Essay
Time – 25 Minutes
Directions: You have 25 minutes to plan and write an essay on the topic below. Essays written
off the topic will not be scored. Use the answer sheet provided and write only in the boxed area.
Be sure to write or print neatly so that the graders can read it. You may use this sheet to do any
planning, but your essay must be written on the answer sheet provided in order to be scored.
Read the following quotes and think about the ideas they raise as you complete the assignment
below.
Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently. ~Henry Ford
You can't have any successes unless you can accept failure. ~George Cukor
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. ~Thomas Edison
Assignment: In an essay explore and develop your opinion on the concept that success requires
prior failure. Use examples from your personal experience, schoolwork, or outside reading to
support your opinion.
If you finish before time is up, you may go back and check your work. Be sure to include your
name and essay topic # on the top of your answer sheet.