In this Formative, you’ll research St. Patrick’s Day and write a 3-paragraph informative piece that separates common myths from verified facts. You will submit each stage of the writing process: sources, prewriting, outline, draft, revision check, and final copy.
St. Patrick’s Day: Myth vs. Fact (7th Grade Writing Assignment — 3 Paragraphs)
Your goal: Write a 3-paragraph informative piece that separates common myths about St. Patrick’s Day from facts supported by research.
Paragraph 1 (Introduction): Introduce the topic and explain what “myth vs. fact” means for this holiday. End with a clear focus statement.
Paragraph 2 (Myths): Describe 2 myths people commonly believe. Explain why they are myths.
Paragraph 3 (Facts): Explain 2 facts backed by research. Include details and connect them to the holiday.
Use at least 2 credible sources.
You must list your sources (title + author/organization + date if available + where you found it).
Research & source list
Prewriting (brainstorm)
Outline
Draft
Revision check
Final copy
Academic honesty: Use your own words. If you copy exact wording, put it in quotation marks and include the source.
In 3 words or fewer, write your topic focus (what you will clarify myths/facts about).
Research Log — Source 1
Provide:
Title
Author/Organization
Publication date (or “no date”)
Where you found it (site name)
2–3 bullet notes of information you learned
Why this source is credible (1 sentence)
Research Log — Source 2
Provide:
Title
Author/Organization
Publication date (or “no date”)
Where you found it (site name)
2–3 bullet notes of information you learned
Why this source is credible (1 sentence)
Prewriting — Sort your ideas
Drag each statement into the best category based on your research and background knowledge.
St. Patrick drove all snakes out of Ireland.
Everyone in Ireland celebrates by wearing green.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17.
The shamrock is a symbol connected to the holiday.
Leprechauns are part of ancient Irish history.
The color originally linked to St. Patrick was blue.
Myth (Not Supported)
Fact (Supported)
Need to Verify
Outline — Put the parts in order
Resequence these parts to match a strong 3-paragraph “Myth vs. Fact” structure.
Focus statement (what your essay will clarify)
Explain what “myth vs. fact” means
Closing sentence that connects back to the topic
Myth #2 + explanation
Hook + topic introduction
Fact #1 + evidence
Fact #2 + evidence
Myth #1 + explanation
Outline — Your planning (3 paragraphs)
Write your outline using this template:
Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
Hook:
What the holiday is / context:
What “myth vs. fact” means:
Focus statement:
Paragraph 2 (Myths)
Myth #1:
Why it’s a myth:
Myth #2:
Why it’s a myth:
Paragraph 3 (Facts)
Fact #1 + which source supports it:
Fact #2 + which source supports it:
Closing sentence:
Draft — Write your 3 paragraphs
Write your complete draft here.
Requirements:
3 paragraphs
Includes 2 myths and 2 facts
Uses information from at least 2 sources
Uses your own words
If you include any exact wording from a source, put it in quotation marks
Revision Check — Select ALL that you completed
Final Copy — Submit your polished 3 paragraphs
Before submitting, do a final check:
Capitalization and punctuation
No run-on sentences
Clear topic sentences
Facts are supported by sources
Paste your final copy below.