Perfect Research Paper

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Recommended: Importance of perfection

Modern society promotes the idea that everyone needs to be perfect--but is perfection truly attainable? “Perfect” is defined by Merriam Webster as “corresponding to an ideal standard or abstract concept.” Despite its supposed intangibility, modern society obsesses over the idea of perfection to an extent that is detrimental to today’s youth. In the academic world, perfection may mean getting good grades, scoring high on standardized tests, and keeping up with a rigorous amount of extracurriculars. But does a less than stellar academic performance or a lack of participation in after school activities indicate a less capable student?

With the ever-increasing standards of perfection placed on today’s youth, teens are feeling the pressure to push themselves harder and harder in order to keep up. In May 2016, the math and science sections of the ACT were revised to be more challenging, necessitating more advanced courses for students who hope to get a good score--a score which for many students, feels like a make or break result. Yet one test, however well designed, cannot accurately measure the intelligence of so many unique individuals. An aptitude for different subjects or styles of learning does not make a student less brilliant than his or her peers. …show more content…

Financial issues may require a student to get a job, leaving less time for homework. Mental health struggles may prevent a student from achieving his or her full potential. Other students may simply not understand the material, or the method with which it is taught. However, this does not give others--whether adults or fellow students--license to disrespect those who are not as high performing. Society’s problem lies in promoting a one-size-fits-all ideal of perfection--and in assuming that those who do not fit this ideal are not as valuable to

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