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The Value of Failure

B1 (Intermediate)Reading

The Value of Failure

Read why failure can be one of our greatest teachers. A B1 reading text with key words and comprehension questions.

The Value of Failure
LevelB1 (Intermediate)Words254Reading time3 min

Nobody enjoys failing. When we fail an exam, lose a competition or make a mistake at work, we often feel disappointed, embarrassed or even ashamed. From a young age, we are taught that success is good and failure is bad. But what if this way of thinking is wrong? Many successful people believe that failure is not the opposite of success, but an essential part of it.

History is full of examples of people who failed many times before they succeeded. Famous inventors, scientists and business leaders often tried and failed again and again before achieving their goals. The important thing was that they did not give up. Instead, they learned from their mistakes. Each failure taught them something valuable and brought them one step closer to success.

Failure is one of our greatest teachers. It shows us what does not work, it makes us stronger, and it teaches us not to be afraid of trying. Of course, this does not mean we should try to fail. But when failure does happen, as it will for everyone, we should not see it as the end. Instead, we can ask ourselves what we can learn from it. The people who achieve great things are not those who never fail. They are the ones who refuse to let failure stop them.

Key words
  • ashamed – feeling bad or guilty about something
  • essential – completely necessary
  • achieve – to succeed in doing something after effort
  • valuable – very useful or important
  • refuse – to say firmly that you will not do something

Check your understanding

Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.

1.How do we often feel when we fail?
"we often feel disappointed, embarrassed or even ashamed."
2.What are we taught from a young age?
"we are taught that success is good and failure is bad."
3.What do many successful people believe about failure?
"failure is not the opposite of success, but an essential part of it."
4.What did famous inventors and leaders often do before succeeding?
"often tried and failed again and again before achieving their goals."
5.What was the important thing about these people?
"they did not give up. Instead, they learned from their mistakes."
6.According to the text, what does failure teach us?
"It shows us what does not work ... teaches us not to be afraid of trying."
7.What does "achieve" mean?
To achieve = to succeed in doing something after effort.
8.Who achieves great things, according to the text?
"They are the ones who refuse to let failure stop them."

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