My Favorite One-Liners: Part 58

In this series, I’m compiling some of the quips and one-liners that I’ll use with my students to hopefully make my lessons more memorable for them.

One of my great annoyances is when I cover some topic in class, usually theoretical, and a student asks, “Will this be on the test?” Over the years, I’ve developed my standard tongue-in-cheek response to this question:

Put this on the test… that’s a really good idea.

[Students groan as I pull out a piece of paper and write a note to myself, talking out loud as I write:] “Put this on the test.”

[I then fold the paper and place it in my pocket, and then ask, with my best poker face:]

Are there any other questions?

After this, no one ever asks me again if something will be on the test.