Valerie, Extra credit to pass a student or to raise their grade is too much (grade inflation). I agree a bonus question on an exam is ok, as it probably represents less than a whole percentage point. To give points above what is stated at the beginning of a course just distorts the grading system, and creates the potential for ill feelings by some students. I just chosse not to go there - and my students soon learn not even to ask (becasue they know what the anwser will be). Barry Westling