Adventures in Grading

Read on Intro to Microeconomics exams:

Q: How can the government improve market outcomes?
"By printing too much money."
"When they control consumer choices."
"When they support one company to narrow the market."
"Inflation can help, sometimes."
"Sometimes they can."
"When they force everyone to get health insurance." (huh?)

Q: What does it mean when Economists say 'rational people think on the margin'?
"That consumers are rational." (he actually tried to argue with me to get more points on this one)
"People make marginally optimal decisions."
"They pay attention to the margin of error."

Q: Why do economists make assumptions?
"To manipulate the markets in their favor."

Favorite attempt by a student to sway leniency in a grading issue:
"Why do I have to show my work? ****! It's not like we're in 2nd grade!"
I politely referred him to the professor for any other grade issues. Dropping the F-bomb in my face just instills compassion and understanding in all stressed TA's. I love it. And please accuse me of being too simplistic for the genius of a freshmen.

Second favorite attempt:
The guy who hasn't shown up to my discussion ever, then complains to me about his grade. Seeing as I hadn't seen him all semester, I referred him to the professor.

For the most part, I'm proud of my kids. They did very well on the test considering they had never seen this material before, and for the most part they all did well on everything we covered in the discussion. Bravo to all of them.

To the other two jokers: better luck next time.