Describe a setback that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? If something similar happened in the future, how would you react?
You must wonder why I still keep the empty tube of correction fluid. It is not evidence that reveals my success. Instead, it only reminds me the depression of failure. Although such paper cannot conjure up any pleasant memories, I have to admit that that it is most significant for me, for it motivates me to change my attitude toward life.
I used to appreciate the correction fluid. When writing with correction fluid, I felt exceptionally relaxed, for I did not have to worry about errors. No matter how many mistakes I made, I could always obliterate them with ease. Though using correction fluid cost time and made a paper untidy, I enjoyed the freedom and ability to correct mistakes as I like.
The first exam of junior one was extremely important, because it determined the people who were qualified to attend the advanced class. I was confident about myself and believed that I would go to the advanced class. During the exam, thinking that I had correction fluid, I paid much more attention on the speed than the quality of the answers, because I could correct the mistakes easily. After checking the whole test paper, I found many serious errors. Shaking the tube of correction fluid subconsciously, suddenly, I found that it was run out. No matter how hard I tried to shake the tube, there was no any fluid. Desperate, I crossed the wrong answers by pen and therefore the whole test paper was spoiled. As a result, I did not attend the advanced class.
The failure was a great blow to me. "I could go to the class, if only I had correction fluid. I found the mistakes." I complained to my father as if the empty tube deprived me of the access to the class. However, to my surprise, my father did not comfort me. Instead, he said," The problem is not about the fluid. It is about your attitude. You failed not because that the fluid was run out but that you did not treat the test carefully in the first time. You should treat every chance as the last one."
The failure in the exam made me reconsider my attitude toward life. In the past, considering that I had abundant chances, I often carelessly made mistakes like those on the exam, or missed good chances. As a result, I achieved little. So I decided to change. I made my mind not to use correction any more, but I remained the empty tube, which now serves as a reminder to me that there are no more opportunities for me. I should treat every opportunity carefully. Now, aware that I have only one chance and no error is allowed, I always focus full attention on what I am doing and force myself to work harder and harder. I have achieved more than I ever thought I could, all because of the concept of treating every opportunity as the last one, which urges me to express my full range of potential.
This is my recent revison. Please give me some advice.
1. I do know whether the world "correction fluid" is understandable. Should I say "white out"? Do American people use it?
2.I think I repeat worlds like "correction fluid","mistake","chances","opportunities" too many times. How can I improve the sentences?
3.Any more advice about the content? I am not sure the third paragraph which described my setback is enough. And I think the last paragraph can be improved.
Thanks in advance for your help :)
You must wonder why I still keep the empty tube of correction fluid. It is not evidence that reveals my success. Instead, it only reminds me the depression of failure. Although such paper cannot conjure up any pleasant memories, I have to admit that that it is most significant for me, for it motivates me to change my attitude toward life.
I used to appreciate the correction fluid. When writing with correction fluid, I felt exceptionally relaxed, for I did not have to worry about errors. No matter how many mistakes I made, I could always obliterate them with ease. Though using correction fluid cost time and made a paper untidy, I enjoyed the freedom and ability to correct mistakes as I like.
The first exam of junior one was extremely important, because it determined the people who were qualified to attend the advanced class. I was confident about myself and believed that I would go to the advanced class. During the exam, thinking that I had correction fluid, I paid much more attention on the speed than the quality of the answers, because I could correct the mistakes easily. After checking the whole test paper, I found many serious errors. Shaking the tube of correction fluid subconsciously, suddenly, I found that it was run out. No matter how hard I tried to shake the tube, there was no any fluid. Desperate, I crossed the wrong answers by pen and therefore the whole test paper was spoiled. As a result, I did not attend the advanced class.
The failure was a great blow to me. "I could go to the class, if only I had correction fluid. I found the mistakes." I complained to my father as if the empty tube deprived me of the access to the class. However, to my surprise, my father did not comfort me. Instead, he said," The problem is not about the fluid. It is about your attitude. You failed not because that the fluid was run out but that you did not treat the test carefully in the first time. You should treat every chance as the last one."
The failure in the exam made me reconsider my attitude toward life. In the past, considering that I had abundant chances, I often carelessly made mistakes like those on the exam, or missed good chances. As a result, I achieved little. So I decided to change. I made my mind not to use correction any more, but I remained the empty tube, which now serves as a reminder to me that there are no more opportunities for me. I should treat every opportunity carefully. Now, aware that I have only one chance and no error is allowed, I always focus full attention on what I am doing and force myself to work harder and harder. I have achieved more than I ever thought I could, all because of the concept of treating every opportunity as the last one, which urges me to express my full range of potential.
This is my recent revison. Please give me some advice.
1. I do know whether the world "correction fluid" is understandable. Should I say "white out"? Do American people use it?
2.I think I repeat worlds like "correction fluid","mistake","chances","opportunities" too many times. How can I improve the sentences?
3.Any more advice about the content? I am not sure the third paragraph which described my setback is enough. And I think the last paragraph can be improved.
Thanks in advance for your help :)
