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Words from myths (a Herculean task, an Achilles' heel)

4th grade (Year 5 in England) · 16 questions · Common Core: RL.4.4, L.4.5 · England: Y5/6 Vocabulary (etymology), Y3/4 Reading (myths and legends)

Name

Date

Score/ 16

1
Question 1
Use the sentence to work out the meaning. Starting that argument was like opening Pandora's box. What does that mean?
- A. It caused lots of unexpected problems.
- B. It was very easy.
- C. It was a lovely surprise.
- D. It was a secret gift.
2
Question 2
Read the question. Which word comes from Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain and farming?
- A. volcano
- B. atlas
- C. echo
- D. cereal
3
Question 3
Use the sentence to work out the meaning. Tidying the whole house in one hour was a Herculean task. What does "Herculean" mean?
- A. very quick and easy
- B. needing huge strength or effort
- C. very old
- D. very tidy
4
Question 4
Read the question. Which word comes from Echo, a nymph in a Greek myth who could only repeat other people's words?
- A. atlas
- B. echo
- C. titanic
- D. odyssey
5
Question 5
Use the sentence to work out the meaning. Maths is Ana's strong point, but spelling is her Achilles' heel. What is an "Achilles' heel"?
- A. a favourite subject
- B. a sore foot
- C. a fast runner
- D. a weak spot
6
Question 6
Read the question. Which word comes from Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain and farming?
- A. echo
- B. volcano
- C. atlas
- D. cereal
7
Question 7
Use the sentence to work out the meaning. Their trip across the country by bike was a real odyssey. What does "odyssey" mean?
- A. a long journey full of adventures
- B. a race
- C. a short walk
- D. a holiday at home
8
Question 8
Read the question. Which word comes from Echo, a nymph in a Greek myth who could only repeat other people's words?
- A. titanic
- B. atlas
- C. odyssey
- D. echo
9
Question 9
Use the sentence to work out the meaning. Tidying the whole house in one hour was a Herculean task. What does "Herculean" mean?
- A. very old
- B. very tidy
- C. needing huge strength or effort
- D. very quick and easy
10
Question 10
Read the question. Which word comes from Arachne, a weaver who was turned into a spider in a Greek myth?
- A. atlas
- B. cereal
- C. arachnid
- D. echo
11
Question 11
Use the sentence to work out the meaning. Their trip across the country by bike was a real odyssey. What does "odyssey" mean?
- A. a holiday at home
- B. a long journey full of adventures
- C. a short walk
- D. a race
12
Question 12
Read the question. Which word comes from Arachne, a weaver who was turned into a spider in a Greek myth?
- A. atlas
- B. cereal
- C. arachnid
- D. echo
13
Question 13
Use the sentence to work out the meaning. The new sports hall was titanic. What does "titanic" mean?
- A. made of glass
- B. enormous
- C. tiny
- D. very old
14
Question 14
Read the question. Which word comes from Pan, the Greek god of the wild who was said to cause sudden fear?
- A. atlas
- B. panic
- C. volcano
- D. cereal
15
Question 15
Use the sentence to work out the meaning. Their trip across the country by bike was a real odyssey. What does "odyssey" mean?
- A. a short walk
- B. a race
- C. a long journey full of adventures
- D. a holiday at home
16
Question 16
Read the question. Which word comes from Odysseus, a Greek hero who took ten years to sail home?
- A. titanic
- B. echo
- C. mentor
- D. odyssey

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