There are all sorts of crazy excuses people use. such as a dog ate my homework. that is such a widely big lie that no one believes it so if it actually does happen the teacher wont believe you. I usually use a pretty clever excuse that is easily believable and wont get me in trouble. I know where to draw the line when it comes to believable excuses. I usually just say i left my homework at home to get out of homework being late. When it comes to helping people out work-wise i usually just say im busy helping my parents.