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Argumentative Essays on American Dream

Hook examples for essays about american dream, rags to riches hook.

Explore the timeless appeal of the American Dream by examining stories of individuals who started with nothing and achieved remarkable success. From Andrew Carnegie to Oprah Winfrey, these stories inspire and symbolize the dream's possibility.

The Immigrant's Dream Hook

Take a closer look at the American Dream through the lens of immigration. Analyze the experiences of immigrants who came to America in pursuit of a better life and the challenges they faced while chasing their dreams.

The Illusion of the Dream Hook

Discuss the idea that the American Dream may sometimes be more of an illusion than a reality. Explore how societal barriers, economic inequalities, and systemic challenges can obstruct the path to achieving one's dreams.

Generational Perspectives Hook

Examine how the concept of the American Dream has evolved over generations. Compare the dreams and aspirations of different eras, from the post-World War II boom to the challenges faced by millennials and Gen Z today.

The Dream in Literature and Film Hook

Explore the portrayal of the American Dream in literature and cinema. Analyze iconic works like "The Great Gatsby" and "Death of a Salesman" to uncover the themes of ambition, success, and disillusionment.

Financial Prosperity Hook

Delve into the financial aspects of the American Dream. Discuss the pursuit of homeownership, financial stability, and economic success as core components of this dream, and how they have evolved over time.

Freedom and Independence Hook

Consider the role of freedom and independence in the American Dream. Explore how the dream encompasses not only financial success but also the pursuit of personal liberty, self-expression, and self-reliance.

The Dream Deferred Hook

Reflect on Langston Hughes' question, "What happens to a dream deferred?" Analyze the consequences of unfulfilled dreams and how they impact individuals and communities, shedding light on the complexities of the American Dream.

The Dream and Social Justice Hook

Examine the relationship between the American Dream and social justice. Discuss how unequal access to opportunities and systemic discrimination have influenced who can pursue and achieve the dream.

The Evolution of The American Dream: Has It Changed for The Better

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Synthesizing The American Dream

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The Possibility to Achieve The American Dream

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Equal Opportunity and The American Dream: a Critical Appraisal

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The concept of the American Dream centers around the notion that individuals, irrespective of their place of birth or social status, have the potential to achieve their personal definition of success within a society that offers upward mobility opportunities for all its members.

In 1931, James Truslow Adams introduced the phrase "American Dream" in his book, emphasizing the belief that every individual, irrespective of their social class or background, should have the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and prosperous life. Adams articulated that the American Dream entails the pursuit of a better, more abundant existence, where individuals can thrive based on their abilities and accomplishments.

The origin of the American Dream can be traced back to the founding principles of the United States of America. It emerged as a belief system that reflected the ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity that were integral to the nation's formation. The concept gained prominence during the early years of the country's history, as immigrants sought a better life and economic prosperity in the New World. The term "American Dream" was popularized in the 20th century, particularly during the post-World War II era when the United States experienced significant economic growth and social mobility. It became synonymous with the idea that hard work, determination, and meritocracy could lead to upward social and economic mobility, allowing individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations. Over time, the American Dream has evolved and been interpreted differently by various generations and cultural groups. It continues to serve as a symbol of hope and opportunity, representing the aspirations and dreams of individuals striving for success and a better future in the United States.

Public opinion on the American Dream is varied and complex. While the concept has traditionally been revered as a symbol of hope and opportunity, there are differing perspectives on its attainability and relevance in contemporary society. Some individuals view the American Dream as a fundamental pillar of the nation's identity, representing the ideals of hard work, meritocracy, and upward mobility. They believe that with determination and perseverance, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve success, regardless of their background or circumstances. This optimistic view holds the American Dream as a source of motivation and inspiration. However, there are those who critique the American Dream, arguing that systemic barriers and inequalities hinder equal access to opportunities. They highlight issues such as income inequality, limited social mobility, and structural disadvantages that make it challenging for individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, to achieve their aspirations. The public opinion on the American Dream also reflects generational and cultural differences. Younger generations, in particular, express skepticism and question the viability of the traditional American Dream, seeking a more inclusive and equitable vision of success.

The representation of the American Dream in media and literature has been a recurring theme, capturing the aspirations, challenges, and complexities of American society. One notable example is F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," which delves into the pursuit of the American Dream during the Roaring Twenties. The protagonist, Jay Gatsby, embodies the relentless pursuit of wealth and social status as he tries to win back his lost love. The novel critiques the shallow and elusive nature of the American Dream, exposing the dark underbelly of materialism and the illusion of happiness. Another representation can be found in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman." The character of Willy Loman personifies the American Dream as he strives for success in the sales industry. However, the play highlights the disillusionment and personal tragedy that can accompany the pursuit of this ideal, shedding light on the sacrifices and compromises made in the name of success. In contemporary media, films like "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "American Beauty" tackle the American Dream in different ways. "The Pursuit of Happyness" portrays the struggles of a man determined to provide a better life for his son, emphasizing the resilience and determination required to overcome adversity. "American Beauty" explores the hollowness and superficiality of the American Dream through a satirical lens, challenging societal norms and materialistic values.

“When we make college more affordable, we make the American Dream more achievable.” — William J. Clinton “I am the epitome of what the American Dream basically said. It said you could come from anywhere and be anything you want in this country.” — Whoopi Goldberg, “The American Dream is a phrase we’ll have to wrestle with all our lives. It means a lot of things to different people. I think we’re redefining it now.” – Rita Dove

The topic of the American Dream is of great significance when it comes to understanding the ideals, values, and aspirations deeply ingrained in American society. Writing an essay on the American Dream allows for a critical examination of its historical origins, cultural impact, and evolving interpretations over time. It provides a platform to explore the promises and challenges associated with this concept, shedding light on its complexities and contradictions. Examining the American Dream allows us to delve into issues of social mobility, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. It prompts discussions on the role of opportunity, hard work, and meritocracy in achieving success, while also addressing systemic barriers and inequalities that hinder progress. Moreover, analyzing the American Dream invites reflection on the changing dynamics of the nation, the influence of consumerism, and the impact of globalization on individual and collective aspirations.

1. Adams, J. T. (1931). The Epic of America. Little, Brown, and Company. 2. Bellah, R. N., Madsen, R., Sullivan, W. M., Swidler, A., & Tipton, S. M. (2008). Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life. University of California Press. 3. Fitzgerald, F. S. (1925). The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner's Sons. 4. Hochschild, J. L. (1995). Facing Up to the American Dream: Race, Class, and the Soul of the Nation. Princeton University Press. 5. Jackson, K. T. (1985). Crabgrass Frontier: The Suburbanization of the United States. Oxford University Press. 6. Levine, L. W. (2005). Highbrow/Lowbrow: The Emergence of Cultural Hierarchy in America. Harvard University Press. 7. Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster. 8. Riesman, D., Glazer, N., & Denney, R. (1950). The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character. Yale University Press. 9. Turner, F. J. (1893). The Significance of the Frontier in American History. American Historical Association. 10. Wilson, W. J. (1987). The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass, and Public Policy. University of Chicago Press.

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• Supply and Demand
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• Real Estate
• Unemployment

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American Dream Essay: Structure, Outline, Sample, and Topics

21 July 2023

last updated

The American Dream is a recurring controversial topic in modern society. Individuals have developed different arguments to deconstruct what is the American Dream essay in the context of day-to-day life. In the academic setting, learners that engage in this discourse hold the weight of the proper expression of their arguments. A structured essay is analyzed with a focus on the introduction, main body, and conclusion of the five-paragraph essay. The process of topic selection, outline development, and structured writing is exemplified using an essay titled, “The Promise of the American Dream.” Recommendations for narrow scoped topics for exploring the concept are provided as a starting point for students.

In contemporary discourse, there is much controversy over the meaning of the American Dream. Basically, people hold different positions on multiple aspects of the concept in their essays and research papers. During the schooling years, it is important to acquire knowledge. Also, young minds benefit significantly from reflecting on the influence of their recently acquired knowledge on their position regarding controversial topics. Upon completing the reflection essay process, the expression of one’s newly defined position is the next step. An essay on the American Dream is presented to introduce the readers to the basic principles behind the concept. Moreover, the structure of a five-paragraph essay is explored with the support of an outline and a sample essay.

What Is the American Dream Essay?

1. general description.

The American Dream is a widely known concept, but there is no definition that can be identified as a correct, comprehensive, and precise. Basically, freedom and opportunity are the most critical aspects of the essay on the American Dream. In this case, freedoms are essential to the idea of achieving goals. It because these freedoms provide an individual with the space to live freely without any oppression from their peers or the government. Moreover, equal access to opportunity allows each individual to pursue happiness and prosperity regardless of the social class, gender, race, and other social or cultural factors that stratify society. Therefore, this concept may be defined as a set of beliefs that explain the experience of life that many people are expected to have in an ideal situation, where their freedoms are protected, and no opportunity barriers exist.

2. Unique Experiences

People are born into families that provide them with a unique starting point for their pursuit of desired goals. For example, the financial capability, level of education, and cultural beliefs of an individual’s parents define the foundation on which a person begins to achieve desired goals. As a result, all people may be pursuing the same ideas when writing essays. In turn, it is not a level playing field because some individuals may find themselves in better circumstances than others. Furthermore, it is differentiated at a personal level because individuals with relatively similar starting points may have distinct outcomes. Based on this perspective, it is highly unlikely that any two individuals can attest to going through identical experiences when writing an essay.

3. Belief Systems

Besides the circumstances of the starting points, an individual’s belief system plays a significant role in their strategy of achieving desired goals. For instance, happiness and prosperity are broad terms that have contrasting meanings for individuals because there is no standardized scale for measuring happiness or prosperity. Moreover, one person may consider owning a car and house to be a sign of prosperity. In contrast, another person may believe that providing his or her children with a college education to be prosperity. Hence, these beliefs are imposed on desires goals, which results in variations in the meaning of the concept for each individual to be covered in an essay. In turn, desires goals affected to a large extent by an individual’s beliefs regarding the things that make them happy or prosperous.

Topic Selection for American Dream Essays

1. challenges of topic selection.

The American Dream is a concept that people can examine from a variety of perspectives, which makes the selection of an essay topic for an American Dream paper quite challenging. During the selection of an essay topic, it is essential to remember that no point of view is more superior or correct than another. In this case, the weight of the claim proposed in the American Dream argumentative essay is dependent on the writer’s ability to explain a position logically and convincingly. Moreover, in the presentation of the argument in the essay, it is important to adequately consider competing counterarguments that may arise in the audience’s minds when writing essays. In turn, the failure to evaluate counterarguments critically may undercut the authority of the author, especially when writing for an academic audience.

2. Solution

Equally important, writers should select a topic that has a link with their personal experiences. For instance, an argument concerning the essay about the American Dream gains a sense of authenticity when writers discuss an issue that resonates with their beliefs. It is essential because some passion is embedded in the essay. In this case, as a starting point for identifying the essay topic, writers may identify a “main concept” under review, for example, equal opportunity. Based on the main concept, writers can think through their life experiences and single out events that they consider invaluable in the position taken concerning the main concept (see the example of a simple brainstorming template). Finally, writers should settle on the essay topic that is specific and can be argued out entirely within the constraints of the essay requirements.

3. Example of a Simple Brainstorming Template

• State the main concept.
• How has it affected you?
• How has it affected other people in your life?
• Do you think the events mentioned above are in line with the American Dream?
• Specify the issue.
• Describe the ideal situation.
• Can the situation be improved?

American Dream Essay Outline

Introduction (approximately 10% of the word count).

• It is the first statement in the introductory paragraph.
• The statement should capture the attention of the reader, for example, a unique fact about the topic.

2. Overview of the Topic

• It comprises of two or more sentences.
• The statements should contain adequate detail for the reader to understand the thesis statement.

3. Thesis Statement

• It is a single statement that appears at the end of the introductory paragraph.
• The statement provides an answer to the essay prompt in the form of a single argument, which summarises the main evidence or rationale presented in the main body.

Main Body (Approximately 80% of the Word Count)

The creation of paragraphs in this section is based on the separation of ideas to ensure that each paragraph presents one original idea. In this case, each paragraph in this section must follow the sandwich rule, which dictates the organization of paragraph elements:

• Topic sentence – States the main idea for that paragraph.
• Evidence – Provides the information that is crucial to the paragraph’s idea.
• Evaluation of evidence – Explains the relevance of the evidence and offers an interpretation of the evidence.
• Transition statement – Summarises the paragraph and links it to the thesis statement or the next paragraph.

Conclusion (Approximately 10% of the Word Count)

1. Restating the Main Argument

• The first statement in the paragraph should repeat the main argument presented in the thesis statement.
• It should not contain the same words as the thesis statement, but keywords can be reused.
• Provide a detailed overview of the main points of the essay logically.
• Demonstrate the value of the main points in answering the essay prompt.

Five-Paragraph American Dream Essay Outline Sample

Introduction/Paragraph 1

Hook: Besides the differences in the American populations, they are similar because they pursue the same dream.

Overview of the topic: Outline some of the differences in the American population.

Thesis statement: Creating equal opportunities allows individuals to achieve upward mobility.

Paragraph 2 :

Topic sentence: Breaking down social mobility and its quantification.

Evidence: Definition and measures of social mobility.

Evaluation of evidence: Illustrate how upward social mobility is achieved while referring to the measures.

Transition statement: Introduces the need for self-improvement for social mobility to occur.

Paragraph 3 :

Topic sentence: Opportunity is a requirement for social mobility.

Evidence: The role of education in equipping an individual to utilize opportunities.

Evaluation of evidence: Demonstrate the link between education, access to jobs, and the ability to improve an individual’s quality of life.

Transition statement: Recognise that there are socially constructed limitations on the accessibility of opportunities.

Paragraph 4 :

Topic sentence: Discriminative practices affect an individual’s access to opportunities for social mobility.

Evidence: Identify some forms of discrimination and explain the occurrence of discriminative practices.

Evaluation of evidence: Describe the value of government and organization’s role in managing discriminative practices using policies that uphold equality.

Transition statement: Stress the centrality of equality in the argument for opportunity access and upward mobility.

Conclusion/Paragraph 5 :

Restating the main argument: Emphasise the importance of equality in securing opportunities for upward mobility and the attainment of the American Dream.

Summary: Allude to the measures of social mobility, the interaction between discriminative practices and opportunities, and the relief provided by policies on equality.

Sample of Five-Paragraph American Dream Essay

Topic: The Promise of the American Dream

Introduction

Although we are different, we share a single dream. In this case, the American population is composed of people of different genders, races, education levels, religions, and disability statuses. Nonetheless, each American is entitled to the opportunity to make themselves better regardless of the underlying differences. Thus, the American Dream thesis statement is that it is founded on the promise of equal opportunity for upward social mobility.

Social Mobility

Social mobility is a multidimensional concept. It can be assessed using a variety of measures that attempt to quantify the change occurring in an individual’s life. For example, the ability of an individual to move along the social hierarchy may be described as social mobility. In turn, there are different measures of social mobility. However, each one is focused on a specific aspect of average Americans’ livelihood:

• health status – the susceptibility of an individual to diseases,
• education – an individual’s highest level of education,
• homeownership – the capability of an individual to acquire permanent housing.

Upward social mobility implies that an individual can improve their position in the social hierarchy through improving their performance on any of the measures of social mobility. Therefore, upward social mobility is the desired outcome of a successful pursuit of desired goals because it suggests some form of self-improvement.

Opportunity

The opportunity for upward mobility is vital in pursuing the desired goals. Basically, access to opportunity is facilitated by some factors, for example, access to quality education. In this case, an individual that has attended school and acquired the necessary skills has a higher likelihood of securing a job. If individuals acquire jobs, it becomes easier to secure health insurance, buy homes, and improve the quality of life for their families. Moreover, individuals can only attain what they want if they are provided access to basic education, which prepares them to maximize any opportunities. However, it is difficult for an average individual to pursue opportunities without the government’s efforts to increase the ease of access to basic needs.

Equality Policies

Many barriers affect an average American’s ability to access positive opportunities, and it manifests in the form of discriminative practices in society. In this case, discrimination in society may occur based on a variety of issues, for example, gender, disability, religion, and race. Basically, personal biases create ideological differences regarding superiority in the social hierarchy. It pushes individuals to deny others access to opportunities and the necessary skills to exploit those opportunities. Moreover, state and organizational policies against discrimination are created and enforced to maintain equality among Americans. These laws serve to eliminate the barriers that exist between hardworking people and the American Dream. Consequently, equality among individuals ensures that all individuals can take advantage of opportunities regardless of their gender, disability status, religion, race, and other social differences that tend to create boundaries between social groups.

Equality is crucial in the pursuit of the American Dream because it provides each individual with the opportunity to move up the social hierarchy. In this case, people can access upward social mobility by using various measures, which quantify an individual’s quality of life. Moreover, opportunities may exist, but individuals need to be assisted in developing themselves to a level where they can utilize the available opportunities. Hence, equality policies are useful in curtailing the power of discriminative practices in reinforcing social mobility barriers.

American Dream Essay Topics

• The origin of the American Dream.
• Intergenerational differences in the definition of the American Dream.
• The American Dream in contemporary music.
• Does society still believe in the American Dream?
• Defining the American Dream through the racial lens.
• Individualism and the American Dream.
• The influence of unrestricted surveillance on the American Dream.
• Health care policies and the American Dream.
• The impacts of globalization on the American Dream.
• The rise of right-wing populism and the future of the American Dream.

Summing up on the American Dream Essay

The capacity of a person to participate in the discourse on the controversial essay topic nurtured through the continuous practice of structured essay writing. Basically, the concept may be approached from a different perspective, depending on the individual’s beliefs and personal experiences. Nonetheless, the written presentation of these points of view is achieved through the use of structured essays. The five-paragraph American Dream essay examined in this paper is a useful tool for the expression of any argument on the topic.

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American Dream - Essay Examples And Topic Ideas For Free

The American Dream, a widely held cultural ideal in the United States, suggests that through hard work and determination, individuals can achieve a prosperous and fulfilling life. Essays on this topic might discuss its evolution, its representation in literature and media, and its relevance and attainability in modern society. Additionally, discussions could explore how the American Dream reflects or contradicts societal values and the experiences of different demographic groups. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to American Dream you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

A Raisin in the Sun American Dream

The play, “A Raisin In The Sun” is staged in 1959 during a time when African-Americans could not be successful in the economy due to the extreme amounts of racism that were present. The constant encounters of prejudices and racism causes them to have to put aside their hopes and dreams to focus on trying to figure out how to overcome the obstacles that are set out in front of them. During these times, the Great Depression had begun. The […]

The Theme of the American Dream in the Great Gatsby

The American dream is a concept that many strive for and will not be deterred from. Within The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby longs to create the most ideal lifestyle with Daisy, someone he has taken an interest in. Gatsby’s attraction to Daisy, who is married to Tom Buchanan, makes him go to extreme lengths to win her over. Ultimately, this leads to his downfall as this fantasy will not be the reality. Although his dream is […]

The American Dream in the Great Gatsby

The American dream often comes up in the novel The Great Gatsby. Hope and dreams are what keep people going to accomplish their American dream. Many characters in the book look at the American Dream a little different. For example, Tom and George look at the American dream differently just because of money wise, how is the class structure in America today, and can someone poor become rich? What is the American dream to us? The American dream for most […]

Corruption of the American Dream

The Great Gatsby is a story of a man's quest for an unachievable goal based off the social and economic repercussions around the 1920's. Although Gatsby's journey to win over Daisy came to a screeching halt with his death, his life story of wealth along with the other characters represented the corruption of the original American Dream derived from Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. Fitzgerald used West Egg (new money) and East Egg (old money) to show the growing divide between "old […]

George and Lennie’s American Dream

The American Dream is difficult to define exactly. It means different things to different people. However, certain ideas and concepts are commonly held within most people's interpretations. The idea of self-sufficiency, of having a home and not having to answer to anyone is a classic part of the American Dream. The simple concept of being in control of one's own employment and livelihood has always been an aspiration for Americans. In the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, […]

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American Dream in Death of a Salesman

The American Dream is based on the power and strength of achieving goals. It is an individual’s capability of being able to have the freedom of controlling his or her own life. A person’s background or past does not matter (Rank 2-3). One aspect of the American Dream is success. Living a successful life means having stability and security. In the play “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller, the topic of the American Dream is explored through the characters’ […]

Literary Analysis – Death of a Salesman

In “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller, the conflict between father and son shapes the work’s overall significance and explains all the unfortunate occurrences throughout. The American Dream plays a big role in this novel. The American Dream symbolizes the ideas of futurism and possibilities. The American Dream has a definite objective for many people, and it means a different thing for all. The American dream also is accessible, but in this world, people still believe that because of […]

The Idea of the American Dream

The idea of the American Dream was presented around the same time America was facing the Great Depression. The ideal stated that every citizen of the United States had equal opportunity to attain life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through hard work and determination. But is that really the case? John Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men supports the premise that the American Dream is dead by showcasing the obstacles that many faced, the lack of support and loneliness […]

Willy Loman’s Aspiration for the “American Dream”

The American Dream is where anyone can reach wealth and relaxation is at the core center of Death of a Salesman. In Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller examines the American Dream by illustrating to us a few days in the life of a declining salesman named Willy Loman. The American Dream is desired to a great number of people, meaning something unique to everyone. Willy Loman's dream is an alteration of the American Dream. Willy thinks that what influences […]

Death of a Salesman Summary

"The tragic play Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller is a story about a salesman named Willy Loman, who spends his whole life with a deluded dream of achieving lofty goals in an unforgiving society. Willy often neglects his family’s needs, because he is so blinded by the thought of vast riches that are unattainable for him. Being a modern day tragedy, Death of a Salesman examines the effects of what can happen when a person chasing the […]

My Thinking about American Dream

Introduction It’s a difficult thing to “know your place” and fulfill your familial duty when around you, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike, all lived these carefree lives without constraints. They seldom just did “as they’re told” and they spoke their opinions. Opinions which were met with respect and encouragement. Still, I was happy and thought I had it all back then. Life eventually taught me that I actually had nothing without free choice and free speech. Chapter 1: The American […]

Reaching for the American Dream

The American dream is a dream that many people tend to wonder about. People are curious to know if it really does exist, is the dream attainable and what can be done to reach it. The American dream is about working hard and achieving the life style that one wants without struggling. In todays world, the American dream is still about success however, the avenues available to reach it differ. There is no equal opportunity so many barriers exist that […]

Pursuit of the American Dream

Can peace be defined both internal and externally? Peace is defined as a method to articulate group conflicts, especially collective violence and creates a common sense of tranquility. In The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald, Nick Carraway claims that everything with Gatsby will turn up all right in the end. At the beginning of the book, Nick Carraway claims, "No-Gatsby turned out alright in the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what dust floated in the wake of his […]

An American Lie the American Dream

“In recent years, thousands of Americans have died at the hands of law enforcement, a reality made even more shameful when we consider how many of these victims were young, poor, mentally ill, Black or unarmed” (Hill 1).  Minorities have struggled for years to be accepted into a society that excludes them. In “Nobody” by Marc Lamont Hill, he compares the injustices occurring today to those that happened years ago. African Americans are constantly suffering from racial discrimination and denial […]

Poor Education is a Social Issue

Poor education is feasibly at the top of many great American social issues. Because I believe it is the main root that leads the American citizens astray from the path of achieving the American Dream I am addressing it in this paper. James Adams said “the American Dream is the social order in which both, man and woman, are able to attain the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, […]

The Option of Urbanism Investing in a New American Dream

After World War II ended, men and women all over America chased after The American Dream. A three-bedroom home. A backyard for the kids and the dog. A white-picket fence. Maybe a detached garage for grandma and grandpa when they get too old to take care of themselves. Far out in the suburbs, they'd be safe from the noise, danger, and filth of the city. However, the dream quickly turned into a nightmare as highways were built, the cities emptied, […]

Students’ American Dream

American Dream Imagine a five bedroom and three-bathroom home bricked dark brown with an attached three car garage with a red door with see through glass windows. This home is equipped with televisions in every room, Wi-Fi, computers, printers, two loving parents, three children, and enough food to feed the entire neighborhood that is situated with houses that have white picket fences aligning each perfectly cut yard with aesthetically pleasing square patterns. We have all seen this house in our […]

Is African Americans Counted out the American Dream

Ever since the early 1900s, equality has been of great concern on the basis of race. This has always been the source of division among people in the United States. Racism is also the most obvious form of inequality in America. Living the American dream is a phrase coined in 1931 to describe an equal state where everyone receives a certain level of acceptance and the ability to have equal benefits despite their race or state of outward appearance. It […]

The Crisis and Contradictions of the American Dream

What are the crisis and contradictions of the American Dream?. In the first article Unequal Opportunity: Race and Education, the author explains how students are segregated in the U.S educational system. At the beginning of the article Darling-Hammond talks about the educatioanl gap between white and minority students.In the middle of the article Darling-Hammond futher explains how minority students are at a disadvantage because of the  schools unfair system .Darling-Hammong concludes that well education resources  make the difference.In the second […]

How Coming to America Changed my Life

Moving from Nigeria to the United States permanently feels great, but at the same time, it is sad leaving some loved ones and family behind. Most people have several events or things that have changed their life or their way of thinking. One of the major changes that occurred in my life was when I moved from Africa to America. This change has entirely affected my personality positively. Why? Many foreigners want to come to America mostly in search of […]

The Quest to Achieve the American Dream

Education is the constant distinguisher between white and black Americans in the quest to achieve the "American Dream". Educational disparity is defined as the pervasive difference in the academic achievement of the races.  African Americans have achieved at lower rates than their white counterparts for decades. According to The Journal of Blacks in Education,  white Americans graduate at a rate that is 24.7 % higher than that of African Americans.  In order to narrow this gap, we must first understand […]

The American Dream in USA

The strive to be successful in America is seen throughout time, this idea of success has been characterizing Americans for centuries. For as long as this country has been created every citizen and immigrant that has arrived strives to work as hard as possible to fulfill their American Dream. This idea of the American Dream has been criticized by these famous books: The Great Gatsby and in Of Mice and Men. The story of The Great Gatsby takes place after […]

The Death of the American Dreams

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "you become what you think about all day long", and with James Gatz from Francis Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, that is completely true. James Gatz spent his days obsessing over following the American Dream and becoming a wealthy and prosperous man, and from James' imagination manifested a man named Jay Gatsby. Just as Jay Gatsby spent his life vying for Daisy Buchanan's love, and obsessing over her as mimicked through several love poems, he […]

The Hypocrisy of Tom in the Great Gatsby

The original American Dream strives in the darkness covered by money, alcohol, parties, singing and women. The setting takes place during the “Jazz Age”, the 1920’s, where money instantly correlated with success due to the impulsive american people who have corrupted the dream that past settlers had once dreamt of. Nick Carraway opens up the story that he came to the West Egg to make a fortune as a bond salesman and entangles himself in many trifling situations that involves […]

What is American Dream for me

Kenny Guinn once said, "There is something permanent, and something extremely profound, in owning a home," and I could not agree more. Owning a home brings a sense of fulfillment, permanence, privacy, and security, something that is less available when renting. It also imparts a sense of pride as it is an indication of success and achievement. There are also the economic advantages of owning a home. Equity, collateral, and appreciation of your home's value are just a few. Both […]

An Idea of American Dream

Have you ever looked at the weather through the eyes of someone else? Depending on who that person is, the perspective maybe very different from the house. Best, their ideas and opinions may differ as well. And exact representation found when comparing what Whitman's I hear America singing langston Hughes I too. The two pumps being considered reveals others attitudes of pride women rights I hear America singing singing with open mouth stay strong melodious songs lines 128 through 29. […]

No Access in the American Dream of Hope

The American Dream of Hope has been failing since history and people have been fighting it for it all the time to reach their goals. The 3 sources that give examples of unequal access in the American dream of hope is the bool Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, How to Tame a Wild Tongue by Gloria Anzaldua, and The Problem We All Live with by Nikole Hannah-Jones. The American Dream of Hope has unequal access because of […]

Willy’s Obsession with the American Dream in Death of a Salesman

The American Dream throughout the ages has stood as each person's idea of success. The American dream normally associated with nineteen fifties America is a small family, cookie cutter house, and maybe even a dog. Though that is only one idea of the American dream, a shallow analysis that can and should go farther. Arthur Miller uses his play Death of a Salesman to do just that and absolutely succeeds in doing so. Throughout Death of a Salesman, Miller portrays […]

Death of a Salesman American Dream

Death of a Salesman is a critique on the American Dream as a capitalistic exploitation of the working class. Mirroring the society in the late 1940s, especially bringing to light the corruption of the American Dream, Arthur Miller’s play characterised Willy Loman to represent the common man caught up in class struggles when subjected to a capitalist manipulation. This essay will be taking on a Marxist approach to examine the immoral exploitation caused by the vicious capitalist ideology at play […]

The American Dream: is it Achievable

For the past ninety years, the accomplishment of the American Dream has been one of the most controversial subjects in history. The idea of people pursuing a content life with a steady job, a family, and wealth or success in life is not an achievable dream for everyone. The people unable to achieve this dream do not have the money, are incapable of leaving their home country, or do not want to put in the work to achieve the dream. […]

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The American Dream is a topic that has inspired countless research papers. Many essay examples about the American Dream focus on the experiences of immigrants who come to the United States in search of a better life. Some essays explore the challenges of immigrating to America, while others examine the role of hard work and determination in achieving success. There are many free persuasive and argumentative essays on the American Dream, and there are numerous essay topics to choose from. Some essays examine the challenges and opportunities faced by those who have immigrated, while others uncover the impact of economic inequality on the ability to achieve what you want. By exploring essay examples selected by our experts, you can learn how to research and gather information effectively. When you start the American Dream research paper or essay, it is crucial to begin with a clear introduction and develop a thesis statement and outline. This approach can help you stay on track and maintain a well-organized writing structure. You will also get to know how to support your own arguments and ideas and recap them in a successful conclusion. This topic remains an important source of inspiration for people around the world. Through essays and research papers, we can explore the experiences of migrants and the role of the American Dream in American society. Whether you are pursuing your goals overseas or simply inspired by the idea of dreaming big, there are many opportunities to contribute to this ongoing conversation.

Best Free Essay About The American Dream In this day and age a lot of Americans have hope that they will achieve the American dream through working hard and determination. However, there are also those who are opposed to the idea of the American dream, and say that it is not possible to achieve. Despite that, even though for some it might be very hard to achieve, it should still be possible if one focuses enough on it. Part of the American dream is social mobility. Social mobility is when one moves through the social hierarchy and their social status changes, be it in their job or social class. Part of this is structural mobility. Structural mobility is when one changes their economic status and is able to move up or down is social class. Included in this are also life chances, which is when one gets an opportunity to change their status. Mostly everyone at one point in their life have the dream of achieving the American dream. The American dream can even be as simple as going to college, getting a degree, and getting a job and home. However, those things are not as simple to achieve for some as it is for others. For example, lower-class families may have a lower chance to achieve the American dream, but not entirely impossible. Lower-class citizens usually do not have a lot of money, and therefore will not have the money to spend on college. One may get discouraged by that fact and think that they may never have a chance to become anything greater than they already are, and never go to college and achieve the American dream. However, it is possible for one to get a life chance, which in this case could be a scholarship to college, if they work hard enough and are determined and achieve good grades. based on this one could also get a chance to achieve structural mobility. However, it is not just college that one worries about to achieve their American dream, but also money and one’s job. Taxes nowadays are very high, so if one is making the same salary for a few years, and the taxes keep rising, then instead of gaining they are either staying the same or losing money. At this point one can stop believing that they will ever achieve the American dream and go through structural mobility. if one gives up hope and stops trying then they will never achieve the American dream. It is becoming harder and harder to achieve the American dream, but not impossible, people are just giving up hope that they will achieve it. Most people perceive the American dream as moving up in social class, have opportunities, and wealth. However for other’s the American dream could also be perceived as being financially secure, happy, and have a happy family life. The latter version of the American dream is much easier to achieve, however, that is not to say that one still cannot achieve the former also. There are a lot of life chances out there, one just has to realize it at the right time. For example, if part of one’s American dream is to also become a singer there are a lot of singing competitions that give one the opportunity to achieve it. However, if one just wants the typical American dream then they should look for opportunities in their daily life. One should look for what they are good at and work at it so that they excel at it, and then work hard and try to get scholarships to get into a good college. this could all also help one to achieve in social and structural mobility. Even if sometimes things seem hopeless, and like one may never achieve their dreams, one should still work hard and try to remember that nothing is impossible. The American dream is something that most people want to achieve, however, there are some who argue and say that it is not achievable for most people. If one works hard and has determination than that is one step closer to achieving the American dream. Part of the American dream that people want are structural mobility, social mobility, and life chances. Structural mobility is when one’s economic status changes, social mobility is when one moves up or down in the social class, and life chances are opportunities that one can get to help them change their status. So, keeping that all in mind, the American dream is achievable for most people.

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99 American Dream Essay Topics & Examples

If you’re in need of American dream topics for an essay, research paper, or discussion, this article is for you. Our experts have prepared some ideas and writing tips that you will find below.

📃 10 Tips for Writing American Dream Essays

🏆 best american dream essay topics & essay examples, 👍 catchy american dream topics, ❓ american dream research questions, 💯 free american dream essay topic generator.

The American dream is an interesting topic that one can discuss from various perspectives. If you need to write an essay on the American dream, you should understand this concept clearly.

You can choose to present the American dream as a miracle that one cannot reach or depict a free and wealthy nation. In any case, the American dream essay is a good opportunity to reflect on the concept and learn more about it.

There are many topics you can choose from while writing your essay. Here are some examples of the American dream essay topics we can suggest:

• The true meaning of the American dream
• The image of the American dream in the Great Gatsby
• Is the American dream still relevant in today’s society?
• The role of the American dream: Discussion
• Americans’ beliefs and values: The American dream
• Can we achieve the American dream?
• The American dream in today’s world and society

Remember that you do not have to select one of the American dream essay titles and can come up with your own one. Once you have selected the topic, start working on your essay. Here are ten useful tips that will help you to write an outstanding paper:

• Start working on your essay ahead of time. You will need some time to study the issue, write the paper, and correct possible errors.
• Do preliminary research on the issue you want to discuss. The more information you know about the question, the better. We advise you to rely on credible sources exclusively and avoid using Wikipedia or similar websites.
• Check out the American dream essay examples online if you are not sure that the selected problem is relevant. Avoid copying the information you will find and only use it as guidance.
• Write an outline for your essay. Think of how you can organize your paper and choose titles for each of the sections. Remember that you should include an introductory paragraph and a concluding section along with body paragraphs.
• Remember that you should present the American dream essay thesis clearly. You can put it in the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.
• Your essay should be engaging for the audience. Help your reader to know something new about the issue and include some interesting facts that may not know about. Avoid overly complex sentences and structures.
• Make your essay personal, if it is possible. Do not focus on your opinion solely but provide your perspectives on the issue or discuss your concern about it. You can talk about your experiences with the American dream, too.
• Provide statistical data if you can. For example, you can find the results of surveys about people’s perspectives on the American dream.
• The concluding paragraph is an important section of the paper. Present the thesis and all of your arguments once again and provide recommendations, if necessary. Remember that this paragraph should not include new information or in-text citations.
• Do not send your paper to your professor right away. Check it several times to make sure that there are no grammatical mistakes in it. If you have time, you can put the paper away for several days and revise it later with “fresh” eyes.

Feel free to find an essay sample in our collection and get some ideas for your outstanding paper!

• Fitzgerald’s American Dream in The Great Gatsby & Winter Dreams To my mind, Winter Dream is a perfect example of the American Dream, since the main hero, Dexter, implemented each point of it, he was persistent and very hard-working, he was a very sensible and […]
• The Tortilla Curtain: American Dream – Characters, Summary & Analysis The cultural difference between the two families is introduced by the author as a theme describing the role of gender in the community.
• In pursuit of the American dream: an analysis of Willa Cather’s O Pioneers The experiences of the characters in the novel portray the endeavors of the early immigrants’ pursuit of the American dream. The instinct to forgo the comforts, which a home country offers by default and then […]
• A Response to the Article “Inequality and the American Dream” It has drawn my attention that other world countries embrace the “American model” since the super power has enormous wealth and its economic development is marked by up-to-date juggernauts of globalization and technology.
• Inequality and the American Dream It is only after the poor workers are assured of their jobs that the American model can be said to be successful.
• The American Dream by Edward Albee Play Analysis The American Dream play is an apologue of how American life has turned awry under the pretext of the American Dream.
• American Dream and Unfulfilling Reality Living the American dream is the ultimate dream for most of the American citizens and those aspiring to acquire American citizenship.
• The Death of the American Dream It is the moral decay that leads to the loss of freedom, the very essence of the founding of the American dream.
• American Dream: “Fences” by August Wilson The American dream makes it clear through its guarantee of the freedom and equality with the promise of prosperity and success as per the ability or personal achievements of every American citizen.”Fences” reveals the obstacles […]
• The American Dream: Walt Disney’s Cinderella and Ron Howard’s Cinderella Man This is attributed to the fact that the original ideas and the fundamental principals that founded the dream are quickly fading away given the changing fortunes of the average American.
• American Dream: Is It Still There? It is a dream for immigrants from the Middle East to be in America; a country where discrimination is history and where no one will prevent them from achieving their dreams in life.
• Is the American Dream Still Alive? The American Dream can be defined as a summation of national values entrenched in the culture of the United States. In this regard, the minority groups in the United States are often on the receiving […]
• Francis Scott Fitzgerald & His American Dream In the novel “Tender is the Night,” Fitzgerald describes the society in Riviera where he and his family had moved to live after his misfortune of late inheritance.
• Portrayal of the American Dream in the 20th Century Theatre However, different analysts criticized the use of the amelting pot’ in the play to show the pursuit of the American dream terming it as unrealistic in the sense that the term amelting’ creates a picture […]
• Social Status Anxiety and the American Dream The pain of a loss and the status anxiety that came with being inferior to other students at Harvard instigated the urge to revenge and brought a desire to achieve success.
• Michelle Obama American Dream Speech Analysis – Michelle’s purpose was to introduce her husband as man who was more concerned about the common citizens’ concerns and who was willing and able to help everyone to realize his/her American dream because he himself […]
• Essay on the American Dream: Positive and Negative Aspects The American dream is one of the most revered ideals of the nation and it has become a part of the American national identity.
• The reality of American dream The government encouraged the immigration of the population whose labor and skills were required in the United States. The housing in the urban was overcrowded with very unsanitary conditions, and some of the immigrants did […]
• Role of Money in the American Dream’s Concept Many people lack the meaning of the American dream because they are always looking forward to find opportunity and fail to realize that the opportunity to succeed is always around them in the work they […]
• The American Dream Negative Sides and Benefits The United States is thought of as the land of opportunity and there are many people who want to live “The American Dream”.
• The definition of the great american dream: Hearing opportunity knock Although the concept of the American Dream is very recognizable, its essence is very hard to nail down, since it incorporates a number of social, economical and financial principles; largely, the American Dream is the […]
• The American Dream in The Great Gatsby After spending some time in this neighborhood, Nick finally attends Gatsby’s exuberant parties only to realize that Gatsby organizes these parties to impress Daisy, Nick’s cousin, and wife to Tom.
• The book American dream by Jason DeParle From the name of the book, it is clear that the cardinal theme of the book is the American dream. This is contrary to the fact that she was pregnant and in a crack house.
• The concept of progress or the pursuit of the American Dream The concept of progress or the pursuit of the American Dream since 1930s has been a matter of concern for many immigrants who believe that they can achieve much in the US than in their […]
• The Dilemmas of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby is a story of a young man in the early twentieth century who seems to know what he wants in the way of that dream and what to do to achieve it.
• The American Dream’s Concept The American economy is also likely to improve as a result of realizing the American dream 2013 since most of the residents are likely to indulge in productive activities as stipulated in the American dream […]
• Michelle Obama’s Remarks on American Dream She added that the main goal was to secure the blessings of liberty and to bring about the fulfillment of the promise of equality.
• Music Talent Shows and the American Dream Talent search shows, like American Idol and The Voice, have suffered a lot of criticism for different reasons. Stanley says the main reason for this cynicism is the failure of such shows to focus on […]
• Park Avenue: Money, Power and the American Dream – Movie Analysis It can be taken as the national ethos of the citizens of the USA. The basis of the American society is broken and it is not united anymore.
• American Dream in “The Pursuit of Happiness” Film In America today, there is a general belief that every individual is unique, and should have equal access to the American dream of life “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.
• American Dream in Hansberry’s and Miller’s Tragedies Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” and Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” tell the stories about how people can perceive and be affected by the idea of the American Dream, how they choose wrong dreams […]
• Park Avenue: Money, Power and the American Dream This is one of the drawbacks that should be taken into account by the viewers who want to get a better idea about the causes of the problems described in the movie.
• American Dream and Equity of Outcome and Opportunity The American dream is one of the most famous declarations of the world and the American subsequent governments have kept the dream alive for the last hundred years.
• The American Dream and Working Conditions In fact, it might be said that it is due to their efforts that the American Dream still exists as a piece of reality.
• “American Dream” of English and Chinese Immigrants My family decided to move to the US from England because of the low wages in our town. My intentions were to explore the new opportunities of the West and to earn more money than […]
• American Dream in Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” The play Death of a salesman is indeed an anatomy of the American dream especially because the plot of the story revolves around some of the basic material gains that individuals in the American society […]
• Is the American Dream Still Alive? The topic of discussion in this setting would be the American dream and the factors associated with the quest. They would talk about the cost of living, the cost of education, and the fact that […]
• Theater Exam: American Dream and Family Legacy To start the discussion on the concept of American Dream, I would like to focus on Willy, the main character of the Death of a Salesman.
• Tycoons and Their American Dream The American Dream as Rockefeller, Carnegie, Morgan, and others saw it and forged it to be seen by others contributed meaningfully to the values of the American people and the priorities of a nation.
• The Immigrant Experience and the Failure of the American Dream The fates of the heroes of the book amaze with their tragedy, and this is the story of slaves of wage labor.
• American Dream Is Not a Myth The paper is based on the argument, a simplified definition of the American dream: the American dream can be defined as “the achievement of economic and social advancement through hard work and determination”.
• American Dream and Socialism in the Book “The Jungle” by Sinclair The main idea of the book lies in upholding the Marxist belief of the inevitable collapse of capitalism and the accession of the proletariat, or industrial working class.
• Richard Rodriguez’s Opinion on Migration and the American Dream American seems to refer only to the citizen of the United States and does not include the rest of the people in the continent!
• American Dream and Reality for Minorities The topic of our concern is the reality that is faced by women, blacks, and war veterans who are associated with the American army.
• The American Dream in Arthur Miller’s Plays Willy has a distorted vision of the American Dream, and he has such blind faith in this inaccurate vision that it leads to his mental disturbance when he is not able to accept how the […]
• American Literature and the American Dream The difference in how the dream is defined lies in how one sees the shape and color of the concoction, whether the texture is just right for the shape of the taste buds assessing the […]
• Meritocracy and the American Dream In the perception of such people, the American Dream is directly connected to meritocracy, i.e.a judgment on people on their individual abilities rather than the connections of the families, and in that regard such perception […]
• American Dream After World War I People lost vision of what this dream was supposed to mean and it became a dream, not of the vestal and industrious, but of the corrupt coterie, hence corrupting the dream itself.
• The American Dream: Defining the Great Society For instance, the Medicare bill was for the elderly and the poor, human rights for the oppressed, and antipoverty laws that set a stage for growth in the society.
• Willy Loman and the American Dream As a result of his boasting, a great deal of what his family knows about Willy is based upon the image he feels he must portray of himself in order to bring himself in line […]
• American Dream of Early Settlers He did not tell the settlers of the difficulties they were going to face in moving from Europe to the land of honey that is America.
• The American Dream in the 21st Century It is the labor of these people that allowed the country to afford to build its industry and set up a base for fulfilling the American Dream.
• History of Achieving the American Dream James Truslow Adams who wrote the book “The Epic of America” defined the American dream as “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity […]
• American Dreams: The United States Since 1945 Although the major idea of the book is a critical one, the author’s intention does not concern analyzing approaches to the American social evolution in order to define the most adequate one.
• Racial Wealth Gap and the American Dream The speaker evaluates the accumulative wealth of Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites in America and arrives to the conclusion that race plays a role in financial burdens that many people of color experience.
• The Concept of American Dream: Examples of Columbus and Bradstreet Bradstreet’s other dream was to be able to secure a position in the ‘New world’ and still be seen as a woman who cares for her family.
• The American Dream and Success One of the most pertinent topics associated with the American Dream is taking the courage to act and seize the opportunity.
• The American Dream: Franklin’s and Douglass’s Perception The objective of this paper, therefore, is to discuss the topic of the American dream and how both Franklin and Douglass, each exemplify this dream.
• Femininity and the American Dream in Works of Chopin, Gilman, and Williams Even though the general understanding of the American dream was advertised to everyone, the idea was more applicable to the male members of the American society, which is reflected in Chopin’s “The Story of an […]
• Color Adjustment: False Image of American Dream The documentary tells the story of white, well-dressed people advertising the American dream, completely ignoring that the U.S.is not only a country of the white race.
• Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’, Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ and the American Dream “The America Dream’ is a longstanding common belief of the American population that in the United States, people are free to realize the full potential of their labor and their talents and every person in […]
• The Corrupted American Dream and Its Significance in “The Great Gatsby” The development of the American dream and its impact on the society of the United States is a pertinent topic of discussion for various authors.
• Whitman, Hughes, and the American Dream Walt Whitman and Langston Hughes, two prominent figures of American poetry of the past, are of them.”I Hear America Singing,” “I, Too,” “Harlem,” and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” are the emotional responses to the […]
• The American Dream in Boyle’s The Tortilla Curtain The personal experience of the characters can be explained by their varying life conditions and, hence, are linked to the notion of the American Dream, which can be achieved by everyone while the efforts differ.
• The American Dream Based on “Re Jane” by Patricia Park The main difference is that Jane had a chance to live her dreams in New York than in Seoul. Nina is an example of Jane’s friends who want her to succeed and understand the flaws […]
• Reaching the American Dream from Scratch For example, the experience of a person coming to the United States from Haiti is one of poverty, under-resourced communities, and a complete disillusion with the promise of a good life.
• Reflection on the American Dream Concept The vision of the American Dream can be different for individuals, and people create their interpretations according to their specific experiences.
• The American Dream: Meaning and Myth Initially, the existence of this myth set a very high pace and performance for the American economy because it was the only way to achieve the desired level of prosperity.
• The Possibility of Realizing the American Dream Thus, according to the author, the American dream is only a fantasy. Returning to the ideas of Krugman, Cox and Alm, and Dalmia, it seems necessary to highlight some aspects.
• How Did Ben Franklin Exemplify the American Dream?
• Does Fitzgerald Condemn the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”?
• How Do Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass Represent the American Dream?
• Has America Lost Its Potential to Achieve the American Dream?
• How Has Disney’s Social Power Influenced the Vision of the American Dream?
• Does the American Dream Really Exist?
• How Does the Great Gatsby Portray the Death of the American Dream?
• What Does “The Great Gatsby” Have to Say About the Condition of the American Dream in the 1920s?
• How Does One Achieve the American Dream?
• What Are the Greatest Obstacles of Full Access to the American Dream?
• How Has the American Dream Been Translated Into Popular Film?
• What Does the American Dream Mean to an Immigrant?
• How Does Arthur Miller Through “Death of a Salesman” Deal With the Theme of the American Dream?
• What Must Everyone Know About the American Dream?
• How Has the American Dream Changed Over Time?
• What Is Infamous About the American Dream?
• How Does Millar Portray His Views of the American Dream Using Willy Loman?
• When Did American Dream Start?
• How Has the Media Changed the American Dream?
• Who Would Think the American Dream Isn’t Possible?
• How Does Steinbeck Present the American Dream in “Of Mice and Men”?
• Why Will Equal Pay Help Women Achieve the American Dream?
• How Might the Disadvantage of Immigration Affect the Chances of Having That American Dream?
• Why Is the American Dream Equally Given and Registered To All Citizens?
• How Does Extreme Inequality Make the American Dream Inaccessible?
• Why Is the American Dream Still Alive in the United States?
• How Are Millennials Redefining the American Dream?
• Why Is the American Dream Unattainable?
• How Does Society Influence the Idea of the American Dream?
• Why Must the United States Renew Opportunities to Achieve the American Dream to Reform Immigration Policy?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Make Your American Dream Essay Come True!

Table of contents

Everyone has heard about the famous American Dream. It is associated with people moving to the United States who hope to obtain freedom, education, better job opportunities, or a new family. It does not always work this way. Life in the United States has its own rules and challenges reflected in the American dream essay. Every US student faces the need to write the American Dream essay for the English Composition 101 class. That is why we recommend reading this guide. One more solution is to purchase a custom American Dream essay from the competent online essay writers .

What Is the American Dream Essay? The Concept

Do not hurry to review tips & examples - it is critical to respond to the question, “ What is the American Dream essay ?” The American Dream essay is a narrative (in most cases) type of academic essay, which goal is to explain the concept of the American Dream in a profound, interesting way. The American dream essay is rather a narrative paper on a specific topic than a type of essay. Many believe the American Dream is the ideal life in the US. The prosperity and success are guaranteed to every resident of this country, but a person should invest time, money, & efforts to obtain the selected results.

Expert’s Advice: “An essay about American Dream should motivate the youth not to give up on the way to their goals. It must show both sides of the coin, explaining that people are the ones who choose and build their destiny. Let us remind the story of this term. James Adams was the 1st person to introduce the American Dream to the world. A famous politician & writer wrote the book titled The Epic of America in 1931 to cover the concept in full. “The country where everyone lives well,” is what Adams said defining the concept. He added that such country predetermines the opportunity to fulfill each individual’s potential and extract from the maximum lifetime benefits.”

The country has everything needed to make these dreams come true. Some people wonder, “Does the American Dream still exist essay today?” Yes, and the purpose of the students is to prove it in a powerful piece of writing. Even though the American Dream essay outline does not look different from the outlines for other essays, look at the template we provide.

The American Dream Essay Outline

Study 7 simple steps to write the American dream essay.

• Disclose the American Dream definition using own words;
• Explore the issue with the help of relevant literature.
• Grab the reader’s attention with the help of interesting hook related to the American Dream concept evolution;
• Share the background information without going into the details;
• Interpret the meaning.
• Share a vision of classic American Dream in a definition;
• Share some thoughts on the American Dream, concept development;
• Explain what the American Dream is to you.
• Narrow the introduction & close it with a thesis statement
• The initial story should be about some people who managed to fulfill something distinguished & discovered personal American Dream;
• The other paragraph must describe and cover the thesis statement with the important facts & arguments.
• Analyze both stories selected to prove theirs and come up with the brief key paragraph to compare & contrast the stories
• Rewrite the American Dream essay thesis;
• Use a single key phrase (quote) to catch an eye;
• Avoid doing brain explosion in the essay conclusion - impress a reader with something easy-to-take!

How to Write a Hook for American Dream Essay?

How to write a good hook for an essay ? A hook for American dream essay will guarantee that a teacher will read your piece from cover to cover and come up with an objective grade for that. Several types of hook sentences exist. They include:

• Question One of the ways to start an introduction is to pose a question, but it should not be the one answering “yes” or “no.” It should be something intriguing to make a person want to find out the answer.

Example: “Did you know that the American Dream was introduced back in 1931 by the US Historian and writer James Adams and, since then, people worldwide come to this country to find this peace?”

• Anecdote Humor is the sense of life. It can make the most sullen person laugh. Most teachers appreciate students with a great sense of humor, and this type of hook (or a joke) can add up to the total grade.

Example: “The reason they call it the American Dream is that you have to be asleep to believe it.”

• Fact or definition If you choose the definition, stay original. Do not copy-paste the interpretation of the term from the dictionary. It is plagiarism! Try to come up with a personal understanding (called reflective essay) of the American dream supported by the paraphrased definitions found in credible sources.

Example: “The American Dream is associated with the Revolutionary War. Can a war be a dream? No, and that is why those who do not support the American dream concept believe this dream was built on the blood and is just an illusion.”

• Literary quote Do you like reading? Who’s your favorite author? Select one of the famous American writers and search for their definitions of the American Dream. Start the essay with the quote you like.

Example: “If wealth were the inevitable result of hard work and enterprise, every woman in Africa would be a millionaire.” George Monbiot

American Dream Essay Topics

The list below contains some good American dream essay topics. Pick the one you like the best!

• The American Dream: What Is It?
• The American Dream is a Fallacy: Explain.
• The Way Prejudice Ruined The American Dream.
• The Portrayal of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby.
• The Relation between The American Dream and Money.
• The American Dream is Nothing But a False Hope for Success.
• The Development of the American Dream’s image.
• Several Reasons to Create a New American Dream.
• Immigrants and Their Ideas of the American Dream.
• A World Where Everyone Can Get the Social Status and Career They Want.

The American Dream Essay Examples From Gurus

“I will define The American Dream before explaining the concept and my attitude towards it. To me, it is a perfect life. I associate a perfect life with the following words: happiness, love, comfort, money, wishes, wealth, health, etc. The thing is different people feel happy for different reasons. That is why the concept of the American Dream is controversial. The American Dream refers to a well-paid job, economic wealth, health, and spare time for beloved ones. These factors are interrelated. It takes time & money to be happy. People who wish everything to help automatically and fall into the trap out of ignorance will never find out what the American Dream is.”

One of the perfect examples would be American Dream The Great Gatsby essay .

“F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote his Great Gatsby in 1925. The main goal was to illustrate the greedy, immoral society of the 1920’s following the World War I, true love, and the concept of the American Dream. Fitzgerald was the one who criticized the concept in public. The plot tells us a story of the young man named Nick who moves from the east of the country to the west to take part in the bond business. He meets a mysterious Gatsby who changes his life. Gatsby provides Nick with the major lessons of his life, and he writes the book about the great man being inspired. Being involved in the love circles with Nick’s cousin Daisy and fellow Jordan, facing the gossips and murder of one of the female characters, the character of Nick starts viewing things differently. He sees how hypocritical most people are. The society is mercenary: it needs Gatsby only when he’s alive, organizing loud and luxurious parties where everything is free. Once the generous man dies, everybody forgets about him. Nick is the only person to attend Gatsby’s funeral and know what happened on a fatal night when Gatsby’s car hit a woman, and everyone thought Gatsby was the one to drive. It appears he was protecting Daisy. The love of his life was drunk and obsessed that evening, so she insisted on driving Gatsby’s car back home to her husband.”

Example of the American Dream Essay Conclusion

“The American Dream is like a bubble in the story of Fitzgerald. It burst like a soap bubble once Nick recognizes the truth. Can we call the US a dreamland while it is full of greedy, cruel, selfish people who care about others because of their status and money? I don’t think so. That is why I am the one who does not support the idea of the American Dream.”

Is the American Dream achievable essay? Students can see from these examples. If you feel that you need more advanced help or an essay written from scratch for you, do not hesitate to contact our professional team of writers. You can send your draft to our editors for the check. It is up to you - we guarantee that our service will make your piece of writing of luxury level!

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