How to Read the “Typical” Photo essay
This article originally appeared in the February 2018 issue of New York magazine.To get the latest issue delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe now.(Photo: New York)When I was growing up, I had the privilege of learning from my parents’ collection of great photo essays.The stories are varied and diverse,...
How to write a smart essay about the world you love
By Matt Taylor and Matt Yglesias, Recode staff writerAs the summer months draw to a close, we are still dealing with the aftermath of the 2016 US election.A wave of political violence, civil unrest, and widespread voter suppression has pushed many Americans to the brink of despair.For many Americans,...
Why Nyan? How to Find Your Way Through a Nyan Essay
This essay by Nyan, a Harvard undergraduate student from Japan, was a major success in the essay competition.The first time I saw it, I thought, I really like this essay, but I’m not sure what it’s about.Nyan’s essay, which is about a group of young women who are exploring...