Comparing a Myth and a Modern Story

Year 4 EnglishReading Comprehension3 pages

About this worksheet

Year 4 pupils sort nine statements, lettered A to I, into a Venn diagram that compares a Greek myth with a modern adventure. Some statements belong to one side only, such as gods and magical monsters, or everyday technology like smartphones. Others, like a hero who shows great bravery when facing danger, fit both. The sheet runs to three pages, and the answer key places every letter. It links to the England National Curriculum reading objectives on myths, themes and conventions.

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Comparing a Myth and a Modern Story: Reading Comprehension - page 1

Comparing a Myth and a Modern Story: Reading Comprehension - page 2

Curriculum objectives covered

Reading - comprehension

“Increasing their familiarity with a wide range of books, including fairy stories, myths and legends, and retelling some of these orally”

Statements A, D and I describe what makes a Greek myth. The sheet has no retelling task, so pair it with an oral retelling of a myth the class knows.

Reading - comprehension

“Identifying themes and conventions in a wide range of books”

The whole sort, especially statement G (good battles against evil), which both kinds of story share.

Reading - comprehension

“Drawing inferences such as inferring characters' feelings, thoughts and motives from their actions, and justifying inferences with evidence”

Only a light link here. Statement E, a hero who shows bravery, gives pupils a starting point to talk about what drives each hero.

What's inside this worksheet

The Statements

Nine statements, from 'Takes place in an ancient setting long ago' to 'A magical weapon is given by a god or goddess'.

The Venn Diagram

Pupils write each letter in Greek Myth only, Modern Adventure only or the overlap.

Answer Key

A, D and I go to the myth. B, E and G sit in the middle. C, F and H belong to the modern story.

How teachers use it

After reading a myth

Use it once the class has read a Greek myth, so pupils test each statement against a story they know.

Talk first

Ask pairs to agree where statement H goes before they write it. Help from normal friends and family leads to a good talk about who helps a hero in a myth.

Planning a retelling

Before pupils write a modern version of a myth, use the Modern Adventure column as a checklist.

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