A friend of mine taught (among other things) a class in theater set design at Cal State Long Beach. One of his students, a congenital screw-up, failed to turn in most of the projects, and those he did turn in, although fairly well-drawn, failed to meet the requirements of the play in question. Much outside coaching and many warnings just didn't get through to the guy, so my friend gave him a failing grade.

The guy came to my friend's office most unhappy with his grade and feeling that he had been unfairly dealt with. Once again, my friend detailed the many times he hadn't turned in assignments, and pointed out where those he had turned in just weren't up to snuff.

"But I still don't see why you gave me an F," said the student. "I think I what did turn in was quality D work!"

Don Firth