Ali's paragraph argues strongly that failure is "a better teacher than success." Do you agree?

Failure: A Better Teacher than Success

     Failure is definitely a better teacher than success, provided we learn from our failures and, in the meantime, do not lose our strong will. None of the great achievements during the course of human history were made on the first try. There were certainly many failed attempts by which a great deal of knowledge was learned and made ready to use on later tries. Thomas Edison once said, "It is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." I think nobody has put it better. Said by one of the greatest inventors of all time, it could not be more true: failure in a sense makes perfection. What Edison refers to as perspiration is actually failure. To put it simply, he failed ninety-nine times before he succeeded on his hundredth attempt. One should not forget that failure can also be destructive if it causes us to lose our spirit. So, after all, is failure better than success? Definitely not. Of course, success is the final aim in all aspects of life. The point is that failure is a better teacher than success and we can not learn from success as much as we could possibly learn from.

(September 18, 2006)

 

More Student Writing:

Current Student Writing Sample

The Pearson Buzz:
Want to read lots more student writing? Check out the "Buzz," written by the students of Writing 12.

The Suggestive Mystery
Tatiana's essay, written for English 12, gives a thorough examination of the Susan Glaspell story, "A Jury of Her Peers."  May 21, 2005

The Longest Night of My Life
Octavia's personal narrative essay is a gripping account of her family's terrifying ordeal that happened more than 20 years ago.  February 11, 2005

Canadians in My Eyes
Vera's paragraph provides some interesting comparisons between Canadians and Chinese. November 19, 2005

To School, Again
Atala's paragraph captures the mixed feelings of an adult returning to school. September 6, 2005

A Special Relationship
Eva's charming story of her dog and a new baby is sure to warm your heart.  June 24, 2005

Giant Plunge
Hiromi's first short story is inspired by Sean O'Failain's story, "The Trout." In it, a young girl learns to conquer her fear of the water.  March 26, 2005
 

A Place to Live
Atala writes a beautiful descriptive paragraph about her grandmother's house. Full of lovely detail using all the senses, it ends with song lyrics from Louis Armstrong.  February 28, 2005

Free Tranquilizer
An excellent descriptive paragraph about the delights to be found at Central Park in Burnaby. By a former student who wishes to remain anonymous.  February 1, 2005

An Ordinary Day
Far from ordinary, Octavia's paragraph captures the sights and smells and sounds of an outdoor market. Sensuous writing with excellent detail!January 16, 2005

The Place I Long For
Jana's rich description makes it easy to imagine the peace she finds at a favourite place.  December 13, 2004

The Mosquitoes on Campus
Couch writes an amusing story of meeting the new, much smarter, urban mosquito!  November 28, 2004

Nothing Came to My Mind
Tina has written an intriguing narrative paragraph about finding quiet contemplation time in her car on an autumn day. November 9, 2004

A Smart Pig
Annie's amusing paragraph contemplates what it would be like to be a pig, but only for one day! 

Hanging Up the Clothes 
Short paragraph with lots of detailed description. 

How to Reduce Stress
    Short essay in five paragraph standard style.

Smells of the Sun
   Short paragraph demonstrating the use of the senses in writing.

Advice to New Students of the PALC 
Lucky gives some straightforward and useful advice to new students. 

The PALC for Improving Your English 
Ciprian has some good advice on how the PALC can help you with your English skills.