was Greek mythology and the many gods, goddesses, heroes, and creatures that were worshiped, admired, and feared. For this unit, you will become a character from Greek Mythology for a day (well for a class period). You will help educate the rest of the class about your mythological character through an argumentative speech. Your purpose is to convince the class that your mythical character is the most important in Ancient Greek Mythology. As a class, we will be voting on the best speech, and the winner will be given a fabulous prize. To take on the role of this character (and to compete against your classmates), you must do the following: #1: Become an Expert -You will be required to do research about your god, goddess, hero, or creature so that you can help the rest of the class know more about them and why they were important to Ancient Greek mythology. -You will be required to complete a research form, which will help keep your research on track and record your resources. #2: Become your Character -Using your research, you will write an argumentative speech to present to the class. Please see the handout speech guidelines for more information. -Finally, to complete your transformation from student to Greek Myth character, you must dress up to represent your character on the day you give your speech. Your costume and props should be based on the story and characteristics of your character (example: Aphrodite is the goddess of love, so use some hearts!) We know you will do a great job! Mrs. Jacobson Amanda.Jacobson@spencer.kyschools.us Mrs. Hahn Keely.Hahn@spencer.kyschools.us Mrs. Smith Angela.Smith@spencer.kyschools.us Mrs. Krause Susanne.Krause@spencer.kyschools.us Ms. A Mac Ashley.McGaughey2@spencer.kyschools.us Mr. Eldridge Tyler.Eldridge@spencer.kyschools.us 1
2 Speech Guidelines and Information Purpose: The purpose of this speech is to convince the class that you are the best character from Greek Mythology. To do this, you will present a 3-5 minute argumentative speech. What does argumentative mean? Arguing is a technique in writing and speaking that uses facts to prove to others that your position, idea, or belief is correct and that others should believe it too. In addition, you will strengthen your argument by presenting a counterargument to your audience, convincing them you are the best. Steps to Follow 1) PLAN what you are going to say using the speech outline. Write it on notecards or type it so you have a neat copy to practice with and turn in. 2) PRACTICE your speech so that you will be comfortable with it. 3) PACE yourself when you are giving the speech- don t talk too fast or too slow. 4) PREPARE to have fun! Be creative and be informative so that we can learn from you! Scoring Guide Category Points Complete and Correct Works Cited Page 10 Costume & props represent the myth story 25 Speech Content: Speech includes all required components (argumentative and informative) Speech Presentation: at least 3-5 minutes in length, strong voice, volume, etc. Total 35 30 100 points Myth for a Day Checklist Research Form Works Cited Page Speech Costume and props
Name: SPEECH RESEARCH FORM All sources must be cited Directions: Answer each of the following questions by restating the question and writing in complete sentences. You MUST cite the sources that you use. Use the Works Cited page in this packet to help you. 1. What is the name of the character you are researching? 3 2. Is your character a god, goddess, monster, or hero in Greek Mythology? 3. Summarize the myth or story that your character is part of. (NOTE: This is VERY important!) 4. Does your character have any enemies or friends that are other gods, goddesses, monsters, creatures, etc.? If so, why is your character an enemy or friend of this character?
5. What makes your character unique, gives them an advantage over others, or makes them important in Greek Mythology? 6. What points can you make in your speech to prove your character is the best, unique, most important, etc.? What are you going to prove to your audience? 7. List some ideas for your costume and props: 4
Name: Works Cited Record the citation information for the research sites your visited. Citing sources gives credit to the author of the material so you are not stealing or plagiarizing someone else s work. Use the model below to create your citation. Example 1: Last name of author, first name of author. Name of Article in Italics, Name of website, Name of site publisher, website address. Example 2: Mark, Emily. Chinese Writing, Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, https://www.ancient.eu/chinese_writing/. 5
6 Name: Myth for a Day Speech Outline INTRODUCTION: A. Begin your speech with a hook to get your audience s attention. Perhaps you will say something funny, ask a question, or begin with a quote to catch your audiences attention. (Think about what you might do to capture your audience through movement, props, or voice. This should NOT be boring.) B. Introduce yourself. What is your name? Are you a hero, creature, god, goddess? C. Conclude your introduction with a brief overview of the reasons why you are the most important/best mythological character from Ancient Greece (thesis). This is what you will prove in the body of your speech. Point #1: A. Tell the audience about yourself to convince them you are the best mythological character. Talk about your special powers, abilities, talents, etc. B. Explain- Why do these powers/skills make you important and better than other mythological characters? (Can you demonstrate any of these powers for your audience or incorporate them into your costume?) C. Conclude this first point by explaining how your powers and abilities make you the best character. You may even want to point out why other characters abilities or powers are not as good.
POINT #2: A. Explain how your myth story proves you are the best myth character. Share a detailed summary of your myth story or a myth that you are part of. Tell this like a story. B. What did this story show about you and your power? Why does this story prove you are the best myth character? Why should your audience be impressed? POINT #3: A. Some people in the audience may not be convinced that you are the best mythological character. In fact, some may think you are the worst. Develop a counter-argument to defend yourself and address their point of view. Why is their argument incorrect? B. Be specific in your counter-argument and feel free to call out other characters to prove why their thinking is wrong and why you are better than they are. (Hint: Remember your audience will also be voting, so don t offend them too much.) 7
CONCLUSION: A. Summarize the main points you presented reminding the audience why you are the best myth character. B. Restate your thesis statement: why are you the best myth character and why should they vote for you? C. (Optional: Feel free to end creatively in some way. What will your exit look like? How will you make your audience remember you? How can you use a prop or part of your costume as you leave?) USE THIS OUTLINE TO WRITE YOUR FINAL DRAFT ON NOTECARDS OR PAPER. 8