Every teacher has had that moment when you’re grading late at night, running on coffee fumes, when you suddenly burst out laughing at a student’s test answer that is so wildly wrong it deserves an A for creativity. You sit there wondering: Is this a cry for help? Or did they genuinely think the capital of France was “F”? Either way, these ridiculous little gems remind us that standardized testing can’t measure humor and that critical thinking sometimes takes a vacation during exam week.
From kids who confuse Newton’s laws with “that guy who invented the fig” to naming shapes “Bob and “Linda,” these unintentionally hilarious answers prove that students will always find a way to surprise (and entertain) us. However, sometimes they come up with answers that are technically correct, although they are far from the expected answer. If you’re “hip,” you just might let it slide.
So grab your purple or green pen (because red makes them anxious), and dive into the best of the worst student test answers, proof that the best comedy still comes from the classroom.
1. Mom needs help.
I had to look up the answer to this question, and maybe Rodney, and this kid’s mom should have done the same.
2. Technically, sort of correct.
Although the proper form of this word is “thought,” and this probably isn’t the answer the teacher was looking for, it’s technically right.
3. Extra details.
Well, again, technically, Elliot did follow the directions, but he added some extra details about the horse’s bathroom habits because why not?
4. Yes, that’s true.
At least they used math, not their phone.
5. Concerning response.
I’m not totally sure what the teacher is looking for besides the shape, but this student went creative and concerning at the same time.
6. Most likely accurate.
While the teacher may have been looking for a bit more information, these answers are technically correct.
7. Accurate assumption.
I’ll bet the teacher was looking for a more wholesome answer, but this kid is honest in his response and probably accurately represents the principals deep desires as well.
8. Straightforward.
The kid used his brain to figure out the answer, any other questions?
9. Can’t be confirmed for sure.
The chances of these planets having McDonalds is extremely slim so just give the kid the point and move on.
10. Brilliant!
You can’t mark this wrong. You just can’t.
11. What kind were you looking for exactly?
If you aren’t super specific in your request, you’ll get some creative responses.
12. Technically, yes.
While this probably wasn’t the response the teacher was looking for, it still provides an answer to the question. Besides, who uses those musty old clocks anymore, anyway?
13. I’m feeling it!
I mean, let’s be fair. Am I missing something? How does one “motivate” an answer?
14. Oldest Trick in the Book!
As a teacher, you learn early on that if you aren’t specific in your request, you’ll get a lot of shenanigans!
15. Adorably wrong.
I think the teacher will probably use the word “identify” next time but this is super cute!
16. Yes, that’s true.
Ask a few celebrities like Wesley Snipes, and they will tell you this is 100% correct.
17. You don’t say!
Again, if only the teacher had included the word “solve,” this student wouldn’t have been able to argue that they deserve a point for this lazy shortcut.
18. Rachel has issues.
Although Tracey is greedy and unappreciative.
19. Can neither confirm nor deny.
How do we know if this is true or not? We might as well give it full credit, or the trolls might get us.
20. Well, yes, I suppose that’s true.
The question didn’t say the method needed to be legal, so…
