Use your imagination to write the opening of a short story or poem inspired by this photo — or, tell us 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.
Want more Picture Prompts? Find them all in this column.
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.
Over the decades, these research trips have shed light on the basic biology and ecology of the bears and, in recent years, helped scientists keep tabs on how the animals are coping with climate change. The rapid habitat changes are already their behavior; with the sea ice retreating quickly, some of the bears now have to swim long distances in order to find places to den. But so far, the bears themselves still seem robust, Dr. Aars said.
If that begins to change, however, as researchers worry that it will, these annual field trips will help uncover problems early.
On Thursday, the department reversed Mr. McCabe’s firing, settling a lawsuit he filed asserting that he was dismissed for political reasons. Under the settlement, Mr. McCabe, 53, will be able to officially retire, receive his pension and other benefits, and get about $200,000 in missed pension payments.
In addition, the department agreed to expunge any mention of his firing from F.B.I. personnel records. The agreement even made clear that he would receive the cuff links given to senior executives and a plaque with his mounted F.B.I. credentials and badge.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word expunge in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.
If you want a better idea of how expunge can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
The recent Africa Cup of Nations, an annual soccer tournament among African countries, was a time of celebration and solidarity for many people across the continent who are currently enduring security, economic and political crises.
In this lesson, you will learn about how people in these countries have watched the games and come together in celebration. Then, you will write about a memory of watching, or playing, your favorite sport and how it brought people together.
Warm-Up
The featured article mentions some of the struggles that several African countries are dealing with right now: the coronavirus pandemic, military coups and war. Take some time to learn more about the issues facing three of the four countries that made it to the semifinal round of the tournament: Senegal, Burkina Faso and Cameroon.
First, write down what you already know about these nations: Can you locate them on a map? Do you know the food, art, culture or innovation they are known for? What about their current events or politics?
Then, complete the activities below to gain some more background information. If you are in a classroom and in small groups for this activity, assign one of the countries to each person in the group. Then, each of you can share what you learned with others in your group.
1. Why is Ruth so careful about her support of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament?
2. Why is the tournament this year particularly meaningful to people in some African countries?
3. Why was the tournament this year described as the “year of the underdogs”? What happened to fan allegiances as Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal and Burkina Faso became the final four countries in the competition?
4. Where did people gather to watch the games? How did fans celebrate their team’s win? Does this remind you of a time when you gathered with your own community for a sporting event?
5. How did the crisis in Cameroon begin? What have separatists said publicly about the games? How is that different from their private engagement with the games?
6. What are some of the things that make Afcon special and different from other major sporting events?
7. According to Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s star player, why was winning the Afcon trophy so special?
8. How are the lives of the men who paint S-E-N-E-G-A-L on their chests different from the lives of the players they are supporting? How do the examples in the article illustrate that difference?
Going Further
What is your reaction to the featured article? Would you have liked to attend one of the matches in the tournament? Have you experienced the kind of unification and solidarity around sports that is described in the article?
Write about a time when you saw sports bringing together people in your school, town, state or even nation.
Have you ever rooted for an underdog team and celebrated an unexpected win? Have you ever had a big win playing a sport that united your school community? Or, have you experienced a big loss and noticed how losing brought people closer together? How did the event unite your community?
Once you have decided on a specific moment, you can use these questions to guide your writing:
Where were you as you were playing or watching the game?
Who were you with? How did the other people feel about being there?
What was it like to play or watch? What were important moments in the game?
Did you celebrate a win at the end? Or were you mourning a loss? Describe how you felt and the effect the win or loss had on your community.
Share your writing in the comments section of this lesson or with your classmates.
Want more Lessons of the Day? You can find them all here.
By Betty Vandenbosch, Chief Content Officer, Coursera
Today, I’m pleased to introduce three new master’s degree programs from leading global universities that will help students accelerate their careers in our digital economy.
Research shows that degree holders earn significantly more over their lifetimes than those without degrees. The potential is even greater for those with advanced designations. A master’s degree in business, for example, leads to a 51% average increase in earnings in the U.S. compared to a bachelor’s degree. To unlock this economic opportunity, students need access to high-quality online degrees that transcend borders and enable them to learn from anywhere in the world.
Degree students on Coursera have come from more than 90 countries. These new programs from leading universities in the US and UK will equip learners across the globe with skills in rapidly growing areas including data analytics, cyber security, and business management. The three new programs are as follows:
Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics from Queen Mary University of London — Taught by academics and a wide range of experts, this program will teach students the core mathematical principles of data analysis and how to apply them to the real-world. The curriculum will be tailored toward mathematicians, statisticians, and graduates of other numerate subjects who are interested in high-growth data analytics roles. Applications are expected to open in May 2022.
“We are proud to be launching this distance learning programme with Coursera in line with our commitment to deliver an outstanding, world-class education and student experience,” said Professor Colin Bailey, President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London. “It is core to our vision to address the needs of today’s changing global workforce through innovative practices that open the doors of opportunity to learners from around the world.”
Master of Engineering in Engineering Management from the University of Colorado, Boulder — Designed to prepare students with technical backgrounds for leadership roles within innovation-driven businesses, this program provides students with a management education that builds the unique skill set necessary to ascend to high-impact engineering and technology management positions. The curriculum is taught by engineers with significant industry experience whose core commitment is to ensure real-world, job-relevant applicability. To benefit students from a variety of educational experiences, the degree features performance-based admissions — there is no application or transcripts required. Pass a pathway Specialization and you are accepted into the program. This is the third degree from CU Boulder offered on Coursera. Enrollments are expected to open in August 2022.
“We are excited to be launching this degree program on Coursera, extending our mission to make engineering management education more accessible and flexible,” said Christy Bozic, Director of the Engineering Management Program at CU Boulder. “Our program is uniquely structured to draw applicants from diverse backgrounds. Admissions is entirely application-free, based instead on performance in a series of gateway courses; all students who maintain a B average are automatically admitted. The program curriculum is multidisciplinary, comprising the fields of finance, strategic planning, entrepreneurship, and beyond, delivered by faculty with deep industry experience. For the innovation-focused student, our program delivers a breadth of capabilities that translate directly into career advancement.”
Master of Science in Cyber Security from the University of London — Academic direction for this University of London degree is from Royal Holloway, University of London, one of the UK’s top 25 universities, and is developed by its renowned department of cyber security, the Information Security Group (ISG). The ISG is recognized as one of eight Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) in the UK by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and GCHQ, the UK government’s intelligence and security organization. The curriculum will cover key topics in the field including cryptography, computer security, network security, and security management. This is one of four degrees from the University of London and the third degree with academic direction from Royal Holloway on the Coursera platform. Applications are expected to open in June 2022.
“Cyber security is more important than ever and we’re pleased to launch this new MSc degree, developed by our leading specialists who provide expert advice to some of the most high-profile security and intelligence organizations across the world,” said Professor Mary Stiasny, Pro-Vice Chancellor, International, Learning and Teaching at the University of London. “Our partnership with Coursera enables us to deliver high-caliber online education across the world, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in cyber security, a vital role in society and the global economy.”
With the addition of these new programs, Coursera now offers 37 degrees from 19 global universities. We are incredibly fortunate to partner with world-class universities who are committed to creating a more inclusive higher education experience with affordable, career-focused, and flexible degrees and credentials. Together with our partners, we can empower learners with the skills they need to transform their lives and thrive in a digital future.
More information on each program, including admission details, will be available in the spring. If you’re interested in one of these programs, fill out the form below to receive further details.
It’s bad enough to get “ghosted” by someone you’re dating, but when it happens when you’re applying for jobs, it can be even more disappointing.
“Ghosting” is a term used when someone abruptly stops communicating without explanation, usually to avoid a formal breakup. In a job-search context, ghosting looks eerily similar: You apply for a job, go on a couple interviews, maybe even complete a take-home test, and then never hear back.
Silence from a recruiter doesn’t necessarily mean you were flat-out rejected, but it is frustrating. So, what’s the best way to get clarity on the situation and move forward?
For starters, remember that wanting a response isn’t needy. “This is about closure and accountability,” says Danny Roberts, Senior Technical Recruiter at Codecademy. Here’s what to do if you’re being ghosted during the job application process, and how to prevent it from happening in the future.
Send a follow-up email
It doesn’t hurt to send a follow-up email reminding the recruiter that they owe you an update, Danny says. In fact, it shows that you take initiative and are truly interested in the position.
In your email, express gratitude for being considered, and ask for a status update on their search. Here are some lines that you could use:
I wanted to check in and see if you have any updates on the position? I’m still interested and am eager to proceed with the next steps.
Have you made a decision about this position? Let me know if there’s anything else I can provide.
In our last conversation, you mentioned you would have an answer by this date. Are there any updates you can share?
Be patient and ask for a timeline
Wondering if it’s “too soon” to follow up? “If you were given a deadline, and it’s been a couple of days and you haven’t heard a peep, it’s very fair to ask,” Danny says. And if it’s been several days or weeks of silence, you can definitely reach out, he says.
But again, there’s no guarantee you’ll get an answer: “Maybe you will get a reply, but likely you’re just going to get an automated response,” Danny says.
The best way to prevent ghosting from happening in the first place is to get a deadline or timeline from the recruiter or hiring manager from the start. That way, you can set a reasonable expectation for when you’ll get a response. If the person interviewing you doesn’t offer up this information, don’t hesitate to ask for it at the end of your interview or in your follow-up email.
Put yourself in a recruiter’s shoes
A little empathy can go a long way: Keep in mind that there are a lot of moving parts involved with applying for jobs. For example, a recruiter might be waiting on answers from internal stakeholders before they can respond to your email, or they might be stretched thin juggling several different positions, Danny says. In other words, “it’s not entirely their fault” if they don’t get back to you right away, he says.
Consider leaving a review
The way that you’re treated throughout the application process speaks volumes about how a company treats its employees internally. “These are all details to pay attention to,” Danny says.
If the lack of communication left a bad taste in your mouth, you might want to leave a review for the company on the website Glassdoor. Avoid venting or ranting, which could be perceived as petty, and instead give an honest and professional review of your experience, Danny says. “Organizations, if they get enough of those reviews, will actually start to take a look at their practice and candidate experience,” he says.
Move on to the next one
Unfortunately, sometimes no response means you were rejected. “A person who’s being ghosted should often make the assumption that they’ve already been declined,” Danny says.
Coping with rejection can be a bummer, but don’t let one bad experience crush your morale. Take what you learned from the interview experience with you to your next job application.
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 article to learn more.
Want more Picture Prompts? Find them all in this column.
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.
Mr. Ward was fired from Rolling Stone after a few months (he didn’t get along with Jann Wenner, the publisher), then became the West Coast correspondent for the rock magazine Creem, a post he held for most of the 1970s. He left in 1979 to write about the thriving music scene in Austin as a music critic at The American-Statesman.
“Ed brought a reputation to Austin as an unflinching critic — Rolling Stone had a lot of clout — and he was not diplomatic in his writing,” said his friend and fellow writer Joe Nick Patoski, who described Mr. Ward as cantankerous and difficult. “Early on, there was a reaction to some of the things he wrote and it started a ‘Dump Ed Ward’ movement that had bumper stickers and T shirts.”
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word cantankerous in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.
If you want a better idea of how cantankerous can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
Last week, the Republican Party officially declared the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and events that led to it “,” and rebuked two lawmakers in the party who have been most outspoken in condemning the deadly riot and the role of Donald J. Trump in spreading the election lies that fueled it.
To find out how this feature works, click on any of the links above, or just check out the example below:
Though “5 Minutes” focuses on music, we’re inviting you to choose any art form you like to answer our question. So: Which television show, painting, book, movie, video game, photograph, dance performance, play, sculpture or podcast would you recommend? Or, inspired by the “5 Minutes” series, you might pick an artist, actor, musician, writer, designer, instrument or artistic tool to recommend.
Which five minutes of it would you show, describe, or have your friends experience to make them fall in love with it? Why?
Next, read and listen to “5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Music for Dance.” In this edition of the feature, dancers, choreographers, critics and others share five minutes or so of dance music. Here is a sampling:
Justin Peck, a choreographer, writes:
What I love about dance music is that it can be anything. It can be a piece that inspires me to choreograph a ballet for the stage, or something that causes me to glide in synchronized rhythm around my kitchen as I prepare dinner. It’s all fair game. In the case of “Become a Mountain” by Dan Deacon, it’s all of the above: the centerpiece of a longer dance that I choreographed a few months ago for the Juilliard School Class of 2022, and also a stand-alone track that gets my blood pumping on these frigid winter days in New York.
Kyle Abraham, also a choreographer, writes:
With its slick grooves, percussion, guitar licks and beautiful vocals, “Betray My Heart,” by D’Angelo and the Vanguard, is one of the rarest love songs I know. I included it in my newest evening-length work, “An Untitled Love,” because it is so pure, honest and sincere that I’m given a glimpse into what the joys of love should feel like. There’s something in the song’s lyrics and arrangement that makes me want to cry, and then get up and dance with the biggest smile on my face. My backbone slips, my shoulders roll, my heart thumps, and my head bops in its declaration.
Charmaine Warren, a dancer and teacher, writes:
I am Jamaican, and I love reggae music. Chronixx, one of Jamaica’s celebrated young singers, known for his rapturous songs, invites listeners to hearken back to the Rasta skank of Bob Marley. In “Smile Jamaica,” he starts off by singing about a girl he’s met; they exchange names and sweetly, just when the beat drops, we find that her name is Jamaica. He sings: “And I said smile, girl, smile. Smile for me, Jamaica.” In Jamaica we say “di music sweet mi,” and so I can’t help but drop my head, drop deeper into my swaying hips, pump my bent arms, smile, and sing along with the chorus.
Students, read the entire article and listen to the audio files of the pieces that seem the most interesting to you, then tell us:
Which commentaries made you most curious to listen to the music they describe? Why? If you listened to the audio files, what did you think? Did the music match the descriptions?
Is there music that makes you want to dance? If so what?
Think about an art form you love. How do you feel when you are involved in it? How does it make you feel emotionally? Physically? Intellectually?
Now go back to our original question. Which work of art or cultural expression would you choose to highlight for your own “5 Minutes That Will Make You Love …”? Which short section of it would you like your friends to experience?
What do you think people might misunderstand about the art you have chosen to present? How would you try to change their minds?
Want more writing prompts? You can find all of our questions in our Student Opinion column. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate them into your classroom.
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.
