Is this fair at all?

**ImmortalX** · Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Posts: 392 Location: Massachusetts

The teacher probably had to withhold all of everybody else's corrected tests from them because not all the tests were taken, and so after being asked about 1,000,000 times by anxious kids, he finally says, "Okay, you have to get this done."

Really, given the situation, you have no excuse. Even I, master of making excuses (I've somehow managed to pass 3 years of high school already and did squat), cannot even think of anything. The only thing I would do would be to admit you made a mistake, and then ask for a retake AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Tell him all the things that he would tell you why you SHOULDN'T take it.

Example: "Listen, Mr. [], I know that I was supposed to take this test, and that I had two extra weeks to review the material. I know that I was here for all of it, and that I should have gone to you to set up a test date. I know that I should have done all this, but I didn't, and I feel really stupid. If there's any way that you could possibly let me take a retake, I would be REALLY grateful. If not, I completely understand, but I would REALLY appreciate it if I could retake it."

Case stated in a way that acknowledges your mistakes, shows that you wish to rectify them, and submits to him, letting him know you realize that he has the power to turn you down. Because you have submitted and shown all your weaknesses, it has exposed that you are feeling vulnerable, and also making him feel powerful. This will usually (I have found) subconsciously put people in a more cooperative mood. I know that it works all the time for me, and I get advantages all the time, over and over again. Also, make a mention of anything that you might have EVER done wrong in his class (but only generally, don't get specific).

Another example, this being that you are somewhat disruptive and don't pay attention in his class. For this, you may add these sentences where appropriate in the previous paragraph:

"I know that I'm sometimes disruptive, and I'm not always as attentive as I could be, and I'm really sorry for that. I know it's hard for you (appeal to his 'nobody appreciates a teacher' thought process), and I really appreciate all the hard work you put in. I know that this stuff only makes it harder on you."

Honestly, you just have to show an intellectual side, appear vulnerable, inflate his ego, and show that you understand how hard he works. If you follow these simple steps, and don't overdo it, then you should be entirely set for life for any other mishaps that may happen. It starts losing effectiveness over the years, though, so don't abuse it. I know I did, and I may end up failing senior year. (I know, "blah blah blah no excuse, it's your last year so suck it up, blah blah blah")

Hope this is helpful.

Hell, I could probably write a FAQ on how to BS your way through High School...

Hmm...
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**ShinobiAC** · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 1065 Location: Raleigh, NC

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**ShinobiAC** · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 1065 Location: Raleigh, NC

**Confrontational** · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 9:05 am Post subject:

The rules on my campus: If you are going to be away from school on a test date because of something that is foreseeable (a scheduled appointment, trip, etc), you make up the test BEFORE the usual test date so you aren't stealing an unfair advantage from the rest of the class (at your teacher's expense, no less) by taking it after.

If you are rendered absent by some unforeseeable malady (a major accident, loss of a loved one, illness) that takes you away from class on the exam date on short notice, then and ONLY THEN are you allowed to make it up (before the next class date, mind you; you are NOT under any circumstances allowed to do a make-up after everyone else has gotten their results back), and even then, some of the teachers may require you tell them before the exam itself (and provide documentation, like a doctor's note or something, afterwards, though I haven't seen this).

I even have one teacher that doesn't allow make-ups. Period. In fact, he starts his quizzes promptly at the start time of the class, and if you show up more than two minutes late, you're shit outta luck.

Quite frankly, I agree with all these policies (save for the last one), and I agree with what the teacher did to you. Think of it this way: By the time you were available to take the test, everyone else had been finished for two weeks, and had most likely gotten their finished exams, COMPLETE with answers, shortly after. If he had scheduled a date for you to take the make-up (in spite of the fact that you missed the usual make-up date and probably would have gotten a 0 without hospital papers), or even gave you time in advance to study, all you would have had to do was ask someone in your class (a friend maybe?) to give you their finished test and remember THEIR answers. By springing the test on you on short notice the teacher gave you no opportunity to cheat, and that you came totally unprepared for the test really was your fault anyway, especially since you had two extra weeks to study for it.

It's not a matter of unfairness on behalf of the teacher, it's a matter of academic honesty on behalf of the student.
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**FlimFlam** · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 1619

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**Galvnayr** · Joined: 13 May 2007 Posts: 1098 Location: Mass

Yes, yes of course. He is owning the test.

**Confrontational** · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:10 pm Post subject:

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