Chan Pak-to, 12, La Salle College: The worst excuse I have ever heard is that, “I was too lazy to do it”. In class I sometimes notice a few classmates fail to hand in their homework on time.

I think the most foolproof excuse is this: "I have to be honest, teacher, I was so absorbed watching the 349th episode of the captivating TVB drama Come Home Love that homework ceased to exist for me!

The 'dog ate my homework' is one of the oldest and least-convincing excuses ever offered up in the world of education and academia with a history that dates back over a century. Slate says that ...