Wendy Ramirez

AP English Language and Composition

Ms. Cote
7 May 2023
Argument Essay AP Exam Practice Test

As human beings, we are taught early on the concept of perfection. This idea is as well known

to us as the air we breathe, is greatly prevalent in our society. We strive for perfection in all areas

of our lives, from our social lives to our workplace, everything must be absolutely perfect.

However, what if this ideology was flawed? What if perfection simply is not an attainable goal?

What should we strive for if not for perfection? Perfection should not be valued as much as it is

in our society because it is undeniably unattainable, causes irrelevance to prior progress, and

allows for excess emotional distress.

Perfection, while seemingly existing as a non-damaging goal, can very well cause a person

unnecessary emotional distress on their journey for it. This concept of perfection as a risk to

personal health can be attributed to the extraordinary novel, The Woman in the Window by

author A.J. Finn. Within this novel, the main protagonist, Anna Fox, is a severe agoraphobic who

consistently remains within the safety of her house and passes her time observing her neighbors

and chatting online with others who have similar phobias. In the very beginning of the story,

Anna decides to push herself well beyond her limits by walking outside for as long as she can.

This action results in Anna becoming severely overwhelmed and passing out on the concrete.

This demonstrates how Anna was emotionally impacted as an effect from trying to become her

version of “perfection”, a person who could walk outdoors freely with no issue. Although she

attempted to improve, her rash decision prompted by the ideal quickly became a dangerous
situation. This illustrates the questionable value of striving for perfection in a world where the

importance of emotions is a significant factor in our daily lives.

The idea of perfection stems from the belief of having no errors, no flaws or imperfections.

This is, realistically, a completely unattainable goal for a person to have. No matter the

circumstance, anything can be improved. For example, the progression of dental x-rays

throughout history. Over the years, the safety of dental x-rays has improved significantly since

its discovery as a medical asset. We currently have filters, lead aprons, and digital x-rays that all

minimize the risks that are associated with x-radiation. Nonetheless, any amount of x-radiation

can prove harmful, although the risks associated with controlled x-radiation have been reduced to

close to none. The history of the protection against dental x-rays highlights the idea that

perfection is unattainable. The value of perfection is considerably put into perspective when even

the chance of achieving it in any field is viewed as impossible.

Perfection; although it can be shown to be a remarkable motivator, can eventually discourage

or possibly harm an individual. Many scholars are familiar with the Greek myth commonly

known as King Midas and the Golden Touch. This age-old tale tells the story of King Midas, a

greedy king who received the power to turn anything he touched into gold by the god Dionysus.

He eventually turns many of his objects into gold, and in a frenzy, he accidentally turns his

beloved daughter into gold as well. This cautionary tale echoes the concern over wanting to

achieve the most financially, or in a different perspective, perfection. Midas, an already wealthy

king, negates his current success to chase the opportunity of further financial perfection to the

detriment of his loved ones. This tale questions the value of perfection as it can cause the current

progress of an individual to appear irrelevant by comparison.

 Despite the disadvantages of the ideal of perfection, it is a common belief that its use as a form

of motivation is essential. After all, the recurrent phrase of “practice makes perfect” is prominent

in American society. This belief system, however, is exceptionally flawed. Practicing a skill

allows an individual to progress, but perfection can never truly be reached. The saying “practice

makes perfect” allows for false hope to motivate a person to strive for betterment. Hours upon

hours of practice can be put into a skill to become better, yet improvement is still an option,

therefore allowing perfection to never be achieved.

Perfection is not a completely invaluable concept. It can prompt improvement and motivation,

and as a result allow for astounding results. Even so, the effects of perfection reign deep, from its

unattainability to its emotional impact, and its effect on relevant progress already acquired; the

value of perfection does not outweigh its radical costs.