Summer's over, school's is in now. So we asked our readers for their favourite excuses to skip lessons. Here are the best answers...
1. Sorry, I'm off to the vet!
I woke up and saw my dog lying on the floor, motionless. Then I found out why - he had eaten my homework! I had to rush him to the vet, so I had to miss school!
Sean Wong, 12, St Joseph's College
2. A 'painful' experience
It's got to be the classic "I have a stomach ache". Unlike a fever, no one can "measure" your tummy problem. Only you know about the "terrible pain" you're going through.
Tayyab Shahzada, 15, Sha Tin College
3. Bye, bye school!
Send an email to the school using your parents' account saying that you're sick. Then you wave goodbye to your parents who will think that you're going to school. But instead you park yourself at Starbucks and work on that history essay due tomorrow. The school will think you're at home, while your parents will think you're at school.
Annette Kim, 15, Chinese International School
4. Ideas at fever pitch
Turn down the air conditioner to the lowest temperature, turning my room into an icebox - perfect for catching a cold. Then I will dive into a pool of cold water and use a strong fan to blow my body dry. It's the perfect "plot" to get fever early in the morning. Morning sickness! No school!
Philip Cheung, 13, Immaculate Heart of Mary College
5. Sheer terror
My grandfather died in the 9/11 attack; you can't expect me to get over that kind of emotional trauma overnight.
Maryam Gul, 14,St Margaret's Girls' College, Hong Kong
6. Simply a pain in the head
Saying that you have a headache is the best way to skip school. That way, you don't cause any headaches to others and you can avoid the hectic school schedule by hiding under a blanket while pretending to rest your weary body and mind.
Kira Lai, 16, Earl Haig Secondary School (Canada)
7. Fully occupied
"I have to be down at Occupy Central to fight for a better tomorrow for Hong Kong!" In truth, I'm just playing video games at home ... I feel so guilty!
Liam Fung, 12, Chinese International School
8. Festive fun
Indians celebrate loads of festivals every year, and the best excuse to skip school has got to be "I'm supposed to take part in an important ritual, so I won't be able to attend class". Teachers don't usually scream at students who respect traditions. Hence, you can celebrate with family and friends wholeheartedly without worrying about school!
Joy Pamnani, 16, PLK Ngan Po Ling College
9. Deadly thoughts
I think the best excuse to skive off school is to take part in Occupy Central and tell our parents that the city is dying!
Li Ka-ki, 17, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School
10. Back-breaking task
I play a lot of field hockey, so I have a hunched posture. I can always say I can't go to school because I can barely get up from bed because of the severe back pain!
Minnie Yip, 16, Diocesan Girls' School
Next week:
For our next Top 10, tell us where Occupy Central protests should be held and why! Send your response, together with your name, age and school, to [email protected] with "Top 10: Occupy" in the subject field. The best answers will be published in the next Top 10 page.