The Blueprint of Failure

Lexile: 1060 | Grade: 9

Passage

We often hear that failure is a stepping stone to success, but in practice, most people try hard to avoid it. The fear of failing can prevent people from experimenting, questioning, or even trying something new.

Yet, throughout history, some of the world’s greatest inventions began as failures. The glue used on sticky notes was originally considered a failed adhesive because it wasn’t strong enough. Penicillin, a life-saving antibiotic, was discovered when Alexander Fleming noticed mold ruining one of his experiments.

What these examples reveal is that failure isn’t always the opposite of success—it’s often part of the process. Trial and error are not just obstacles; they are blueprints, guiding inventors and thinkers toward unexpected discoveries.

In science, art, and technology, the path to breakthroughs is rarely straight. It loops, twists, and sometimes doubles back. Those who succeed aren’t the ones who avoid mistakes entirely, but those who learn from them and keep going.

Perhaps, then, the question isn’t how to avoid failure, but how to recognize its value. What might we discover if we let failure speak?

Questions

Q1: How does the author develop the central idea that failure is part of innovation?

  • A. By comparing scientists to artists and showing their creativity.
  • B. By giving examples of successful inventions that began as failures.
  • C. By explaining how scientists avoid failure in experiments.
  • D. By arguing that success is only possible without mistakes.

Q2: What is the tone of the final paragraph?

  • A. Doubtful and critical
  • B. Hopeful and thought-provoking
  • C. Angry and demanding
  • D. Humorous and casual

Q3: Which sentence from the passage best expresses the author's overall message?

  • A. 'We often hear that failure is a stepping stone to success...'
  • B. 'Penicillin...was discovered when Alexander Fleming noticed mold ruining one of his experiments.'
  • C. 'Trial and error are not just obstacles; they are blueprints, guiding inventors and thinkers toward unexpected discoveries.'
  • D. 'In science, art, and technology, the path to breakthroughs is rarely straight.'

Q4: What is the function of the rhetorical question at the end of the passage?

  • A. To confuse the reader about failure
  • B. To summarize the history of inventions
  • C. To challenge the reader to shift their mindset
  • D. To warn the reader against making mistakes

Q5: Which abstract idea is best supported by the passage?

  • A. Only perfect results matter in science.
  • B. Mistakes should be ignored during progress.
  • C. Growth often comes from unexpected setbacks.
  • D. All inventors plan every part of their success.

Printable Comprehension Practice

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Answers & Reasoning

Q1: How does the author develop the central idea that failure is part of innovation?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The author uses examples like sticky notes and penicillin to show how innovation often comes from unexpected failures.

Q2: What is the tone of the final paragraph?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The author ends with a reflective question that invites readers to see failure as a source of growth and opportunity.

Q3: Which sentence from the passage best expresses the author's overall message?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: This metaphor directly communicates the main idea: failure provides direction and learning, not just setback.

Q4: What is the function of the rhetorical question at the end of the passage?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The rhetorical question invites the reader to reflect more deeply and reconsider failure’s role in progress.

Q5: Which abstract idea is best supported by the passage?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The entire passage emphasizes that innovation and growth are often the results of trial, error, and learning from failure.