VBCPS Pretest 1

Callie Ferguson
Mrs. Staples
Honors English 10 1A
10 September 2014
VBCPS Mandatory Writing Assessment
We have the highest regards for the most successful people of the modern world, but we
overlook their approaches to the success for which they are known. Bill Gates, one of the most
accomplished men in the 21st century, says, Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people
into thinking they cant lose. If one thrives so often that it becomes routine, would that be
considered success? Habitual success can only be brought to light upon experiencing its
conflicting force, failure. How can an individual who thrives on a regular basis progress without
awareness of their errors? True success is relative; it is measured in comparison to failure, and
vice versa. So when a high achiever is unsuccessful, it stimulates excessive anxiety and the
immediate compulsion to reflect upon themselves. Likewise, when one who usually fails
experiences success, it introduces the mindset that habitual success can be an option. Because
ones level of success, is such a personal value to human beings, failure is a much more effective
teacher than success.
A prime reason for failure being a better teacher than success can be demonstrated in the
personal effect it has on an individuals self-esteem. I tend to work hard and maintain high
grades, so failure plays an important role in keeping me in touch with reality. Failure forces me
to reflect on my approaches to learning, and it informs me of the mistakes on which I can
improve. In this case, failure is more effective than success in helping me grow because it
challenges my routine amount of effort.

VBCPS Pretest 2
While failure has proven to be an essential factor in my growth as an individual, I have
observed cases in which success has been equally as influential. I know a handful of students
who do not apply themselves to their highest ability, and the majority of these people tend to
experience academic issues. But when these people do put in effort and succeed, they are
introduced to the idea that they are capable of achieving high goals regardless of how far-fetched
they may appear to be.
The answer to whether failure or success is a better teacher is simple. Regardless of ones
identity, academically as well as personally, failure is seldom taken lightly. When someone
receives a result different than that of the norm, whether that be success or failure, they are
forced to reconsider their routinely attitude in order to improve upon their work ethic. We put so
much effort into success because it is in human nature to crave change. As human beings, it is in
our blood to strive toward making a difference in our achievements as well as our identities.