A professor stood before a class of thirty senior molecular biology students and stated, “I have been privileged to be your instructor this semester, and I know how hard you have worked to prepare for this test. I also know most of you are off to medical school or grad school next fall. I am well aware of how much pressure you are under to keep your grades up, and because I am confidant you all know this material, I am prepared to offer an automatic B to anyone who opts to skip taking the final exam.”
The relief was audible. A number of students jumped right up from their desks, thanked their professor for the lifeline thrown to them.
“Any other takers?” he asked. “This is your last opportunity.” One more student decided to go.
The instructor then handed out the final exam, which consisted of two sentences:
“Congratulations,” it read, “you have just received an A in this class. Keep believing in yourself.”