ELA
What is the author's main purpose in writing this article?
The author's main purpose is to explain the origin, evolution, and significance of memes, showing that they are not just humorous images but also a form of communication and cultural expression.
How are pre-internet memes (like Kilroy was here) similar to and different from modern internet memes?
Similarities: Both forms of memes spread among groups and often carry hidden or exclusive meanings understood by those “in the know.”
Differences: Pre-internet memes were physical (graffiti, comics) and shared in limited areas, while modern memes are digital, spreading globally through social media.
How does the author use the comparison between memes and viruses to advance his purpose?
The author uses the virus comparison to illustrate how memes spread rapidly and uncontrollably, just like viruses. This rhetorical device helps the reader understand the powerful and widespread influence of memes.
Explain how the structure of the concluding paragraph conveys the author’s purpose.
The author uses the conclusion to emphasize the ever-evolving nature of memes. By stating that the internet is constantly flooding with new trends, he highlights the unpredictability and cultural impact of memes, supporting his purpose of exploring their relevance.
Analyze how the author’s first-person point of view (e.g., “Between my writing this article and you reading it”) influences the style and meaning of the text.
The first-person perspective makes the text conversational and relatable. It creates a sense of immediacy, emphasizing how quickly memes change. This choice of perspective adds a personal and engaging tone, making the topic feel relevant and dynam
How does the author organize the text to explain the evolution of memes?
The author uses a chronological structure, starting with the history of memes, explaining their linguistic and cultural roots, and moving on to their modern form and spread through the internet.
What evidence does the author use to support the claim that memes are a form of communication?
In paragraph 7, the author explains that language is a system of patterns used to transfer information, and memes function in the same way, spreading ideas and cultural references from person to person.
How does the section The History of Memes contribute to the author’s overall purpose?
This section provides historical context, showing that memes existed before the internet. It supports the author's purpose by broadening the reader's understanding of memes beyond modern digital culture.
How does the author’s use of figurative language (e.g., comparing memes to viruses) affect the tone of the text?
The virus metaphor creates a tone of inevitability and urgency, suggesting that memes spread uncontrollably and shape culture in powerful, sometimes unpredictable ways.
Critique how the author uses descriptive details and historical references to enhance the meaning of the text.
The author uses vivid descriptions of memes (e.g., Grumpy Cat, Kermit the Frog sipping tea) and historical references (e.g., WWII graffiti) to illustrate how memes capture shared experiences. These details deepen the meaning by showing that memes are both humorous and culturally significant.
What is the main idea of the section titled The Modern Meme?
The main idea is that modern memes spread rapidly through social media, evolving quickly, and reflecting current culture and trends.
How does the author’s point of view influence the way memes are described?
The author views memes as more than mere entertainment. By comparing them to language and culture, the author presents memes as significant reflections of human communication and shared experiences.
How does the author’s use of casual and conversational language influence the style of the text?
The informal tone (e.g., “yes, that’s a real job”) makes the article feel relatable and engaging, appealing to a broad audience. This style helps convey the idea that memes are part of everyday life.
Compare the themes presented in the sections The History of Memes and The Modern Meme. How does each section develop its theme?
The History of Memes: This section explores the theme of cultural evolution, showing how memes have existed throughout history as symbols of shared experiences.
The Modern Meme: This section develops the theme of rapid cultural change, illustrating how memes today reflect fleeting trends and the fast-paced nature of internet culture.
Paraphrase the author’s conclusion about the future of memes.
The author suggests that memes will continue to evolve unpredictably. Although it is impossible to predict the next viral trend, memes will remain an important reflection of culture.
What caused the spread of memes to accelerate in the late 2000s and early 2010s?
The rise of social media platforms like YouTube, Vine, and Tumblr caused memes to spread more quickly and widely.
How does the author use characteristics of informational writing to explain the concept of memes?
The author uses factual information, definitions, historical references, and explanations to clarify the concept of memes. The use of examples (e.g., Kilroy was here) and references to cultural phenomena adds depth and credibility.
How does the author’s use of historical examples (e.g., Kilroy was here) strengthen his argument about the lasting power of memes?
By referencing historical memes, the author shows that memes have been used for decades as a form of cultural expression. This historical connection reinforces the claim that memes are a meaningful part of human communication, not just fleeting jokes.
What are two central ideas in the text, and how does the author develop them over the course of the article?
Central Idea 1: Memes are a form of communication. The author develops this by comparing memes to language and explaining how they spread and convey cultural messages.
Central Idea 2: Memes evolve over time. The author illustrates this through historical references (e.g., Kilroy was here) and the rapid changes in online trends.
Interpret the author’s use of the term “going viral” when describing the spread of memes. How does this technical term enhance the text’s meaning?
The term “going viral” draws a parallel between memes and infectious diseases, emphasizing their rapid and uncontrollable spread. This comparison helps the reader understand the widespread influence of memes in modern digital culture.
Based on the text, what can you infer about why some memes go viral while others do not?
Memes that go viral are likely relatable, widely understood, and culturally relevant. If a meme references something obscure, it may not spread as quickly.
What key idea is reinforced by the author’s discussion of language acting like a virus?
The key idea is that memes, like language, spread rapidly and uncontrollably, constantly evolving and adapting as they are shared by different groups.
Critique how the author’s perspective on memes shapes the meaning of the text.
The author views memes as significant cultural artifacts rather than just humorous images. This perspective adds depth to the text by encouraging the reader to consider the broader social and historical implications of memes.
What is the meaning of the word “evades” in paragraph 8, and how does the context help you determine its meaning?
The word evades means to avoid or escape. The context—describing how language spreads uncontrollably, like a virus—suggests that it cannot be contained, helping the reader infer the meaning.
What does the phrase “shedding off of us and onto the digital screens” suggest about memes?
The phrase suggests that memes reflect human culture and experiences but are quickly transferred to the digital world, where they take on a life of their own.