Picture Prompts by The Learning Network at The New York Times
Author: The Learning Network at The New York Times
"Picture Prompts." The New York Times, www.nytimes.com/column/learning-picture-prompt
PICTURE PROMPTS
Boys and Cologne
Do the teen and tween boys you know love high-end fragrances?
By The Learning Network
May 21, 2024
According to a recent Times article, teen boys’ annual spending on fragrance rose 26 percent in the year ending in March. Axe, Old Spice and Bath & Body Works fell in its rankings of teens boys’ favorite fragrance brands, while luxury brands including Valentino and Jean Paul Gaultier climbed.
Do you know any tween or teen boys who covet — or use — high-end colognes? Do you use them yourself? What are your favorites? Why do you like them?
In general, what do you think is behind the trend of 11-to-15-year-olds — boys and girls — buying expensive cosmetics? How does this trend play out among the people you know?
Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to learn more.
PICTURE PROMPTS
Up, Up and Away!
Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.
By The Learning Network
May 17, 2024
Use your imagination to write the opening of a short story or poem inspired by this photo, or write about a memory from your own life that this image makes you think of.
Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to learn more.
PICTURE PROMPTS
One Seat
What do you think this image is communicating?
By The Learning Network
May 9, 2024
What do you think this image is saying? How does it relate to or comment on society or current events? Can you relate to it personally? What is your opinion of its message?
Tell us in the comments, then read the related guest essay to learn more.
PICTURE PROMPTS
Cicadas for Dinner
Would you eat a cicada — or any other type of bug? If so, how would you like it cooked?
By The Learning Network
Published May 8, 2024Updated May 9, 2024
Over the next six weeks or so, a trillion cicadas will emerge across the Midwest and Southeast for a brief, raucous, once-in-a-lifetime bender.
Joseph Yoon is a chef who promotes an appreciation of edible insects through his business Brooklyn Bugs. Here is how a recent Times article describes some of the meals he makes with these creatures:
For his ramp and cicada kimchi, he leaves the insects whole and intact in their crackling shells so they’re slowly permeated with a spicy fermenting juice, and serves it with a wobble of soft tofu and warm rice. He fries cicadas to make tempura, folds sautéed cicadas into Spanish tortillas with potato and onion, and bakes cheesy casseroles with cicada-stuffed pasta shells.
Would you eat a cicada — or any other type of bug? According to the article, about two billion people around the world regularly do. If you were to eat a bug, which would you choose, and how might you like it cooked?
Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to learn more.
PICTURE PROMPTS
Public Selfies
Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.
By The Learning Network
March 22, 2024
Use your imagination to write the opening of a short story or poem inspired by this illustration or, describe a memory from your own life that this image makes you think of.
Tell us in the comments, then read the related Opinion essay to learn more.
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It looks like you want to engage in some visual comprehension exercises! I can certainly help with breaking down an image, even if you’re focusing on reading comprehension with a text. Let’s start by thoroughly describing the image you provided.
Here’s a step-by-step analysis:
1. Observation of Key Elements:
– Look at who or what is primarily featured in the image. Identify people, objects, animals, or scenery.
– Note the colors, patterns, and any prominent symbols or items that stand out.
2. Contextual Details:
– Consider the setting or background. Is it an outdoor scene or an indoor setting?
– What time of day or season does it appear to be?
3. Possible Theme or Message:
– Think about what mood or story the image conveys.
– How do the expressions, poses, or actions of any people in the image contribute to this theme?
Now let’s apply these steps to the provided image.
1. Key Elements:
– The image appears to feature several figures in a surreal arrangement, possibly mannequins or stylized humans.
– There is an emphasis on symmetry and geometric shapes.
– Additionally, there are bright, bold colors and patterns.
2. Contextual Details:
– The background suggests an indoor, studio-like setting with a minimalistic, artistic vibe.
– It seems meticulously staged to draw attention to the figures and patterns.
3. Possible Theme/Message:
– The image might be exploring themes of identity, conformity, or the relationship between humans and art.
– The overall mood could be described as modern and thought-provoking, with an artistic and slightly abstract feel.
To make sure you’ve captured the essence of what you see, try to re-read my analysis, refer back to the image, and then rephrase the details in your answers.
1. Who or what stands out in the image?
– Focus on key elements like the primary figures and their arrangement.
– “The image appears to feature several figures in a surreal arrangement, possibly mannequins or stylized humans.”
2. What details in the setting provide context for understanding the image?
– Look at the background elements that indicate whether it’s indoors or outdoors, and other contextual clues.
– “The background suggests an indoor, studio-like setting with a minimalistic, artistic vibe.”
3. What mood or message does the image convey?
– Consider the emotions or themes portrayed through the colors, shapes, and figures.
– “The image might be exploring themes of identity, conformity, or the relationship between humans and art.”
I encourage you to go back to carefully examine the image again and paraphrase the quotes I’ve provided in forming your own detailed descriptions and answers.
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