How can we effectively communicate a position, claim, argument or idea visually? Designing Memes

1. Ms. A. Rodriguez
Bronx International High School
Demo Lesson
How can we effectively communicate a
position, claim, argument or idea visually?

2. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.1.b
Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant data and evidence for each while
pointing out the strengths and limitations of both claim(s) and counterclaims in a discipline-appropriate form that anticipates the
audience's knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or
solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating
understanding of the subject under investigation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.8
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively;
assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into
the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard
format for citation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.9
Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to
ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.
Common Core Standards Addressed in the full unit

3. Do Now: Rank the issues below
from 1-10 in the order of importance to you.
❏ Community/services/cultural events
❏ Public health/drug abuse
❏ Homelessness
❏ Youth employment/Youth services/LGBTQ youth programs
❏ Bullying/Youth violence
❏ Prejudice/Racism/Discrimination
❏ Animal abuse/animal shelters
❏ Elderly services/Housing/Food
❏ Crime and safety/Police Brutality
❏ Education/Funding/Reform
❏ Public parks/Nature/Environmental Issues

4. Before we begin: check the words you know or have
heard before, jot down what you don’t know
❏ Claim
❏ Counterclaim
❏ Argument
❏ Thesis
❏ Point
❏ Evidence
❏ Statistics
❏ Challenge
❏ Authority
❏ Support
❏ Rhetoric
❏ Ethos
❏ Logos
❏ Pathos
❏ Image
❏ Quote
❏ MLA Citation
❏ Reference

5. Terms to know
Rhetoric: the art of
effective or
persuasive speaking
or writing, especially
the use of figures of
speech and other
compositional
techniques.

7. Quote Meme
What is message of this
meme?
Can you identify ethos, pathos
and logos?
How do the elements
combine to communicate the
message?

8. Paragraph
What elements do you
recognize?
What is the message of
this meme?

9. Application
Can you break down the following memes?

10. Don’t forget the terms we reviewed before!
❏ Claim
❏ Counterclaim
❏ Argument
❏ Thesis
❏ Point
❏ Evidence
❏ Statistics
❏ Challenge
❏ Authority
❏ Support
❏ Rhetoric
❏ Ethos
❏ Logos
❏ Pathos
❏ Image
❏ Quote
❏ MLA Citation
❏ Reference

14. Activity: Designing an issue related
meme
Go back to the issues you chose for the Do Now, choose
one.
On the computer screen handout, design a meme that uses
ethos, pathos, and logos.
Use a picture included, or draw your own.
Include a “challenge”, to sign a petition, donate to a charity
fund, contact government, or change a habit.

16. Criteria 4 3 2 1
Issue/
Follows task
Issue is from list, is clearly identifiable,
includes all elements follows
directions
Missing 1 Missing 2 Missing 3
Content contains a visual, communicates ideas
with well chosen language, includes a
challenge to reader
Missing 1 Missing 2 Missing 3
Rhetoric Contains Ethos, Pathos and Logos, is
convincing or provocative, stimulates
action
Missing 1 Missing 2 Missing 3
Total
Issue Meme Rubric

19. Extension

20. Infographics for Projects
http://www.schrockguide.net/infographi
cs-as-an-assessment.html
http://www.easel.ly/