The meme culture

The main goals of this ESL lesson plan are to:

• – analyze how memes convey meaning through language, cultural references, and implied messages;

• – familiarize students with advanced digital vocabulary and practice shifting tone between formal and informal language;

• – Identify key points in a video about “A Brief History of Memes”.

In this C2 ESL lesson plan, students will analyze how memes convey meaning through language and cultural references. The lesson focuses on digital vocabulary, tone shifting between formal and informal language, and understanding implied meanings.

Warm-up

Students select which statements about memes they think are true.

Video

Students identify key facts in  a video titled “A brief history of memes.” 

Exercises

Students complete gap-fill exercises using the target language. 

The second exercise is an activity in which they pick a card and discuss specific memes.

Reading

Students read a short text about memes, before participating in a Q&A session.

Discussion

Students practice expressing their ideas by discussing thought-provoking questions about memes.