"Viral" Has Lost Its Meaning

That's News to Me

Low Int
Teens & Adults
Grades 6–12

In this lesson featuring modified content from The Washington Post, students read an 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

trendy
hype
fade
inflate
raise the bar
consumption
engagement
take it with a grain of salt
A spinning paper plane