Vocabulary Worksheet · Grades 6–8
Words from Mythology Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 6-8 on words that come from Greek and Roman mythology, from herculean to atlas. Students choose the meaning of eight myth-born words, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Vocabulary
Grades
Grades 6–8
Skill Focus
Words from Mythology, word origins
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Many everyday English words come from ancient Greek and Roman myths, and knowing the story makes the meaning easier to remember. ‘Herculean’ means needing great strength because of the hero Hercules, ‘panic’ means sudden fear because of the god Pan, and an ‘atlas’ is a book of maps because of the Titan Atlas, who held up the sky. This worksheet links words to their myths and their meanings.
Section A on page 1 gives eight myth-born words, each with two meaning choices, and students write the correct meaning. The reference box explains how a word can carry a picture from a myth and shows a short Examples block with different examples, so the assessed items stay independent of the model.
Section B on page 2 asks students why a myth helps memory, to connect one word to its myth, to explain why ‘tantalize’ fits the story of Tantalus, and to suggest another myth-born word. Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample answers. The skill builds on word origins, eponyms, and Greek and Latin roots.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and tell one short version of a myth.
Complete Section A independently – have students picture the myth behind each word.
Discuss how the myth and the meaning are connected for two or three words.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check.
Pair with the Eponyms Worksheet or the Greek and Latin Roots Worksheet.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Words from Mythology Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 6-8 on words that come from Greek and Roman mythology, from herculean to atlas. Students choose the meaning of eight myth-born words, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
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