essay on better late than never for class 7

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Readers, this blog would present you plain summaries of a few literature that i read. This blog is meant for begginers of literature

Tuesday 31 July 2018

Summary of r. k. narayan’s better late.

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Better Late Than Never

by English Plus | Jan 29, 2024 | Proverbs

Better Late then Never Proverb

Understanding the Proverb: “Better Late Than Never”

The proverb “Better late than never” is a timeless piece of wisdom that encourages promptness, while also acknowledging the value of completing a task or making a decision, even if it’s delayed. This saying highlights the importance of taking action, regardless of timing, emphasizing that the result of an action is often more important than when it is undertaken. Its relevance to everyday life is profound, serving as a gentle reminder that while punctuality and timely decisions are ideal, the willingness to finish or participate, albeit late, is still valuable.

Importance and Relevance to Everyday Life

This proverb is particularly relevant in a world that moves at an incredibly fast pace. In personal development, it serves as encouragement for those who may feel they are behind in achieving life milestones. Whether it’s pursuing education, changing careers, or embracing new habits, “Better late than never” reassures individuals that starting is what truly matters, not the timing.

In professional settings, this saying can motivate teams to complete projects and meet deadlines. It underscores the importance of perseverance and continuing effort, even when initial timelines are missed. This can help maintain morale and focus on the end goal, rather than the setbacks along the way.

Appropriate Use with Examples

• Education : A person returning to school later in life to finish a degree embodies this proverb. Despite the delay, the value of education remains undiminished.
• Career Changes : Individuals switching careers, perhaps from a long tenure in one field to an entry-level position in another, demonstrate that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions.
• Health and Wellness : Starting a fitness or health journey later in life is another example. Improving one’s health is always beneficial, regardless of age.
• Apologies and Making Amends : In relationships, apologizing for a mistake, even if the apology comes after a significant delay, is better than never apologizing at all.

Origin of the Proverb

The origin of “Better late than never” is not attributed to a single source but is found in various cultures and literatures, indicating its universal appeal and timeless wisdom. One of the earliest recorded uses is attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer, mentioned in “The Canterbury Tales” (circa 1386). This suggests that the understanding of time, action, and consequence has been a part of human reflection for centuries.

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89. English Essay Example on: Better Late Than Never

Better late than never.

In life, we sometimes come across some late bloomers in our own family or elsewhere. Such were Einstein, Churchill, Gandhi ji and several others. Modem scientists tell us that they or at least some of them suffered from dyslexia. It means that even though they were really intelligent, they could not express their intelligence in their speech or on the paper.

 It does not mean that if a person has once missed the bus, he will always miss it. If a student once fails in an examination, he should try once again. He may pass the examination the next time. He may get even very high marks which a renewed study of curricula can ensure him.

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Better Late Than Never – Essay

“Better late than never” is an ancient proverb with a deep hidden meaning. Time and again all of us are told to complete the tasks assigned to us on time and being lazy most of us fail to do any assigned work on time. The result is we completely avoid the work and stop doing it further.

Yes it is essential to finish a work on time but what is more important is finishing the work. Here comes the significance of the proverb “better late than never” which means that it is all right to be late in completing an activity than never doing it. What is essential is doing the work.

This proverb can be best explained with the example of the story of the rabbit and the tortoise. Once upon a time, a rabbit and a tortoise decided to compete for a race. The rabbit laughed at the tortoise for even thinking about competing with him and therefore he was confident that he will win. They started the race and the rabbit started running. After a few miles, he turned back and saw that the tortoise was completely out of sight. He thought that the tortoise can never win the race and since it was out of his sight, he decided to take a nap. While he was sleeping the tortoise surpassed him and won the race.

Because of the ability of running fast, the rabbit was obviously going to win. But the tortoise very well knew the importance of the phrase “better late than never” and thus it started competing slowly, but steadily and thus won the race. It is also important to note that if an individual starts doing a work, today or tomorrow he or she is bound to finish the work and succeed.

Image Credit: files.myopera.com/fatoomsj/albums/2418971/Better%20Late%20than%20Never.jpg

Thinking that it is impossible to complete a work will result in the work being never completed because it was not even started at the first place. It is human nature that when one notices that a work is difficult he or she simply decides to quit, what is important here is to understand the fact that quitting should never even be considered as an option.

Slow and steady can also win the race. All the students are of different nature, if a student decides that he or she will study throughout the year, that individual will stand first or second in the class. There are also students who study a night before the exam. These students also get promoted to the next class. But can a student who does not study at all or who studies after the exam is promoted to the next class. The answer is No. it is better to study late, at the last moment also that to escape studying totally.

Similarly goes the saying; it is better to complete a task late than never doing it or than avoiding it completely.

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Better Late Than Never – Proverb Meaning, Expansion And Story

The proverb “better late than never” suggests that it is preferable to accomplish or complete something, even if it takes longer than expected or desired. It emphasizes the importance of persistence and the idea that late progress is still progress. The proverb encourages a positive outlook, reminding us that it is never too late to take action or make amends. It acknowledges that delays or setbacks may occur, but it is still worthwhile to pursue our goals, fulfill our obligations, or rectify a situation, rather than giving up entirely.

Understanding The Idea :

The proverb “better late than never” embodies the notion that it is more advantageous to accomplish or undertake something, even if delayed, rather than not doing it at all. It reflects a mindset of perseverance, resilience, and recognizing the value of making progress, regardless of the timing.

Life often presents us with challenges, distractions, or unforeseen circumstances that hinder our ability to act promptly. We may encounter setbacks, face obstacles, or struggle with personal limitations that impede our progress. In such situations, the proverb reminds us that it is never too late to make a positive change, pursue a goal, or rectify a situation.

The proverb encourages us to maintain a hopeful perspective and embrace the idea that late achievements can still yield significant benefits. It acknowledges that time is a precious resource, but it also recognizes the potential for growth, improvement, and transformation, even when we fall behind schedule. It emphasizes the belief that our efforts, though delayed, can still bear fruit and contribute to our personal development or the betterment of a situation.

“Better late than never” also underscores the importance of not giving up when faced with setbacks or obstacles. It reminds us that perseverance and determination can overcome the limitations imposed by time. By taking action, even if delayed, we demonstrate a commitment to our goals and responsibilities, which can lead to meaningful outcomes.

Additionally, the proverb acknowledges the capacity for redemption and the possibility of making amends. It recognizes that we may have made mistakes, missed opportunities, or neglected important actions in the past. However, by embracing the proverb’s wisdom, we can still rectify those situations, learn from our experiences, and make a positive impact.

Moreover, “better late than never” extends beyond individual aspirations and applies to interpersonal relationships as well. It reminds us to extend forgiveness, understanding, and second chances to others who may have disappointed or let us down. It encourages empathy and compassion, recognizing that people may evolve and change for the better, even if it takes time.

In essence, the proverb “better late than never” urges us to maintain hope, resilience, and a willingness to take action despite delays or setbacks. It inspires us to appreciate the value of progress, personal growth, and the potential for positive change, regardless of timing. By embracing this mindset, we can cultivate a sense of perseverance, seize opportunities, and ultimately make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others.

Story 1: A Beautiful Story on “Better Late Than Never”

In the heart of a quaint countryside, amidst lush green meadows and winding rivers, there existed a close-knit rural community known as Willowbrook. Life in Willowbrook revolved around simplicity, hard work, and the unspoken understanding that “better late than never” was a guiding principle.

One summer, as the villagers prepared for the annual harvest festival, they faced an unexpected challenge. A relentless storm swept across the region, drenching the fields and causing widespread damage. The farmers, who relied on their crops for sustenance, watched helplessly as their hard work was washed away by the torrential downpour.

Among the affected farmers was Samuel, a diligent and determined man who had dedicated his life to tending the fertile lands of Willowbrook. The storm had devastated his fields, leaving him disheartened and facing an uncertain future. Days turned into weeks, and the villagers rallied to support one another, but the damage seemed irreparable.

Samuel refused to give in to despair. Embracing the adage “better late than never,” he resolved to salvage what he could and replant the crops. With unwavering determination, he worked tirelessly under the scorching sun, laboring from dawn till dusk, knowing that every moment counted.

The villagers, inspired by Samuel’s resilience, rallied to his aid. They set aside their own work to lend a hand, understanding the significance of collective effort. Seedlings were nurtured, fences were repaired, and the fields gradually transformed into a vibrant tapestry once more. Though late in the season, Samuel refused to be discouraged.

The days turned cooler, and the crisp air signaled the arrival of autumn. Just as the villagers had resigned themselves to a meager harvest, a miraculous transformation unfolded. The crops, nurtured by the collective perseverance, began to flourish. The fields were a testament to the unwavering spirit of the community, a reminder that “better late than never” could manifest in abundance.

Come harvest time, the village celebrated their perseverance with a joyous festival. The tables were adorned with the fruits of their labor, the flavors of gratitude and satisfaction intermingling. The villagers danced to the rhythm of music, their laughter echoing through the fields that had once been plagued by uncertainty.

Samuel, the embodiment of resilience, stood in awe, surveying the bountiful harvest before him. He had come to understand that “better late than never” wasn’t merely a phrase, but a testament to the indomitable spirit of rural life. The wisdom of the proverb had taught him that setbacks could be overcome, and with determination and the support of a caring community, new beginnings were always possible.

In the years that followed, Willowbrook thrived, guided by the lessons learned during that fateful harvest season. The villagers carried the spirit of “better late than never” within their hearts, cherishing each opportunity and never wavering in the face of adversity. They recognized the power of unity, perseverance, and the belief that late progress was still progress.

And so, as the seasons changed and time flowed like the rivers that embraced their village, the residents of Willowbrook continued to embrace the wisdom of their proverb. Through the simplicity of rural life, they celebrated every achievement, no matter how delayed, knowing that in the grand tapestry of existence, it was always better to move forward, even if it meant starting late.

Story 2: A Beautiful Story on “Better Late Than Never”

In the bustling metropolis of Metroville, where the city lights danced and dreams were born, the proverb “better late than never” resonated deeply with its ambitious inhabitants. Urban life was fast-paced and unforgiving, often demanding sacrifices and testing the limits of patience and perseverance.

Among the denizens of Metroville was Emma, a talented artist with dreams of showcasing her work in a prestigious gallery. However, life’s demands had pulled her in different directions, forcing her to prioritize stability over her creative aspirations. As the years passed, Emma found herself buried in the routine of urban existence, her dreams slowly fading into the background.

One day, while navigating the concrete jungle, Emma stumbled upon an advertisement for a local art competition. A flicker of hope ignited within her, reminding her of the long-lost passion that had once consumed her. The deadline was only a few weeks away, and doubts flooded her mind. Should she dare to pursue her dream, despite the years that had slipped through her fingers?

Remembering the proverb “better late than never,” Emma resolved to seize the opportunity. With determination and a burning desire to revive her artistic journey, she gathered her brushes, paints, and canvases. Nights turned into early mornings as she poured her heart and soul into each stroke, sacrificing sleep and social engagements to bring her vision to life.

As the deadline loomed closer, doubt and anxiety gnawed at Emma’s confidence. She questioned if her efforts would be in vain, whether her talent had withered over time. But she pushed forward, clinging to the belief that it was never too late to reignite the spark within.

The day of the art competition arrived, and Emma nervously entered the gallery, her artwork cradled in her trembling hands. Surrounding her were pieces crafted by artists who had devoted their lives to their craft. Doubt threatened to consume her, but she whispered the proverb like a mantra, reminding herself that her journey had its own unique timing.

The judges moved from one exhibit to another, scrutinizing each piece with discerning eyes. Emma watched, her heart pounding, as they approached her artwork. Their expressions shifted from mild interest to intrigue, their eyes lingering on the details she had poured her soul into.

Finally, the moment arrived when they revealed the winners. Emma’s heart raced as the judge’s voice resonated through the gallery, “And the first-place winner is…Emma Johnson!” Time seemed to stand still as Emma’s eyes widened in disbelief. The gallery erupted in applause, and she felt tears of joy streaming down her face.

Emma had defied the constraints of urban life and reclaimed her artistic journey. The proverb “better late than never” had propelled her forward, reminding her that dreams do not have expiration dates. Her triumph served as a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of those navigating the fast-paced currents of urban life.

As news of her victory spread, Emma’s story inspired others in Metroville. It sparked a newfound belief in the power of perseverance, igniting dormant dreams within their hearts. The city buzzed with renewed energy as individuals reevaluated their passions and dared to pursue what they once thought was too late.

In the years that followed, Emma’s artwork adorned galleries worldwide, her story serving as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists and dreamers in the urban landscape. She became an advocate for embracing the wisdom of “better late than never,” reminding others that urban life’s demands need not extinguish the fire within.

And so, in the urban labyrinth of Metroville, the proverb echoed through the avenues and alleyways, encouraging its inhabitants to never lose faith in their dreams, no matter how delayed they may appear. For in the tapestry of urban life, there was always room for redemption, rebirth, and the

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The world of writing is intricate and filled with potential pitfalls. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned writer, you’re bound to come across challenges that can diminish the clarity and impact of your prose. Among the most prevalent of these challenges are clichés, redundancies, and ambiguities. Here’s a closer look at each of these pitfalls and strategies to navigate them.

Steering Clear of Clichés

A cliché is an overused expression or idea that’s lost its novelty over time. For example, the saying “Better late than never” is so common that it has lost its distinctiveness. Clichés, while quick in conveying a thought, can make writing seem uninspired.

To avoid them, it’s vital to familiarize oneself with recurring clichés, draw from personal experiences for originality, and seek feedback from others. Peer reviews, especially, can help pinpoint clichés that might have been overlooked.

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Assignments: better late than never?

A few days ago, a colleague came to me for teaching advice. On his syllabus, he had written that he did not accept late assignments. One of the students, a young woman who was struggling in the class, had turned in a paper that was woefully incomplete and he told her that it did not meet the assignment requirements. However, rather than rejecting it outright, he took account of her struggles and accepted that she hadn’t decided to order essay online cheap to get it finished, telling her that if she turned in a finished version by the end of the week that completely met the basic requirements of the assignment, he would give her partial credit. At the end of the week, she turned the paper in again, but it was still well short of what he would accept as meeting minimal requirements.

Get that assignment in on time or else!

He asked what I thought he should do. He told me that the assignment counted 15% of her grade, and thus giving her a zero on the assignment would immediately knock her down at least a grade and a half, before taking account of her other less-than-stellar work in the course. But, because he had announced that he didn’t accept late papers and then had recanted on that rule by inviting her to submit a revised version, he felt he had to give her some credit.

After suggesting that yes, it made sense to give her some credit, under the circumstances, I went on to make a more general point about putting strict rules and regulations in a syllabus. At least this way, it would be printed for all the world to see, and nothing beats having it in a hard copy when you want to make a point. An old colleague of mine, who loved using a syllabus for his classes, told me that I should consider using a printing service like Printivity to display all of the information when it came to the year and what the students would be expecting. It’s one of the only ways to make sure that they have been sent a clear message. So, I should definitely consider putting rules and regulations in this type of format. I reminded him that in my syllabi, I never say that I will not accept late assignments. I have no list of punishments or points that will be taken off if assignments are turned in late. My friend, Joe Lowman, and I have had many conversations about this & I’ve benefited greatly from his wisdom. Indeed, when it comes to such matters, I usually find myself asking, “what would Joe do?”

On the first day of class, students often ask me, what are your penalties for late assignments? I tell them I don’t expect late assignments, as all the due dates for assignments are in the syllabus they’ve just been handed. In that case, why would any assignments be late? I find this logic impeccable, but some aren’t satisfied with this answer and persist in questioning me. All I will say is that if they find themselves having difficulty, prior to an assignment being due, they need to talk with me and I will try to help them. I never speculate about what I might do with the late assignment, preferring to deal with each of them on its own merits.

I do this to avoid being put in the situation of my colleague: announcing a hard and fast rule which extenuating circumstances may well require me to break. Over my 45 years of teaching, I have heard about plenty of emergencies, some of which were devastating to the students involved. What would I do if a student told me about a family emergency which gave them no choice but to rush home? I would feel really heartless in telling a student that I was very sorry about the accident and I hoped the victims would recover, but I stood firmly by my policy.

My colleagues are typically astonished when I tell them about this policy. Typically, they raise two objections. First, won’t I get a lot of late assignments? Second, if I do accept late assignments, isn’t that unfair to the students who turn their assignments on time? My answer is “no” to both objections, as I will explain.

First , in my syllabus and on my webpage, every assignment is clearly described with its due date. I use Sakai, which sends out automated notices, reminding students of due dates. The assignment is also noted on the website’s course calendar. For larger assignments, such as term papers, I have multiple milestones that students must meet: reporting their chosen topic, submitting a one paragraph description of their theme, a preliminary listing of references, a rough draft, and so forth. These milestones give me many opportunities to intervene when students show signs of falling behind. I also take a very active role in keeping track of how students are doing, sending emails to students who miss class and asking students to come in and talk with me about assignments, if they have difficulties.

When students approach me about the possibility of a late assignment, and what I would do, the first thing I always say is, “What is interfering with your turning in an assignment on time?” I don’t say, “Remember the penalties.” If, after working with them, it is clear that they will not get the assignment in on time, the next conversation I have with them goes something like this:

Student: “okay, when can I turn the paper in?”

Me: “when do you think you will have it finished?”

Student: “well, will I be penalized?”

Me: “you realize that the reason I ask for assignments to be turned in on time is so I have enough time to read them properly, so I can be sure that I will give each assignment its proper due. Late assignments make that more difficult. However, I will grade it as fairly as I can.”

Student: “okay, I’ll turn it in on Monday.” [ Students almost always pick a date earlier than I would have chosen, if I had picked the date! ]

Cooperative learning means you’re always coming up roses!

One of the consequences of this approach is that I almost never get late assignments! And, my syllabus is not cluttered up with pointless draconian rules that I have no intention of enforcing.

Second , what about the “fairness” issue? Isn’t it unfair to the conscientious students, who get their work in on time, to allow some students to turn assignments in late? I have three responses to this alleged violation of some perceived moral principle. (In what philosophical system is taking account of extenuating circumstances equivalent to a moral failure?)

(1) for students having problems getting assignments in on time, extra time almost never makes a difference in the quality of what they do. The best students in a class are not the ones asking for extensions.

(2) students who get assignments in on time can put that assignment behind them and get on with their lives. By contrast, students who are struggling to complete a late assignment will find they have to forgo other things that they would’ve enjoyed doing, with their assignment-free peers, but instead they are stuck indoors, completing an assignment. Being allowed to turn something in late is no free pass to scholastic heaven. It is a burden.

(3) my goal in assessing my student’s work is to try to figure out what they have learned in my class, and knocking off points from a student’s score because a paper was a day or two late completely muddies the meaning of a grade. I’m not teaching “discipline,” I’m teaching sociology. I want to give students every opportunity to show me what they’ve learned, and if this requires me, every few semesters, to accept a late assignment, I’m quite willing to do so.

Interested in learning more about what to do about late assignments? See this post.

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42 thoughts on “ assignments: better late than never ”.

I’ve been teaching at four-year colleges in the New York area for more than 20 years. I tell students they may hand in assignments late, but if they do, I may not read them and I may not grade them. I tell students I will only possibly read and grade late assignments if I feel I need them to assign a final grade to the student. I don’t believe in “penalizing” a student by downgrading a late assignment….I believe an “A” paper is an “A” paper whether it’s handed in on time or a month late. The opposite is like saying a grilled bronzino with vegetables is “worth” !8.00 if served during the “early-bird” time, but it’s worth 28.00 if served after. Makes no sense!

More accurately, it’s like not having my bronzino served after waiting at the table for an hour, at which point I would leave, taking my appetite and my money to another restaurant. After enough tardy bronzinos, that restaurant would struggle to stay in business.

John, I wonder if that’s the right analogy. Are instructors the ‘customers’ who are waiting for a tasty dish we order but has been prepared by someone else? Maybe George should have used a less fragile example — a cold sandwich? But I guess you’d still want it when you were hungry. However, here is where the analogy really breaks down. As instructors, we’re co-producers of the assignment b/c we provided the initial resources, including the recipe, and the prep instructions. We’re not just sitting back & waiting for 3rd parties we don’t know to serve us. We’re much more actively involved. Thanks for the thought-provoking comment!

That sounds so logical. I still got penalised as a student, for missing the deadline because I was horribly sick from chemotherapy and brain surgery. Lol teacher did not want to be unfair to other students… well, get brain cancer first and then let’s talk about fair.

I wanted to submit my final essay at school today which is going to be due in 2 business day.however the whole campus is claused because of thinks giving. I didn’t know that the campus would be claused the day after thanksgiving and all my documents are saved on the campus’s computers. Is there any way to help me out ?

In planning ahead, think of this motto: “something is either early or it’s late.” No such thing as “on time.” If you plan your life as if you can always submit stuff “on time,” bad stuff will happen, sooner or later. In this case, you’ll have to throw yourself on the mercy of your instructor, claiming ignorance of school policy. Good luck.

My attitude toward late penalties has changed considerably since I first started teaching nearly 20 years ago. After taking some workshops on learner diversity and First Peoples Principles of Learning ( http://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PUB-LFP-POSTER-Principles-of-Learning-First-Peoples-poster-11×17.pdf ), this last semester I finally eliminated all mention of late penalties from my syllabi. I wanted to see what would happen. And you know what happened? Exactly what you described! I’m done with late penalties.

Thank you for articulating all this so well in your post.

Melinda, I’m so glad to hear this! Thanks for having the courage to drop the late penalty clause. Glad to hear it made no difference.

what about? Learning involves recognizing the consequences of one’s actions. ( http://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PUB-LFP-POSTER-Principles-of-Learning-First-Peoples-poster-11×17.pdf ),

It is true that people must learn that their actions have consequences, but that is a very generic kind of learning. People must also learn to recognize the contingencies that affect the conditions under which they apply one rule rather than another. For instructors, I would say that “actions have consequences” is something that parents should teach their children, rather than waiting until the kids get to college. By then, they know that general rule. What instructors need to consider are the conditions under which a harsh penalty is appropriate & when it is not.

I think many students (like myself) face appropriate consequences as the panic over their late assignments. I know that asking for an extension is always my last resort, regardless of the course policy on late work.

I’m working on my masters degree, I’m a family nurse practitioner student. One of my classmates and I turned our papers about 20-30 minutes after deadline (midnight). I simply thought that my instructor is not going to read this paper at midnight anyway and my classmate couldn’t do it because her computer was updating. We both got zeros on our papers. I want to talk to my instructor about giving us at least some credit, but I don’t know how I can convince her. I would appreciate an advice from you.

Yulia, sorry to hear of your troubles. First and most important: what is your instructors stated policy? Was it written in the syllabus that late papers were not accepted? If that is the case, then your instructor will argue that you knew the rules and she can’t make an exception. That’s when you can use the arguments that I raise in my blog post. Second, if there was no stated policy, then I think you have a stronger case for at least having the instructor accept the paper and grade it and then perhaps deduct something from the grade because it was “late.” There’s a big difference between getting a zero on a paper and a C or even a B.in the case of no stated policy, I would make the argument that you did the assignment and the instructor should grade it, for otherwise you’re in the same boat as somebody who didn’t do the assignment at all. That doesn’t seem fair. Third, you could send the link for my blog post to your instructor, to give them advance warning of the argument you will make.

Here is an excellent post on getting rid of late assignment penalties from Tom Schimmer: “Enough with the Late Penalties.” https://tomschimmer.com/2011/02/21/enough-with-the-late-penalties/

I read your article with great interest, but from my experience, I must disagree with a lot of your points.

I teach college English composition courses. My syllabus is ironclad and I thoroughly cover everything in the syllabus on the first day of the semester. I don’t accept late work unless there is a death in the family, or they have a medical reason for missing class. Students are required to upload their assignments via Sakai. They are always given a fair amount of time for each writing assignment, so they’re never rushed to finish a project.

I don’t budge on not taking late work for several reasons. Deadlines are deadlines. Students are supposed to learn the responsibility of becoming an adult and part of that is getting tasks done on time. Punctuality shows initiative, and what so many fail to teach students at the college level these days is time management. Yes, being a college student is a major adjustment. It’s a balancing act. They need to learn how to schedule the proper amount of time for each project. Most don’t. We should not reward procrastination, which is what most students minor in. =)

Deadlines are important in the real world. To apply for graduate school, a student must submit an application on time, as well as get letters of recommendation, apply for grants, etc. After graduation, the same holds true. If submitting an application for a particular job is expected by a certain date, the student needs to realize that the “day after” is too late. Often, for employers, they are looking for future workers who are punctual and have the ability to get their work done by the deadline.

Allowing a student X number of days beyond the deadline is unfair to those who did their work on time. What’s the point of even giving a due date, if it’s going to be dismissed afterwards? I’ve also discovered that students hold a higher level of respect for the instructors/professors who set standards and keep them.

Point 2, you state: “By contrast, students who are struggling to complete a late assignment will find they have to forgo other things that they would’ve enjoyed doing, with their assignment-free peers, but instead they are stuck indoors, completing an assignment.” Most students I have are never ‘assignment-free peers’. They start working on another assignment. The ones who turned their work in on time had to forgo other things they would’ve enjoyed, and from my experience, the ‘struggling’ students forwent doing their assignments by doing something they enjoyed instead. Procrastination is commonplace, and cellphone addiction is a conversation for another day. Sadly, the distractions prevent students from focusing on the more important objectives.

Again, I enjoyed reading your article and your view. Very enlightening to see a different perspective. For me, it would never work. Keep up the great work!

Sam, thank you for your thoughtful disagreement with my points. Your comments reminded me that I probably didn’t put enough context into my argument so that him readers could see the setting in which I was able to use these techniques.

My policy regarding late assignments is not a stand-alone policy, divorced from the overall framework in which the course is organized. The course is embedded in a much bigger philosophy of teaching and learning that enables me to use this specific policy, along with many others. The larger perspective can be glimpsed, I think, by looking at my other blog posts and the many papers and postings I’ve made on teaching and learning over the past decades. (See my “Teaching Resources” webpage.)

The first thing to note is that I get almost no requests for permission to turn in assignments late. From day one, I behave as if I don’t expect late assignments and I emphasize ways in which students can complete their assignments on time. (For those sociologists reading this, I truly believe in the “social construction of reality.”) If, early in the semester a question ever does come up about late assignments – – which is extremely rare – – my reaction always is to say that the course is organized so as to make it possible for people to do their work on time. I ask people to let me know as soon as possible if they are having difficulties and to come and see me. If students persist and ask “yes, but what penalties will I get if I’m late?” I just reply, in mock surprise, “Are you aware today that you’ll be late for something a month or two from now?” And then, in so many words, I tell them that will cross that bridge when we come to it. And the path almost all students follow hardly ever takes them across that bridge.

Second, my now retired colleague, Joe Lowman, who wrote a very good book on college teaching(Mastering the Techniques of Teaching), used the same policy during his 40 years of teaching in the Psychology Department here, and with the same results that I have experienced.

Third, you make an excellent point regarding students needing to learn about deadlines and time management, and I spend time on that in class. My syllabus and calendar, on Sakai, are structured to emphasize punctuality and timeliness. For example, see my blog post on using small wins in creating milestones for students.

Fourth, I take the deadlines extremely seriously, which is why I spend so much time creating milestones to make certain that students will be prepared to meet the deadlines.

Fifth, in almost 50 years of teaching, I don’t recall a student ever saying to me that they felt cheated or treated unfairly because another student received a little extra time to complete an assignment. (Recall again that in my classes, I almost never get late assignments, and so this may not be a very fair test.) I try to build a culture of trust in which I hope students assume that I will use my discretion in a just way.

Six, I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding cell phone addiction and the presence of other distractions in the lives of our undergraduates. I wish I had an answer to that question! I can tell you that I don’t allow cell phone use or laptop use in my classes. Students keep them off unless I direct them to be turned on for use in classroom assignments. Some students even seem relieved to be unburdened of that distraction for 50 or 75 minutes!

Thanks again for your thoughtful comments and for an alternative perspective on my proposals.

Repeat on of the learning principles Learning involves recognizing the consequences of one’s actions. When you create an assignment and you establish a deadline to complete the assignment, what is the consequence for not doing it on time? What if that student that has been trained that late papers are just fine becomes a doctor and it is late for an important surgery of your family member? What if that student that has been trained that late papers are just fine, is late in one maneuver and crashes the airplane with you inside or your family members? There are cases that are exceptional cases in which late assignments can be accepted without penalty, but to make that a rule is dangerous.

Actually, nothing I do is ever strictly rule-governed. Life is full of too many contingencies! Instructors have a huge amount of power over their students & they need to learn to exercise it in a nuanced & humane way.

I think even the laziest college students who truly take advantage of their ability to submit late work are capable of understanding that life and death scenarios should be treated more urgently than an essay.

Dear Anna: thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Yes, I agree: students are adults & should be allowed to weigh the life consequences of their decisions without being burdened by rigid rules.

In my experience, the working world, especially people working for the government, was comprised of painfully mediocre people whose best talent was being on time for everything.

Kimberly, not sure how to reply. Are you saying that some people are so obsessed with being on time that they neglect more important things?

Awesome read. Thank you for sharing.

I am in arts university as a sculptor major and nearly every assignment I have handed in to date has been late. I feel absolutely sick about it because I am here to do my best – it is not my first time at university and I take it very seriously. It makes me wonder if this is my best and if so, how can I ever succeed in life? Most of my profs are accommodating because I have a documented learning disability, I am respectful of them and do my best to take risks, utilize their feedback and submit the best piece of work I can. Others seem to think I think I’m too special to hand things in on time like everyone else. I guess my question is… If I would have failed without the willingness of my profs to accept late work thus far, is this then a message to me that I shouldn’t be here? What’s your stance on students who chronically fail to meet deadlines despite working flat out to meet them? Where do they belong? Any advice?

The same kinds of people who are accommmodating you in college will be there, in the world beyond college, and you should expect the same from them. Every person must find their niche in the world, or carve one out, and you are not more or less “special” than anyone else. I would say that if you feel you belong, you belong. It sounds like you have many people who see you as someone they want to work with & see succeed.

Just a lurker reading your compassionate response, and it honestly moved me to tears. I am a BScN nursing student, three quarters of the way through my degree, and working at full scope as an ESN. I have a previous degree in psychology, and completed IB in highschool at age 16. I have a struggled with late assignments throughout my academic career and I believe I probably will for the rest of my life when it comes to handing in written work. I, too, have a diagnosed learning disability as well as chronic health challenges that plague me. I suffer from PTSD, I struggle financially (I survive off of Canada’s student loan program), and many of my friends and family are dead. For those reasons I miss half of my lectures and I do much of my learning on my own through textbooks and recorded lectures from other universities. I am a gifted student, I can at least recognize that now, and my papers and exams are always in the 90s despite my poor attendance (though now I’m in a highly competitive program they’re more often in the 80s). I know that I am a passionate learner with a lot to offer in the real world and my clinical work with patients is impeccable. However, I don’t think I’ve handed a paper/assignment in on time once this entire program. I lose an average of 15% per course based solely on missed deadlines despite my genuine grades being quite high. I believe that’s fair, because it speaks to my weaknesses overall. But what you said about “if you feel you belong, then you belong” really struck a chord with me. I’ve always felt like a black sheep among impossibly functional academic elites. It took me so many years to recognize my strengths for what they were and to be able to envision a future for myself where I could meaningfully contribute to society. It’s professors like you, who saw beyond my organizational difficulties and gave me opportunities to really shine and showcase my talents, that have allowed me to grow with confidence into the competent professional that I feel I am now. Thank you so, so much!

Alexandra, thanks so much for taking the time to write such a full response! I appreciate your affirmation of the approach I suggested. Good luck in your chosen profession.

I stumbled here as a student feeling discouraged about failing to complete an assignment on time — again. I chronically rely on the mercy of professors. As a person who is eager to learn, does the reading, shows up every day and pays careful attention, I appreciate what your philosophy. I can attest that pushing to get work done while knowing most others were able to complete it on time does not feel like a “free pass.” It feels terrible.

I can’t help posting a response to the comments regarding teaching students about the “real world.” I am 35, with 18 years behind me as a punctual and hardworking employee. Students are not employees, and we come to college with different levels of preparation and difficulties to overcome. And unlike a job, when I fall behind in school the only person who suffers is me.

This week I blew it on two papers (after spending far too much time struggling with the first one, I had little time left for the second). I was granted an extension on the first, and turned in an excellent (per the professor) paper three days late. For the second, I obeyed the strict policy in the syllabus and turned in a dreadfully incomplete paper after a desperate all-nighter. My grade is likely destroyed, and I feel humiliated and dejected.

As a grown-up, I know I am responsible for running out of time. I accept the consequences, but I don’t feel I or anyone else gained anything by them.

Jess, your last sentence points to what I see as the hollow reasoning behind penalizing late papers: what lesson is being taught? Who benefits from the penalty? Surely not other students, as they have never told me that my accepting “late” papers is unfair.

Same boat as you. I am now 37 in a masters program. Would be an A+ student in my undergrad except for handing things in late. But I am still doing it. Been in therapy for over 10 years. Working through my issues but it isn’t easy and it just feels so shitty to be asking for professors mercy constantly. The author really has it correct when he describes the burden of being a late submitter.

I am another student in their 30’s, returning to work after over a decade in the “real world”. One of the biggest issues I’ve seen is that professors assume the worst of their students while also relying on them to support their ego.

As an adult, I have real world issues that sometimes need to be prioritized over my assignments because I am simply not the most important thing in my world and sometimes need to show up for other people. Despite my best efforts I do sometimes turn in assignments late or miss class. The few times I’ve tried to explain, professors stop me three sentences in and say “I don’t want to get involved”. I realized very quickly that they were expecting something silly and became very uncomfortable with basic, grown up issues that all adults should feel comfortable discussing.

By only offering flexibility with explanations, the professor holds all the power and can quickly close the lines of communication. I have had to accept zeros on exams and labs despite previous notice of a court summons (not even for something my fault!), and I’ve accepted that even though I’ve never gotten lower than a 93 on an exam, show up to class on time, and complete most assignments on time, I am simply not trusted as a competent adult by all of my professors.

The culture of mistrust towards undergraduates needs to stop. The slippery slopes in the comments above simply aren’t true, and having come from the “real world” into academia, I can now see very clearly why my younger colleagues would often sit on tasks and not communicate if there was an issue or question. If I had gone to college first, I likely would have picked up the same work habits!

The truth is, the strict deadline clauses do not promote personal growth and is an exercise of power, not a lesson in accountability. The real world is harsh, but it is significantly more forgiving than academia.

Hi “Greenstick”! Thanks for yet another example of the absurdity of rigid rules regarding “late” assignments. Instructors can grow into better humans if they learn to recognize the importance of students as individuals, not as “the student who must follow the rules regardless.”

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I look forward to seeing more from you.

Pingback: Keeping Discussions Real: Use Genuine Examples, Not Simulated Ones | Howard Aldrich

And students should question it. We are not in class or attend school to only accept the status quo or not ask why – or what comes at us. We are to question and question some more. The “no late assignment rule” is inhumane and ableist.

Dear Gregory: Thanks for your note. Good point: question authority was what I was taught, back in the 1960s, and that is still a good motto to live by! Your point about the no late assignment rule being abelist is also well taken.

I’m generally a good student with decent grades, but sometimes (esp in the end of the semester when there’s 3 to 4 deadlines a week) I just get so burnt out and can’t write a word even I have a detailed outline ready. I hand in stuff late for perhaps 1 or 2 times and feel terrible about that because I tried my best but its not enough. It’s true that punishing student harshly for late submission won’t encourage punctuality. It would only make me feel worse and less motivated to hand in higher quality work. I would probably just submit whatever incomplete draft I happen to have next time after receiving a deduction in grade for late work.

Izzy, thanks for pointing out the emotional costs of penalties. I’m curious to learn: when you notice that you’ve going to be late, do you approach your instructor & explain the situation? Many instructors don’t realize the issues students are facing & are surprised when they learn about them. Sometimes, it is just a matter of opening up to your instructor & explaining what’s happening. You may not have to “request” an extension” — they may simply offer it to you. Try it!

It has been fascinating and educational to read your post and the thoughtful and divergent responses. I have a similar policy for substantial assignments — like papers and projects. However, I have a different type of assignment that I am dealing with now. One (though not the only) goal of this type of assignment is to ensure that students have done the reading and thought about it before class discussion. (The course is a freshman seminar that is a general education requirement.) In this case, not handing the assignment in on time means not being prepared for class, so it matters beyond the quality of the work or the individual student. To clarify, these are small, but not inconsequential, assignments that range from selecting quotations from the reading and posing questions about the reading to writing a first-attempt analysis of a quotation from the reading (~300 words). I would be interested to know how you or others treat this type of assignment.

What are your thoughts on someone who has a medical issue who asks the prof for extra time and it is granted and then loses points for the late submission – though this was never articulated and she tells the rest of the class they may submit late?

I would say that you should first find out what her reasons were, if any, and if you find them unsatisfactory, take the issue to the department chair & then to the Dean, if need be. If an instructor is going to impose a late penalty, that should be clear from the outset. It is unfair to give someone extra time & then penalize them for accepting the offer.

I’m on year three of teaching an online course for graduate students, most of whom are working as well. I originally used the same late assignment policy as the ground version of the course, which was No Late Assignments Accepted. Last year, I had multiple students with emergencies who reached out to me. Of course, I wanted to be compassionate and ended up accepting late assignments.

I’m updating my syllabus right now and found your post while searching for examples flexible due date policies. After reading your post, I’m thinking of just simplifying my late assignment policy to “due dates are posted. Contact me as soon as possible if there’s an issue.” Even with some version of flexible due dates, there’s still going to be emergencies and some students will ask, but others won’t think to do so and will just not turn in assignment or drop the course, and that doesn’t help anyone.

I’m going to think on this a bit more. Thank you for this perspective.

I like your new, simpler statement about assignments. You’re right: the ‘smart’ students ask about what to do if they can’t meet a date, but others just try to power through or don’t do the assignment. So, your new policy is a big improvement.

Comments are closed.

Better Late than Never

The phrase 'Better Late than Never' means that doing something late is better than not doing it at all. Example of Use:  "Sorry I was late for the meeting today; I got stuck in traffic." Answer: "That's okay; better late than never."

Interesting fact about Better Late than Never

Like so many interesting phrases, the origin of the idiom 'better late than never' is classic literature. Attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer, it was first seen in 1386 in The Yeoman’s Tale, which in turn is found in The Canterbury Tales: “For better than never is late; never to succeed would be too long a period.”

better late than never

Meaning | Synonyms

• it is better for somebody or something to be late than never to arrive or to happen
• it is better to do something late than to not/never do it at all
• it is better to arrive late to an event than not to show up

Example Sentence

• All of us have been waiting for you for two hours – but better late than never .
• I know that it took me weeks to send the letter, but better late than never.
• It took me three years to complete the training course but better late than never , right?
• He showed up for the wedding when they were already cutting the cake. Better late than never , I suppose.
• Better late than never , former Clay star Berger to throw out first pitch at Indians game.
• I was thinking that you will not come to my help anymore – anyways, better late than never .
• A friend of mine has passed 12th grade after failing since 5 years in a row  – well it’s better late than never .

The proverb was first recorded in 1200. It appeared in several collections of English proverbs.

The first time the phrase appears in print in English was in “The Yeoman’s Tale from The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer published in 1386.

“For better than never is late; never to succeed would be too long a period.”

The Latin phrase ‘potiusque sero quam numquam’ which translates as “better late than never” was used in History of Rome, written around 27 BCby Titus Livius.

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For those people driving fast to get somewhere on time, you should tell them better late than never .

‒ Khashayar December 9, 2020

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Essay on “Better Late Than Never” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Better Late Than Never

In life, we sometimes come across some late bloomers in our own family or elsewhere. Such were Einstein, Churchill, Gandhiji and several others. Modern scientists tell us that they or at least some of them, suffered from dyslexia. It means that even though they were really intelligent, they could not express their intelligence in their speech or on the paper.

It does not mean that if a person has once missed the bus, he will always miss it. If a student once fails in an examination, he should try once again. He may pass the examination the next time. He may get even very high marks which a renewed study of curricula can ensure him.

If any of the members of our family or anybody in our social circle falls in evil ways, he may not be shunned and treated as a pariah. Instead, he should be given a chance to improve his ways of life. We ourselves can come to his rescue and help him in changing the course of his life for the better. The famous film actor Sanjay Dutt had got addicted to drugs. With the help of de-addiction specialists and through sheer will power, he came over it. Others can take a cue from him and again become useful members of society.

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