AMERICAN DREAM ESSAY PROMPTS
1.
What is the American Dream? What does it take to achieve this dream? Who determines one’s success
in the dream? Compare at least two perspectives on the American Dream and discuss each of these three
questions from each perspective.
2.
Some individuals believe that the American Dream cannot be achieved by all people. Those who believe
this say that our culture contains too many roadblocks and obstacles, such as prejudice, poverty, and
social inequality. Others believe that America is the “land of opportunity” and that if you dream it, you
can achieve it. They cite the various “rags to riches” stories in our society, as well as the numerous
individuals who have stumbled upon success or have worked hard to rise to the top. In your essay, take a
position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may
present a different point of view on the question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your
position. (This following prompt is taken from the ACT College Entrance Exam.)
3.
When our society talks about "The American Dream," what do we mean? What are the key aspects of
the American Dream today and where did they come from? How is this definition reflected in the
various texts we have read and discussed in class? Use at least three texts to support your ideas of which
at least one must be a poem.
4.
As we have seen in various texts, not everyone achieves the American Dream, making it more a dream
than a reality. What are some of today’s obstacles to achieving the American Dream? Which groups of
people have or have had trouble attaining "The American Dream"? Why? Use at least three texts to
support your ideas of which at least one must be a poem.
5.
Respond to an American novel that you are reading in class by addressing the tensions between the
realities presented in the story and the dreams held by the characters. How do the characters manage to
strive for possibilities that seem out of their reach in the midst of harsh realities?
6.
The idea of the American Dream is as old as the country itself. However, America is a nation defined by
change as well. As America has changed so has its dream. Overtime, how has the perception of the
American Dream changed?
7.
Many people feel that the American Dream is dead in modern society. Why do they feel this way? How
has society changed and how have those changes affected the possibility of achieving the American
Dream?
8.
Is it still possible in our country for everyone to achieve the American Dream?
9.
The possibilities of the American Dream were a part of the inception of the United States. This is
evident in the Preamble to the Constitution, which states: “We the People of the United States, in Order
to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common
deference, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our
Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” While the
messages of the Dream inspired many and enabled great success over the last two centuries in this
country, it also veiled the many systemic limitations and restrictions inherent in “the Dream.” In a wellwritten coherent essay, explain how the American Dream has both inspired and disillusioned generations
of Americans.