Topic:

Write about a time you experienced failure and how it influenced your personal growth.

Use the graphic organizer below to outline your Explanatory Essay.
Add evidence from a minimum of 3 articles to support your claim.

Resources:
Final Draft Rubric
Articles linked below:
“The Elements of Success” by Mike Kubic (2016)
“New math: Fail + try again = real learning” by Susan Moran (2015)
“The best way to deal with failure” by Selin Malkoc (2017)
“Lessons from failure: Why we try, try again” by Bethany Brookshire (2015)
“Cultivate Resilience: How to Get Back on the Horse” by Rebecca Zucker (2017)
“Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail” by Angel B. Perez (2012)
“Michael Jordan: A Profile in Failure” by Jeff Stibel (2017)

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH: Hook
Failure is often seen as final destination, but in growth it can be the most powerful catalyst for personal growth and resilience.

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH: Context
Many individuals fear failure, associating it with defeat and disappointment. However, research suggest that failure can act as a crucial learning opportunity, enabling personal development and fostering resilience. Embracing failure as a part of the journey can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around them, ultimately paving the way for future success.

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH: Thesis Statement
While experiencing failure can be painful and disheartening, it ultimately serves as a vital catalyst for personal growth by teaching valuable lessons, fostering resilience, and encouraging a mindset focused on continuous improvement.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1: Topic Sentence
Experiencing failure provides invaluable lessons that can reshape one's perspective and approach to challenges.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1: Evidence #1
As Malkoc (2017) notes, “Failure is a teacher that shows you what works and what doesn’t, highlighting the paths that should not be taken again” (Malkoc).

BODY PARAGRAPH 1: Analysis #1
This evidence illustrates that failure serves as a unique educational experience. By identifying mistakes and recognizing ineffective strategies, individuals gain insight that informs future decisions, ultimately contributing to their growth and self-improvement. This process of learning from failure reinforces a proactive attitude towards challenges rather than a passive acceptance of defeat.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1: Evidence #2
Add evidence from one article to support your claim.
This should be a direct quote, and it must be in quotation marks.
Include a parenthetical citation in MLA format after the quote.

Add the evidence and citation below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1: Analysis #2
Explain how the evidence supports your claim (your thesis).
Remain objective. Do not use first or second person personal pronouns and write in the present tense.
Write 1-2 sentences of analysis below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1: Evidence #3
Add evidence from one article to support your claim.
This should be a direct quote, and it must be in quotation marks.
Include a parenthetical citation in MLA format after the quote.

Add the evidence and citation below.
BODY PARAGRAPH 1: Analysis #3
Explain how the evidence supports your claim (your thesis).
Remain objective. Do not use first or second person personal pronouns and write in the present tense.
Write 1-2 sentences of analysis below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1: Conclusion Sentence
Wrap up the paragraph with a final thought on the topic that you discussed throughout it.
Write 1 solid conclusion sentence.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Topic Sentence
Use the CEA Method to develop your body paragraph.
The first sentence of this paragraph should introduce the topic of the paragraph. The topic of this paragraph should be the second point in your thesis.
Write the topic sentence below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Evidence #1
Add evidence from one article to support your claim.
This should be a direct quote, and it must be in quotation marks.
Include a parenthetical citation in MLA format after the quote.

Add the evidence and citation below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Analysis #1
Explain how the evidence supports your claim (your thesis).
Remain objective. Do not use first or second person personal pronouns and write in the present tense.
Write 1-2 sentences of analysis below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Evidence #2
Add evidence from one article to support your claim.
This should be a direct quote, and it must be in quotation marks.
Include a parenthetical citation in MLA format after the quote.

Add the evidence and citation below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Analysis #2
Explain how the evidence supports your claim (your thesis).
Remain objective. Do not use first or second person personal pronouns and write in the present tense.
Write 1-2 sentences of analysis below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Evidence #3
Add evidence from one article to support your claim.
This should be a direct quote, and it must be in quotation marks.
Include a parenthetical citation in MLA format after the quote.

Add the evidence and citation below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Analysis #3
Explain how the evidence supports your claim (your thesis).
Remain objective. Do not use first or second person personal pronouns and write in the present tense.
Write 1-2 sentences of analysis below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Conclusion Sentence
Wrap up the paragraph with a final thought on the topic that you discussed throughout it.
Write 1 solid conclusion sentence.

BODY PARAGRAPH 3: Topic Sentence
Use the CEA Method to develop your body paragraph.
The first sentence of this paragraph should introduce the topic of the paragraph. The topic of this paragraph should be the third point in your thesis.
Write the topic sentence below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 3: Evidence #1
Add evidence from one article to support your claim.
This should be a direct quote, and it must be in quotation marks.
Include a parenthetical citation in MLA format after the quote.

Add the evidence and citation below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 3: Analysis #1
Explain how the evidence supports your claim (your thesis).
Remain objective. Do not use first or second person personal pronouns and write in the present tense.
Write 1-2 sentences of analysis below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 3: Evidence #2
Add evidence from one article to support your claim.
This should be a direct quote, and it must be in quotation marks.
Include a parenthetical citation in MLA format after the quote.

Add the evidence and citation below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 3: Analysis #2
Explain how the evidence supports your claim (your thesis).
Remain objective. Do not use first or second person personal pronouns and write in the present tense.
Write 1-2 sentences of analysis below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 3: Evidence #3
Add evidence from one article to support your claim.
This should be a direct quote, and it must be in quotation marks.
Include a parenthetical citation in MLA format after the quote.

Add the evidence and citation below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 3: Analysis #3
Explain how the evidence supports your claim (your thesis).
Remain objective. Do not use first or second person personal pronouns and write in the present tense.
Write 1-2 sentences of analysis below.

BODY PARAGRAPH 3: Conclusion Sentence
Wrap up the paragraph with a final thought on the topic that you discussed throughout it.
Write 1 solid conclusion sentence.

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH: Wrap-Up

Restate your thesis. (Do not just copy it! Say it again, but change the wording or the sentence structure.)
Write 2-3 sentences that revisit and wrap up the points that you made in your body paragraphs.
End with a final thought on your topic. These are your final words. What do you have to say?

1 answer

Explanatory Essay Outline: The Power of Failure in Personal Growth

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH:

Hook: Failure is often seen as a final destination, but in growth, it can be the most powerful catalyst for personal growth and resilience.

Context:
Many individuals fear failure, associating it with defeat and disappointment. However, research suggests that failure can act as a crucial learning opportunity, enabling personal development and fostering resilience. Embracing failure as a part of the journey can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around them, ultimately paving the way for future success.

Thesis Statement:
While experiencing failure can be painful and disheartening, it ultimately serves as a vital catalyst for personal growth by teaching valuable lessons, fostering resilience, and encouraging a mindset focused on continuous improvement.


BODY PARAGRAPH 1:

Topic Sentence:
Experiencing failure provides invaluable lessons that can reshape one's perspective and approach to challenges.

Evidence #1:
As Malkoc (2017) notes, “Failure is a teacher that shows you what works and what doesn’t, highlighting the paths that should not be taken again” (Malkoc).

Analysis #1:
This evidence illustrates that failure serves as a unique educational experience. By identifying mistakes and recognizing ineffective strategies, individuals gain insight that informs future decisions, ultimately contributing to their growth and self-improvement. This process of learning from failure reinforces a proactive attitude towards challenges rather than a passive acceptance of defeat.

Evidence #2:
According to Brookshire (2015), “The experience of failure is fundamental to the learning process” (Brookshire).

Analysis #2:
Recognizing failure as a fundamental component of learning emphasizes the importance of resilience. This acknowledgment helps individuals approach future obstacles with a more strategic mindset, equipped with lessons learned from past mistakes. The continuous cycle of attempting, failing, and adjusting reinforces personal growth.

Evidence #3:
Kubic (2016) states, “Success is not a straight line; it is a continuous process of learning” (Kubic).

Analysis #3:
This statement highlights that success emerges not from a series of unbroken victories but through a journey marked by failures. By understanding this, individuals cultivate a mindset that values persistence, making them more adaptable and innovative in the face of adversity.

Conclusion Sentence:
Embracing the lessons that come from failure ultimately cultivates a more informed and resilient approach to future challenges.


BODY PARAGRAPH 2:

Topic Sentence:
Failure fosters resilience, teaching individuals to navigate and bounce back from setbacks.

Evidence #1:
Zucker (2017) asserts, “Resilience stems from the ability to learn from failures and adapt accordingly” (Zucker).

Analysis #1:
This evidence indicates that resilience is not merely an inherent trait but a skill cultivated through experiencing failure. People learn to adapt their strategies and approaches based on past experiences, building a stronger foundation for future endeavors.

Evidence #2:
Moran (2015) suggests, “To fail and come back stronger is a vital life skill that contributes to emotional strength” (Moran).

Analysis #2:
Emphasizing that the ability to rebound from failure enriches emotional strength demonstrates the transformative power of setbacks. This enhancement of emotional resilience is crucial for personal development and can lead to greater self-esteem and confidence.

Evidence #3:
Perez (2012) states, “Embracing failure as part of the learning process contributes to a more resilient mindset” (Perez).

Analysis #3:
This reinforces the idea that accepting failure as an integral part of life's journey encourages individuals to face uncertainties with courage. Resiliency cultivated through early encounters with failure sets the groundwork for tackling more serious challenges later in life.

Conclusion Sentence:
The capacity to bounce back from failure enhances personal resilience, which is crucial for navigating the complexities of life.


BODY PARAGRAPH 3:

Topic Sentence:
Failure encourages a mindset focused on continuous improvement, leading to personal and professional advancement.

Evidence #1:
Stibel (2017) emphasizes, “Those who can embrace failure are often the most innovative and successful” (Stibel).

Analysis #1:
This assertion links the ability to embrace failure directly to innovation and success. Individuals who view setbacks as opportunities for growth are more likely to take risks and push boundaries, promoting both personal and professional advancement.

Evidence #2:
Brookshire (2015) argues, “Learning to approach challenges with a growth mindset transforms failures into opportunities” (Brookshire).

Analysis #2:
Recognizing failures as stepping stones emphasizes the potential for ongoing improvement. This growth mindset enables individuals to continually refine their skills and strategies, thereby increasing their chances of future successes.

Evidence #3:
Kubic (2016) remarks, “Continuous improvement thrives on a foundation of learning from past mistakes and iterating based on those lessons” (Kubic).

Analysis #3:
This highlights that embracing failure as a part of the iterative process of personal development critically supports the pursuit of excellence. Individuals learn to appreciate the value of each setback and use it to propel them further along their journey.

Conclusion Sentence:
The focus on continuous improvement, fueled by lessons from failure, drives individuals towards sustained development and success.


CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH:

Restating the thesis:
Experiencing failure is a crucial aspect of personal growth, fostering a learning environment that emphasizes valuable lessons, resilience, and ongoing improvement.

Revisiting points:
The insights derived from failure reshape perspectives, enhance emotional strength and resilience, and pave the way for a mindset dedicated to continuous improvement. These attributes not only help individuals overcome challenges but also prompt them to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Final thought:
Ultimately, embracing failure as an essential part of growth transforms individuals, equipping them with the tools necessary for navigating life’s complexities and achieving enduring success.