Learning Network: Do you believe in the American dream?

Siblings, book endings

View in browser|nytimes.com May 13, 2025 Dear Reader, Do you believe in the American dream? How have your siblings shaped who you are? What TV show, movie or book would you rewrite the ending to? Have you ever been in love? These are just a few of the questions we posed recently in our writing prompts. We'd love to read your students' answers. Sincerely, The Learning Network WRITING PROMPTS Alex Kent for The New York Times Student Opinion Do You Believe in the American Dream? Is it available to everyone today? Was it ever? By Jeremy Engle Artwork by Kensuke Koike Student Opinion How Have Your Siblings Shaped Who You Are? While parents try everything to influence their children, new research suggests that brothers and sisters have their own profound impact. Does this ring true for your own experiences? By Jeremy Engle Eli Durst for The New York Times Picture Prompts Mascot Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image. By The Learning Network Illustration by Chris Retsina Student Opinion What TV Show, Movie or Book Would You Rewrite the Ending To? Fans are writing "fix-its" in an attempt to right perceived wrongs in beloved works. How might you retell a story you were disappointed by? By Natalie Proulx Jemal Countess/Getty Images Picture Prompts Commencement Speaker Who would you want to deliver a speech at your graduation? By The Learning Network Bianca Bagnarelli Student Opinion Have You Ever Been in Love? A recent article explains what love can do to your brain. What can you do to improve your current or future relationships? By Natalie Proulx Picture Prompts Met Gala Fashion What were your favorite and least favorite looks at this year's event? By The Learning Network Mario Anzuoni/Reuters Student Opinion Which of Today's Cultural Figures Do You Think Should Be Studied in School? Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and now Bad Bunny are the subjects of college courses. Who do you think should be next? By Shannon Doyne Like this email? Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up here. VOCABULARY RESOURCES Word of the day Word of the Day: guffaw This word has appeared in 15 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence? By The Learning Network Word of the day Word of the Day: unequivocal This word has appeared in 155 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence? By The Learning Network Word of the day Word of the Day: sabbatical This word has appeared in 72 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence? By The Learning Network Word of the day Word of the Day: pseudonym This word has appeared in 108 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence? By The Learning Network Word of the day Word of the Day: ephemeral This word has appeared in 121 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence? By The Learning Network How are we doing? We'd love your feedback on this newsletter. Please email thoughts and suggestions to LNfeedback@nytimes.com. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Learning Network from The New York Times. To stop receiving The Learning Network, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018