Writing Prompts

An A.I. robot gave a commencement address at a university in Buffalo. What do you think? Who would you want to speak at your graduation?

Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.

Do you think there are types of businesses where dogs should be welcome? And places where dogs should not be permitted?

What do you think this image is communicating?

A planetarium? A Broadway theater? A baseball stadium? A famous library? Where would you most love to have a sleepover?

This new French stamp is a scratch-and-sniff. If you could design a stamp, what would yours feature?

Do the teen and tween boys you know love high-end fragrances?

In this forum, we invite both students and teachers to reflect on their challenges and successes — and to consider how to build on them for next year.

Maryland has an initiative to help residents find paid work in areas like community development and public health. Tell us if such a program interests you.

An organization in Harlem is investing millions of dollars to create savings plans for students in its charter schools. Is that a good idea?

Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.

New nutrition guidelines will mean less salt and sugar in school meals. Teenagers share whether they think students will embrace the changes.

Do you love it, hate it or feel something in between?

What do you think this image is communicating?

Did you watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?

What word in any language feels especially beautiful, interesting or meaningful to you?

Recent studies suggest that school mental health programs may not be beneficial and could even have a negative effect. What has been your experience?

Bronx students create and race these cars as part of their science curriculum. Has your school ever offered an engaging real-world project that helped you learn?

Do you cook, play games or watch sports? How has spending this time together shaped your relationship?

Do you know how to say “I’m sorry” and really mean it? Or do you have a hard time admitting you did something wrong?

Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.

Does technology help students be more organized, efficient and prepared for the future? Or is it just a distraction?

A Paris soccer team made its tickets free. Should others follow suit, or at least make prices a lot cheaper?

What do you think this image is communicating?

Cheetahs can reach speeds of 58 m.p.h. or more. Bats use echolocation to fly in the dark. What do you find extraordinary about animals?

Would you eat a cicada — or any other type of bug? If so, how would you like it cooked?

What were your favorite and least favorite looks at this year’s show?

A Lego set, Hot Wheels car or Barbie doll? A new board or video game? A favorite childhood plaything reimagined for today?

New federal rules will require school cafeterias to reduce the amount of salt and sugar in the foods they serve. Do you think students will embrace the changes?

Twelve lawmakers told The Times what Congress was really like. Do their answers make a life in public office more admirable and attractive to you? Or is it something you would rather avoid?

Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.

What have you bought, watched, listened to, read, made, eaten or tried out because someone on TikTok, Instagram or X suggested you should?

What do you think this image is communicating?

What story can these images tell?

Experts say that keeping track of your tiny victories can boost your motivation and morale. What have you succeeded in lately?

A youth ensemble in New York City had an extraordinary opportunity. Would you want to be a part of a school orchestra or band?

An Opinion columnist argues that students can benefit from living with people they don’t know. Do you agree?

The Times’s Upshot is a section devoted to visualizing data behind news stories. How good is your graph literacy?

Caitlin Clark’s rookie salary in the W.N.B.A. is a fraction of the multimillion dollar contract that Victor Wembanyama signed last year.

What do you think this image is communicating?

What games do you love? Which ones do you like playing alone, and which do you prefer to play with others? What do you get from gaming?

We invited students to tell us about the most meaningful values and life lessons they have learned from the adults in their lives.

An Instagram account devoted to sticks (yes, sticks!) is gaining an enthusiastic following. What overlooked object do you think merits more appreciation — and even a hashtag?

Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.

Where is the line between protecting students’ right to freedom of expression and ensuring their safety and ability to get an education?

Is there a problem with screens in schools?

Do you feel pressure to be the best or to never make mistakes?

How many intergenerational relationships do you have? What do you get from them?

Scientists say that feeling the earth can be good for our bodies and minds. When was the last time you got your hands dirty?

Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.

All summer long we’ll be asking a similar question for our Summer Reading Contest. Practice here by posting a comment or a short video about a story that has interested you lately.

Every week in our Picture Prompts, we post a mystery image and ask students what they think the message is. Here are their responses to three recent prompts.

A Times Opinion essay argues that giving joy to their children is the one thing parents can control in a challenging world. Do you agree?

What do you think this image is communicating?

Does it matter if you’re the firstborn, the middle child, the youngest or somewhere in between?

What’s your favorite bag? Can you ever have too many?

And what does it say about you and your peers — your experiences, your interests, your hopes and your worries?

Are you consuming too much?

A program at a high school in Missouri teaches students how to bring food from the farm to the table. What nontraditional classes would you like to take?

April is National Poetry Month. What role does poetry play in your life?

Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.

Chronic absenteeism has increased in American schools since the Covid-19 pandemic. We asked teenagers what they make of the trend.

Is the practice of giving preferential treatment to applicants with family ties to alumni unfair?

What do you think this image is communicating?

What is the most ambitious thing you have ever done athletically? Was it worth it?

What prop from a movie would you most like to own?

What strategies do you use to have a healthier relationship with your devices?

What are your favorite and least favorite household chores?

A place for students to share their thoughts on this cosmic event, whether they are observing in person or watching from afar.

A new museum of children’s literature brings “Caps for Sale,” “Blueberries for Sal,” “Goodnight Moon” and many more tales to life. What book worlds have most captivated you?