Image of five famous people
Photo illustration by Sean McCabe; Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times/Redux (Wang); Natacha Pisarenko/AP Images (Biles); Jeff Haynes/AFP/Getty Images (Jordan); Matthew Brady/Buyenlarge/Getty Images (Lincoln); Daniele Venturelli/WireImage (Styles)
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The Power of Failure

What do many of the most successful people in the world have in common? A history of failing, then trying again. Find out why—and how to make failure work for you.

By Jessica Press
From the March 2024 Issue

Learning Objective: to synthesize key ideas from a nonfiction article and an infographic

Complexity Factors
  • Purpose
    Two nonfiction texts explore the importance of failure and how it can be beneficial.
  • Language Conventionality and Clarity
    Vocabulary: The article contains higher-level vocabulary words such as aspire, counterintuitive, inevitable, intellect, reluctant, and visionaries.
  • Knowledge Demands
    The first article refers to the NBA, Michael Jordan, Apple, malaria, and synthetic dyes. The second article refers to Harry Styles, Vera Wang, Abraham Lincoln, and Simone Biles.
Lexiles: 840L, 660L
Featured Skill: Synthesis,
Other Key Skills: author’s craft, key ideas and details, text evidence
Common Core Standards
  • Anchor Standards
    R.1, R.2, R.3, R.4, R.5, R.6, R.7, R.9, W.2, SL.1
  • Grade 6
    RI.6.1, RI.6.2, RI.6.3, RI.6.4, RI.6.5, RI.6.6, RI.6.7, RI.6.9,W.6.2, SL.6.1
  • Grade 7
    RI.7.1, RI.7.2, RI.7.3, RI.7.4, RI.7.5, RI.7.6, RI.7.7, W.7.2, SL.7.1
  • Grade 8
    RI.8.1, RI.8.2, RI.8.4, W.8.2, W.8.4, RI.8.5, RI.8.6, RI.8.7,W.2, SL.8.1
TEKS Standards
  • Grades 6, 7, 8
    1c, 1d, 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 8d, 8f, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12i, 12j

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  • 840L
  • 660L
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AS YOU READ

Look for examples of how failure can be a positive experience.

Secrets of a Slam Dunk Fail

Why making a mistake just might be the secret to success 

By Jessica Press

Once upon a time, there was a boy in Wilmington, North Carolina, who dearly loved basketball. He had talent, but he wasn’t a star. In 10th grade, he didn’t make the varsity team. He was devastated. 

But he didn’t give up. Day after grueling day, he kept shooting, dribbling, practicing.

The next year, he made varsity. Five years after that, he was playing in the NBA. Today he’s known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. 

His name? 

Michael Jordan. 

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life,” Jordan said in one of his many Nike commercials. “And that is why I succeed.”

It’s true. During his NBA career, Jordan missed more than 12,000 shots. He lost more than 300 games. His team looked to him more than two dozen times to make a game-winning basket . . . that he failed to make.

But wait. Isn’t it the people who never fail who rise to the top?

Nope. It may seem counterintuitive, but as Jordan learned, failure is a key part of being successful.

Once upon a time, there was a boy in Wilmington, North Carolina. He loved basketball. He had talent, but he wasn’t a star. In 10th grade, he didn’t make the varsity team. He was devastated. 

But he didn’t give up. He kept shooting, dribbling, and practicing.

The next year, he made varsity. Five years later, he was playing in the NBA. Today he’s one of the greatest basketball players of all time. 

His name? 

Michael Jordan. 

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life,” Jordan said. “And that is why I succeed.”

It’s true. In the NBA, Jordan missed more than 12,000 shots. He lost more than 300 games. And more than two dozen times, he failed to make a game-winning basket.

But wait. Don’t you rise to the top by not failing?

Nope. It may seem counterintuitive, but failure is a key part of being successful.

Andy Hayt/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

Legendary NBA star Michael Jordan missed more than 12,000 shots in his career.

Generation Perfection

Generation Perfection

As a culture, we are obsessed with perfection. We “go for the gold,” not the silver or bronze. We often pressure ourselves to get the best grades and feel lousy when we don’t. We post videos on social media that make our lives appear fabulous while keeping our struggles to ourselves. And we aspire to look as flawless as the celebrities we see in (heavily edited) posts.

It might seem that an attitude of “failure is not an option” would push us to excel—that it would help us achieve the perfection we crave. But actually, such an attitude can have the opposite effect. Being afraid to fail can hold us back.

Here’s why: When you’re afraid of failing, you may choose to do only what you’re good at rather than what interests you. You may be reluctant to try new things, or you might quit anything you don’t immediately shine in. In other words, you may choose the safe path (think playing soccer for the 10th season) rather than pursuing what truly excites you (say, a budding interest in robotics). 

The consequences of fearing failure are bigger than simply missing out on discovering a new passion, though. Being afraid to fail can also prevent you from developing grit—the strength of mind that allows you to persevere through difficulties. And according to research by psychologist Angela Duckworth, it’s grit—not talent or intellect—that is the most important factor when it comes to lifelong achievement. 

That’s right: What matters most when it comes to improving—whether it’s your soccer dribble or your sketching skills—is learning from your failures and continuing to try until you get things right.

As a culture, we are obsessed with perfection. We “go for the gold,” not the silver or bronze. We often pressure ourselves to get the best grades. We feel lousy when we don’t. We post videos on social media that make our lives appear fabulous. Then we keep our struggles to ourselves. And we aspire to look as flawless as the celebrities we see in (heavily edited) posts.

An attitude of “failure is not an option” might seem like it would help us excel—and achieve the perfection we crave. But thinking that way can have the opposite effect. It can hold us back.

Here’s why: When you’re afraid of failing, you might stick with doing only what you’re good at. You may be reluctant to try new things. You might also quit anything you don’t immediately shine in. In other words, you might keep playing soccer year after year (the safe path) rather than exploring a new interest, such as robotics. 

Fearing failure can have bigger consequences. You might not develop grit. That’s the strength of mind that helps you persevere through difficulties. And according to psychologist Angela Duckworth, it’s grit—not talent or intellect—that is the most important factor when it comes to lifelong achievement. 

That’s right: What matters most when it comes to improving is learning from your failures and continuing to try until you get things right. That’s true for your soccer dribble, your sketching skills, and more.

Failing Up

Failing Up

Perhaps no group has embraced the mistake-making mindset more passionately than leaders in the field of technology. In fact, these visionaries have their own name for grit. They call it “failing up.” They operate under the notion that a failed app or website isn’t a problem at all. It’s a chance to build something better next time, using what they’ve learned. 

Consider Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. Back in 1976, Jobs helped start the company, but after a disagreement with some of his colleagues, he was fired in 1985. Still, he didn’t leave the tech industry. Instead of giving up, Jobs started a new technology business. And in 1997, Apple bought his company and hired him back. Soon Jobs became Apple’s CEO and eventually launched one of the most influential technologies of our time: the iPhone.

The fact is, failure is inevitable. The trick is to look at your setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.

Technology leaders have embraced the mistake-making mindset. In fact, these visionaries have their own name for grit. They call it “failing up.” They believe that a failed app or website isn’t a problem. Instead, it’s a chance to build something better next time, using what they’ve learned. 

Consider Steve Jobs. He was the co-founder of Apple. Back in 1976, Jobs helped start the company. But after a disagreement with some of his colleagues, he was fired in 1985. Still, he didn’t leave the tech industry. Instead of giving up, Jobs started a new technology business. And in 1997, Apple bought his company and hired him back. Soon Jobs became Apple’s CEO. Later, he launched one of the most influential technologies of our time: the iPhone.

The fact is, failure is inevitable. The trick is to look at your setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.

So What About You?

So What About You?

Let’s say you dream of basketball stardom, but you don’t make the team. How are you going to respond? Are you going to hang in there and keep working as Jordan did? Jordan embraced the process of learning—valuing shooting as well as scoring, playing as well as winning.

Or maybe you’ll explore another interest instead. Maybe you’ll try out for band. You may end up as an accomplished clarinet player—or you may just find a hobby that you enjoy, which is just as important.

No choice is wrong. No choice, that is, except one: doing nothing because you’re afraid to fail.

Let’s say you dream of basketball stardom. But you don’t make the team. How will you respond? Will you keep working at it as Jordan did? He embraced the process of learning—valuing shooting as well as scoring, playing as well as winning.

Or maybe you’ll pursue a different interest. Maybe you’ll try out for band. You may become a fantastic clarinet player. Or you may just find a hobby that you enjoy, which is just as important.

No choice is wrong. No choice except one: doing nothing because you’re afraid to fail.

How to Fail Like a Pro 

Whether you missed a winning goal or flubbed your math test, messing up is just part of being human. Here’s what you can learn from the pros about how to cope. 

By the Editors of Scope

Harry Styles

Harry Styles

Francis Specker/CBS via Getty Images

You might know that Harry Styles is an award-winning solo artist. What you might not know is that when he was just starting out, he went on The X Factor, a British talent show—and got eliminated. But he didn’t give up! Instead, he teamed up with other aspiring musicians and went on the show again. Their band made it to the finals and became famous as the group One Direction.

You might know that Harry Styles is an award-winning solo artist. What you might not know is that when he was just starting out, he went on The X Factor, a British talent show—and got eliminated. But he didn’t give up! Instead, he teamed up with other aspiring musicians and went on the show again. Their band made it to the finals and became famous as the group One Direction.

The Lesson: Don’t be afraid to try again.

Setbacks are an unavoidable part of life. What’s important is what you do next. Pick yourself up, and remember that you matter—regardless of whether you become a big star like Styles. Try again and again (and again). Each time you do, you’re building skills like perseverance and grit that will support you throughout your life.

The Lesson: Don’t be afraid to try again.

Setbacks are an unavoidable part of life. What’s important is what you do next. Pick yourself up, and remember that you matter—regardless of whether you become a big star like Styles. Try again and again (and again). Each time you do, you’re building skills like perseverance and grit that will support you throughout your life.

Vera Wang

Vera Wang

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Vera Wang is one of the most successful fashion designers in the world. Her designs are worn by celebrities and can be found in popular stores like Kohl’s. But when Wang was young, she wasn’t planning on a fashion career. She was training to be an Olympic figure skater. Then she failed to make the U.S. team. What did she do? She moved on and explored other interests—including fashion.

Vera Wang is one of the most successful fashion designers in the world. Her designs are worn by celebrities and can be found in popular stores like Kohl’s. But when Wang was young, she wasn’t planning on a fashion career. She was training to be an Olympic figure skater. Then she failed to make the U.S. team. What did she do? She moved on and explored other interests—including fashion.

The Lesson: Try new things.

Even if you’ve spent years pursuing a goal, it’s OK to quit and try something else. And if all that comes of your new pursuit is that you discover something you love—well, that counts as a success too!

The Lesson: Try new things.

Even if you’ve spent years pursuing a goal, it’s OK to quit and try something else. And if all that comes of your new pursuit is that you discover something you love—well, that counts as a success too!

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln

John Parrot/Stocktrek Images/Getty Images

“I am now the most miserable man living,” wrote Abraham Lincoln when he was 31. A lawmaker in Illinois, Lincoln was one of the leaders of a costly project to build roads and bridges that totally failed. Now he was being blamed for the state’s financial troubles. But after a period of intense sadness, he got to work. He rededicated himself to his work as a lawyer. Over many years, he repaired his reputation—and eventually became the 16th U.S. president at age 52.

“I am now the most miserable man living,” wrote Abraham Lincoln when he was 31. A lawmaker in Illinois, Lincoln was one of the leaders of a costly project to build roads and bridges that totally failed. Now he was being blamed for the state’s financial troubles. But after a period of intense sadness, he got to work. He rededicated himself to his work as a lawyer. Over many years, he repaired his reputation—and eventually became the 16th U.S. president at age 52.

The Lesson: Get to work.

Failure never feels good. But those lousy feelings will pass. What you can do in the meantime is put in the time and effort to make progress. Failing to make free throws? Show up 20 minutes early to practices to work on that shot. And don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. Stuck on algebra equations? Ask your teacher for guidance.

The Lesson: Get to work.

Failure never feels good. But those lousy feelings will pass. What you can do in the meantime is put in the time and effort to make progress. Failing to make free throws? Show up 20 minutes early to practices to work on that shot. And don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. Stuck on algebra equations? Ask your teacher for guidance.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

At the 2020 Olympics, Simone Biles, one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, was experiencing intense stress. She developed the “twisties,” a condition in which gymnasts feel lost in the air, putting them at risk for injury. So Biles decided to drop out of the competition and take care of herself. Some might say dropping out was a failure, but it was actually a success that took courage. And along the way, Biles brought attention to the importance of athletes’ mental health—and inspired people worldwide.

At the 2020 Olympics, Simone Biles, one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, was experiencing intense stress. She developed the “twisties,” a condition in which gymnasts feel lost in the air, putting them at risk for injury. So Biles decided to drop out of the competition and take care of herself. Some might say dropping out was a failure, but it was actually a success that took courage. And along the way, Biles brought attention to the importance of athletes’ mental health—and inspired people worldwide.

The Lesson: Define what success means to you.

If the pressure to succeed starts to feel like too much, you might need to take a break. And that is OK—it’s also a success. You made a smart decision to take care of yourself.

The Lesson: Define what success means to you.

If the pressure to succeed starts to feel like too much, you might need to take a break. And that is OK—it’s also a success. You made a smart decision to take care of yourself.

So You Failed. Now What?

Don’t give up! Follow these steps to make the most of the situation:

1. SIT WITH YOUR FEELINGS.

Shutterstock.com

Anger, hurt, embarrassment, sadness—these are all feelings that might bubble up after a failure. Acknowledge how you’re feeling and know that it’s unrealistic to instantly move on. But when you’re ready . . .


2. REFLECT.

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Ask yourself: What have I learned? What could I do differently next time to get a better outcome? Could I study more? Practice longer?


3. SET A GOAL.

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Maybe you want to work toward the same goal again. What do you need to do to get there? Maybe you want to try for a new goal. Whatever you decide, come up with a plan.


4. ACT.

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Get going on your plan. And if you don’t reach your goal, start this process again, knowing that you’re not wasting time. Each step of the way, you’re developing grit!


So You Failed. Now What?

Don’t give up! Follow these steps to make the most of the situation:

1. SIT WITH YOUR FEELINGS.

Shutterstock.com


Anger, hurt, embarrassment, sadness— these are all feelings that might bubble up after a failure. Acknowledge how you’re feeling and know that it’s unrealistic to instantly move on. But when you’re ready . . .

2. REFLECT.

Shutterstock.com


Ask yourself: What have I learned? What could I do differently next time to get a better outcome? Could I study more? Practice longer?

3. SET A GOAL.

Shutterstock.com


Maybe you want to work toward the same goal again. What do you need to do to get there? Maybe you want to try for a new goal. Whatever you decide, come up with a plan.

4. ACT.

Shutterstock.com


Get going on your plan. And if you don’t reach your goal, start this process again, knowing that you’re not wasting time. Each step of the way, you’re developing grit!

Icon of a lightbulb

Writing Prompt 

Imagine your friend has experienced a failure: They didn’t get the lead in the school play. Write to your friend with advice about how to turn their failure into a positive experience, based on information from both articles. 


Writing Prompt

Imagine your friend has experienced a failure: They didn’t get the lead in the school play. Write to your friend with advice about how to turn their failure into a positive experience, based on information from both articles. 


This article was originally published in the March 2024 issue.

This article was originally published in the March 2024 issue.

Audio ()
Activities (7)
Preparing to Read
Reading and Discussing
Skill-Building Activities
The Core Skills Workout
Quizzes (1)
Answer Key (1)
Audio ()
Activities (7)
Preparing to Read
Reading and Discussing
Skill-Building Activities
The Core Skills Workout
Quizzes (1)
Answer Key (1)
Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

Close Reading, Critical Thinking, Skill Building

Download the Lesson Plan

Table of Contents

1. Prepare to Read

2. Read and Discuss

3. Write About It

4. Connected Reading

Essential Questions: What is failure? What is success? 

Essential Questions: What is failure? What is success?

1. PREPARE TO READ (15 MINUTES)

Do Now: Journal (5 minutes)

  • Project the prompts below. Have students choose one prompt to respond to.
    • What is failure? What is success?
    • Think of a time when you failed at something. What happened? Did you learn anything from the experience? 
    • Just like everyone, famous and highly successful people experience failure. Choose someone famous who has failed at something. What did this person fail at? How did they cope with their failure? 
    • Though failing at something can be difficult, it can also be a positive experience. What do you think some of the positives might be?

  • Invite volunteers to share their responses, if they feel comfortable doing so.

Preview Vocabulary (10 minutes)

Project the Google Slides version of Vocabulary: Definitions and Practice on your whiteboard. Review the definitions and complete the activity as a class. Highlighted words: aspire, counterintuitive, inevitable, intellect, reluctant, visionaries. Audio pronunciations of the words and a read-aloud of the definitions are embedded on the slides. Optionally, print the PDF version or share the slideshow link directly to your LMS and have students preview the words and complete the activity independently before class.

Do Now: Journal (5 minutes)

  • Project the prompts below. Have students choose one prompt to respond to.
    • What is failure? What is success?
    • Think of a time when you failed at something. What happened? Did you learn anything from the experience? 
    • Just like everyone, famous and highly successful people experience failure. Choose someone famous who has failed at something. What did this person fail at? How did they cope with their failure? 
    • Though failing at something can be difficult, it can also be a positive experience. What do you think some of the positives might be?
  • Invite volunteers to share their responses, if they feel comfortable doing so.

Preview Vocabulary (10 minutes)

Project the Google Slides version of Vocabulary: Definitions and Practice on your whiteboard. Review the definitions and complete the activity as a class. Highlighted words: aspire, counterintuitive, inevitable, intellect, reluctant, visionaries. Audio pronunciations of the words and a read-aloud of the definitions are embedded on the slides. Optionally, print the PDF version or share the slideshow link directly to your LMS and have students preview the words and complete the activity independently before class.

2. READ AND DISCUSS (45 MINUTES)

“Secrets of a Slam Dunk Fail”

  • Invite a volunteer to read the As You Read box on page 12 or at the top of the digital story page.

  • Read the article once as a class. (Differentiation: Share the lower-Lexile version of the article.) Optionally, have students listen to the audio read-aloud while they follow along. The read-aloud is located in the Resources tab in Teacher View and at the top of the story page in Student View.

  • Divide students into groups to read the article again and respond to the following Close-Reading and Critical-Thinking Questions, also located in the Resources tab.

Close-Reading Questions (25 minutes)

  1. Why does author Jessica Press wait to reveal Michael Jordan’s name until the fifth paragraph of the introduction? (author’s craft) Press waits to reveal Michael Jordan’s name to build suspense. Once we learn that the person she is describing “didn’t make the varsity team,” we assume that he must not be a great basketball player. Thus, we are surprised to learn that the person is Michael Jordan! By catching the reader off-guard and showing that even celebrities face setbacks, Press begins building her main argument: Failure can help us succeed.

  2. According to the article, how can being afraid to fail hold us back? (key ideas and details) The article explains, “When you’re afraid of failing, you may choose to do only what you’re good at rather than what interests you.” In other words, fear of failure can make you hesitant to try something new, or you might quit a new activity if you don’t excel right away. You could miss the chance to discover a new interest or talent. Fear of failure can also keep you from acquiring grit, a strength of mind that helps people get through life’s challenges. 

  3. Why do leaders in the field of technology embrace making mistakes? (text evidence) Technology leaders know that failure can be an important step. Rather than view a failed app or website as a problem, they view it as an opportunity to create something better next time, using their new knowledge. 

  4. How does Steve Jobs’s career path show that failure is part of being successful? (text evidence) Jobs’s career path shows the importance of not giving up—that even when faced with setbacks, you can still be successful if you choose to keep at it. Jobs helped start Apple back in 1976. He was later fired after getting into a disagreement with colleagues. So he started a new technology business. Apple eventually hired him back, and he quickly became the CEO. Jobs went on to launch the iPhone, one of the most important technologies of the 21st century.


“How to Fail Like a Pro”

  • Read the infographic as a class. Optionally, have students listen to the read-aloud while they follow along. The audio read-aloud is located in the Resources tab in Teacher View and at the top of the story page in Student View.

  • As a class, discuss the following Close-Reading and Critical-Thinking Questions, some of which apply to both texts.

Close-Reading Question (3 minutes)

  1. How does each celebrity profile highlight a healthy way to cope with setbacks? (text evidence) Each celebrity responded to a setback in a different but powerful way. After being eliminated on a talent show, Harry Styles tried again—but this time he partnered up with other artists. Vera Wang moved on to pursue a different interest. Abraham Lincoln went back to work, slowly rebuilding his reputation over many years. And Simone Biles dropped out of the Olympics, choosing to prioritize her health over what others expected of her.

Critical-Thinking Questions (5 minutes)

  1. Why is it important to learn about failure? Answers will vary. Students may say that learning about failure will help them to cope with it better. They may also say that failure is not a subject people often talk about and that having open discussions about failure can help people to have a more positive view of it and be honest with themselves and each other about mistakes. 

  2. Think of a character from a film, book, or show who doesn’t handle failure well. Based on information from the article and the infographic, how could that character have responded differently? Answers will vary. 

  3. Have your ideas about failure changed after reading the article and the infographic? Why or why not? Answers will vary.

  4. The article states that “as a culture we are obsessed with perfection.” What do you think it would take for our culture to change, from one obsessed with perfection to one that embraces failure? Answers will vary. 

“Secrets of a Slam Dunk Fail”

  • Invite a volunteer to read the As You Read box on page 12 or at the top of the digital story page.

  • Read the article once as a class. (Differentiation: Share the lower-Lexile version of the article.) Optionally, have students listen to the audio read-aloud while they follow along. The read-aloud is located in the Resources tab in Teacher View and at the top of the story page in Student View.

  • Divide students into groups to read the article again and respond to the following Close-Reading and Critical-Thinking Questions, also located in the Resources tab.

Close-Reading Questions (25 minutes)

  1. Why does author Jessica Press wait to reveal Michael Jordan’s name until the fifth paragraph of the introduction? (author’s craft) Press waits to reveal Michael Jordan’s name to build suspense. Once we learn that the person she is describing “didn’t make the varsity team,” we assume that he must not be a great basketball player. Thus, we are surprised to learn that the person is Michael Jordan! By catching the reader off-guard and showing that even celebrities face setbacks, Press begins building her main argument: Failure can help us succeed.

  2. According to the article, how can being afraid to fail hold us back? (key ideas and details) The article explains, “When you’re afraid of failing, you may choose to do only what you’re good at rather than what interests you.” In other words, fear of failure can make you hesitant to try something new, or you might quit a new activity if you don’t excel right away. You could miss the chance to discover a new interest or talent. Fear of failure can also keep you from acquiring grit, a strength of mind that helps people get through life’s challenges. 

  3. Why do leaders in the field of technology embrace making mistakes? (text evidence) Technology leaders know that failure can be an important step. Rather than view a failed app or website as a problem, they view it as an opportunity to create something better next time, using their new knowledge. 

  4. How does Steve Jobs’s career path show that failure is part of being successful? (text evidence) Jobs’s career path shows the importance of not giving up—that even when faced with setbacks, you can still be successful if you choose to keep at it. Jobs helped start Apple back in 1976. He was later fired after getting into a disagreement with colleagues. So he started a new technology business. Apple eventually hired him back, and he quickly became the CEO. Jobs went on to launch the iPhone, one of the most important technologies of the 21st century.


“How to Fail Like a Pro”

  • Read the infographic as a class. Optionally, have students listen to the read-aloud while they follow along. The audio read-aloud is located in the Resources tab in Teacher View and at the top of the story page in Student View.

  • As a class, discuss the following Close-Reading and Critical-Thinking Questions, some of which apply to both texts.

Close-Reading Question (3 minutes)

  1. How does each celebrity profile highlight a healthy way to cope with setbacks? (text evidence) Each celebrity responded to a setback in a different but powerful way. After being eliminated on a talent show, Harry Styles tried again—but this time he partnered up with other artists. Vera Wang moved on to pursue a different interest. Abraham Lincoln went back to work, slowly rebuilding his reputation over many years. And Simone Biles dropped out of the Olympics, choosing to prioritize her health over what others expected of her.

Critical-Thinking Questions (5 minutes)

  1. Why is it important to learn about failure? Answers will vary. Students may say that learning about failure will help them to cope with it better. They may also say that failure is not a subject people often talk about and that having open discussions about failure can help people to have a more positive view of it and be honest with themselves and each other about mistakes. 

  2. Think of a character from a film, book, or show who doesn’t handle failure well. Based on information from the article and the infographic, how could that character have responded differently? Answers will vary.

  3. Have your ideas about failure changed after reading the article and the infographic? Why or why not? Answers will vary.

  4. The article states that “as a culture we are obsessed with perfection.” What do you think it would take for our culture to change, from one obsessed with perfection to one that embraces failure? Answers will vary. 

3. WRITE ABOUT IT: SYNTHESIS (45 minutes)

  • Have students complete the Featured Skill Activity: Synthesis. This activity prepares them to respond to the writing prompt on page 15 in the printed magazine and at the bottom of the digital story page:

How can failure be a positive experience and what are some ways to cope with it? Draw from both “Secrets of a Slam Dunk Fail” and “How to Fail Like a Pro” to support your ideas.

  • Alternatively, have students choose a task from the Choice Board, a menu of culminating tasks. (Our Choice Board options include the writing prompt from the magazine, differentiated versions of the writing prompt, and additional creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of a story or article.)

  • Have students complete the Featured Skill Activity: Synthesis. This activity prepares them to respond to the writing prompt on page 15 in the printed magazine and at the bottom of the digital story page:

How can failure be a positive experience and what are some ways to cope with it? Draw from both “Secrets of a Slam Dunk Fail” and “How to Fail Like a Pro” to support your ideas.

  • Alternatively, have students choose a task from the Choice Board, a menu of culminating tasks. (Our Choice Board options include the writing prompt from the magazine, differentiated versions of the writing prompt, and additional creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of a story or article.)

CONNECTED READING

Connected readings from the Scope archives that explore themes of perfection, failure, and making mistakes:

Connected readings from the Scope archives that explore themes of perfection, failure, and making mistakes:

Text-to-Speech