"Viral" Has Lost Its Meaning

That's News to Me

Adv
Teens & Adults
Grades 6–12

In this lesson featuring content from The Washington Post, students read a full-length article about how the word "viral" has lost its meaning as content consumption has changed over the years. This lesson includes comprehension and discussion questions as well as vocabulary and a speaking task.

Focus

current events
authentic materials
reading
viral
social media
interpretive
productive

Vocabulary

tout
gain traction
disparate
niche
water down
mainstream
revamp
incentive
ephemeral
demographic
leverage
buzzword
A spinning paper plane