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Good educators significantly impact a student's life. But so can the bad ones. 

Today's list continues Bored Panda's series of articles covering some teachers' irksome and unprofessional behavior. While a few submissions are laughable, others prove that not everyone is fit for the job. 

Some of you may have had similar experiences, so feel free to share them in the comments.

#1

Teachers Need To Understand Students Don't Always Sleep In Class Just Because Of Laziness

Teachers Need To Understand Students Don't Always Sleep In Class Just Because Of Laziness

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#2

I Was A Teacher For 8 Years, And I Never Made A Student Feel Small After Asking For Help

I Was A Teacher For 8 Years, And I Never Made A Student Feel Small After Asking For Help

washedupteach Report

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Outgraygeous
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The magic of washii tape! I partially open difficult things and then seal them for my kid.

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#3

"They Both Tried To Laugh It Off Like It Was All A Silly Misunderstanding And Never Apologized To Me"

"They Both Tried To Laugh It Off Like It Was All A Silly Misunderstanding And Never Apologized To Me"

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“Bad teachers are extremely rare,” according to decorated film producer, screenwriter, and English teacher Ellie Herman. But having seen her fair share of subpar educators, she found five common tendencies. One of them is having a noticeable dislike towards children. 

“The number one quality I’ve observed in bad teachers is that they do not seem to like children very much. In high schools, this means they do not seem to find teenagers charming, funny, or interesting—ever.”

#5

It Took Him A While

It Took Him A While

Just for some perspective, I emailed him in my 2nd year of undergrad. I have graduated from my undergrad, have two master's degrees, and I'm in the 6th year of my PhD.

academijung Report

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David Paterson
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why I wouldn't make a good teacher. Some time I'll get to answer those emails from 15 years ago.

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#6

A Former Teacher Of Mine Publicly Ridiculing And Passing Judgement On Someone For Being Proud Of Their Sobriety

A Former Teacher Of Mine Publicly Ridiculing And Passing Judgement On Someone For Being Proud Of Their Sobriety

ander2kv Report

Disinterest in the subject they’re teaching is another tendency among bad teachers, according to Herman. 

“If asked ‘why are you teaching this?’ will you respond ‘because it will be on the test’? Every teacher has dud lessons from time to time (believe me), but what I sense in the classrooms of bad teachers is that they have no interest in their entire subject.”

#7

Apparently Enjoying The Workout Is Part Of The Grade

Apparently Enjoying The Workout Is Part Of The Grade

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#8

My Brother's Kindergarten Teacher Printed These Out For The Class

My Brother's Kindergarten Teacher Printed These Out For The Class

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#9

I Had To Do A Survey For Math And Made It As Simple As Humanly Possible, But According To The English Professor, Hostel Isn't A Word

I Had To Do A Survey For Math And Made It As Simple As Humanly Possible, But According To The English Professor, Hostel Isn't A Word

reddit.com Report

Beloved teachers have one trait in common: they care. They are genuinely invested in their students’ success. But some are already emotionally checked out, and Herman says it shows. 

“A central quality in truly bad teachers is that they seem to have stopped caring; this lack of engagement is reflected not only in their interactions with students (or lack thereof) but in their seemingly random choice of lesson topics.”

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#10

I Had An English Final Exam Today, And I Had To Describe This Image. Teacher's Copy vs. Student's Copy

I Had An English Final Exam Today, And I Had To Describe This Image. Teacher's Copy vs. Student's Copy

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ElfVibratorGlitter
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a black and white copy, of a copy, of a copy, of a copy, of a copy, of a copy, of a copy, of a copy, of a copy, of the original colour photo.

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#11

My 3rd Grade Kids Were Given This Ridiculous Project

My 3rd Grade Kids Were Given This Ridiculous Project

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Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Must be able to fly. Must be able to turn lead into gold. Must be able to demonstrate we live on a Flat Earth.

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#12

My Son Then Told Him That Was Offensive, Explaining That Autism Means Seeing The World Differently And That Jesus’ Perfection Was About Being Sinless, Not Neurotypical

My Son Then Told Him That Was Offensive, Explaining That Autism Means Seeing The World Differently And That Jesus’ Perfection Was About Being Sinless, Not Neurotypical

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Tobias Reaper
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my nephew is autistic and when he was 5 or 6 he was upset and started cry and said his brain was broken someone had said something to me it absolutely broke my heart. Being neurodivergent myself i know its not something that needs to be healed at all so this dude can bugger right off

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Teachers have their favorite students; however, it won’t be an issue if everyone receives fair treatment. It becomes a problem when these biases become evident. 

“The truly bad teachers I’ve observed tend to engage only with a small number of very compliant, eager students, ignoring the rest except to reprimand troublemakers,” Herman says.

#13

We Are No Longer Allowed To Yawn In My College Course, With Points Off Our Grade As Punishment

We Are No Longer Allowed To Yawn In My College Course, With Points Off Our Grade As Punishment

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Bernd Herbert
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And while you’re at it, please stop breathing! That also has a negative impact on me

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#14

This Typo Caused Me To Fail The Entire Assignment

This Typo Caused Me To Fail The Entire Assignment

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#15

So Rude And For What

So Rude And For What

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However, there are people who see some benefit in having their kids learn under bad teachers. Author Linda Flanagan is a mother of three teenagers, and here’s what she’s observed. 

“An indifferent teacher can compel the self-motivated student to pursue his own interests,” she wrote in an article for HuffPost. “The teacher who spends class time devouring People while students fill out worksheets might not inspire, but she might prompt a little self-directed learning just the same."

#16

My Teacher Still Refuses To Give A 100% Score

My Teacher Still Refuses To Give A 100% Score

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Luis Hernandez Dauajare
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked at a French academy for a while. This is a French as Second Language exam, sometimes points are deducted for little things, as accent marks or punctuation, or even pronunciation if there is an oral component. But also native French teachers are notoriously demanding. And maybe the teacher is just a jerk...

Avoidance_Panda
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my work assesments it's known we will never get a 100, if someone gives a 100 then the test is re assessed because it's to easy and the assessor is assessed to ensure they are marking fairly, and so would make it harder for those who don't get good marks and make alot more paperwork for the assessor... So we all get 90's...lol

Bernd Herbert
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Student should ask the teacher to give a reason where points were deducted

Luis Hernandez Dauajare
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a teacher myself, I would say that the teacher *MUST* always give such reasons. I often tell my students "I don't care if you are satisfied with your grade, but whether or not you *understand* why you got it".

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Ellinor
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The German teacher of my aunt would never give her good grades, like never, for a full year. But it wasn't just that she missed a few points, she would always have like 12% whatever she did. My grandfather was really pissed at my aunt so he tried something : He made her homework himself, and he got 5%. My grandfather is German, it's his native tongue. That's when he understood that the teacher was full of cr*p.

Tabitha
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have had jobs where the boss has stated that no one gets 100% on an employee review. Really great way to tell excellent employees it’s not worth it to be excellent, because you’re not going to get recognized for it.

SBocker78
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At my last job, no one was allowed a 5 (highest score) on their performance review because "Everyone has room for improvement." Of course, you could only get a raise if you got a 5. It was a French company operating in the U.S.

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Malek Basata
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always when I had a writing in an exam I'd always lose a mark even if I didn't have an error

Nikki Hilton
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even other teachers hate teachers who do this. It's not the badge of courage this prof thinks it is.

Certainly not Dan
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My father went to a catholic boarding school, no one ever got 100% ‘because only God is perfect’

SirWriteALot
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Must be a french thing. Once had a teacher fail me for using "x" in a multiple choice test instead of a "o". She thought I "crossed out the answer".

Nimitz
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a biology/math teacher like this. Even if my work was perfect she would go over it and deduct 1/10 to 1/2 a percent for things like "that e doesn't have good enough penmanship". Luckily my physics teacher just rubber stamped 100%

Mr.Li
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had a racist jerk of teacher. We got a test back. Another classmate had scored the same amount of points than me, but got the better grade. I showed jerkTeach that and he shrugged it off. Spouting b******t that people of arian descend will get better treatment.

Michael Largey
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a freshman in high school, I got a b+ on my first English essay. My English teacher admitted it was better than that, but "In my class, no one gets an A on their first essay." We did not become friends.

Foxinamug
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because 25 is a quarter of 100, you'd multiply 24.9 by 4 to get the percentage, so it loses 4 lots of 0.1, giving 99.6

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arthbach
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope. There is a tradition in France were students are never given 100%. The student is not perfect, and does not achieve a perfect score, even if they have successfully answered all of the questions correctly. It is just something people have to accept, as the French education system is not going to change this at any time soon. Treat it as a cultural oddity, and move on.

pelemele
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@arthbach, Not always, I have often seen teachers give the maximum mark. In the present case it is not a sign of incompetence on the part of the teacher, just pettiness.

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#17

Apparently, My Answer Was Wrong Because The Teacher Forgot To Add An End Parentheses

Apparently, My Answer Was Wrong Because The Teacher Forgot To Add An End Parentheses

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#18

My Teacher Only Lets Us Go To The Bathroom 3 Times A Month

My Teacher Only Lets Us Go To The Bathroom 3 Times A Month

Imayhaveeatenthedog Report

Flanagan's example of a bad teacher is someone she describes as a "tyrant" and "petty dictator" who is more about control. She says having these people as mentors is a valuable experience when entering the real world. 

"These skills will come in handy when it's time to renew a driver's license, contest an insurance payment, or dispute a cable bill. Having a tyrant for a teacher helps young people appreciate why abuses of power must be resisted throughout life."

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#19

This Teacher Is Wild

This Teacher Is Wild

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Red Wyvern Emperor
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude for 200$ an hour I will pick that cotton and prepare field for next year. XD

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#20

I Would Hate That In My Classes

I Would Hate That In My Classes

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#21

I'm A Blind Guy, And My Teachers Tell Me They Don't Know Why I'm Not Looking Forward To The School Trip To The Museum. Can Anyone Guess Why?

I'm A Blind Guy, And My Teachers Tell Me They Don't Know Why I'm Not Looking Forward To The School Trip To The Museum. Can Anyone Guess Why?

Frikandelneuker Report

Flanagan also experienced what she describes as “the idealogue” when her son’s seventh-grade biology teacher pushed his belief in creationism onto his students. 

“It introduces kids to mankind’s endless capacity for self-deception. Warning: this lesson only applies when there’s a rational adult in the mix to provide a reality check.”

#22

I Did My Biology Assignment. It Counted Me Wrong Because I Put Their First And Last Names

I Did My Biology Assignment. It Counted Me Wrong Because I Put Their First And Last Names

ChikinNuggetsRmine Report

#23

My Teacher: "Go To This Link And Fill Out The Form"

My Teacher: "Go To This Link And Fill Out The Form"

BramKalkman Report

#24

My Son Misspelled A Word, So The Teacher "Corrected" Him

My Son Misspelled A Word, So The Teacher "Corrected" Him

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#25

Woke Up At 7 AM, Headed To Class In The Freezing Rain, Just To See "Class Is Cancelled" Written On The Whiteboard And The Door Locked. No Email Or Anything First

Woke Up At 7 AM, Headed To Class In The Freezing Rain, Just To See "Class Is Cancelled" Written On The Whiteboard And The Door Locked. No Email Or Anything First

Firecracker7413 Report

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elmortero
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My age/generation is about to be revealed, but there were times when that was normal

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#26

My Son’s First Grade Teacher Sent This Home Today

My Son’s First Grade Teacher Sent This Home Today

highfivesandhandjobs Report

#27

Our Driving Class Teacher Is Never On Time. She Should've Been Here 20 Minutes Ago

Our Driving Class Teacher Is Never On Time. She Should've Been Here 20 Minutes Ago

Things like this repeat all the time. Previously, we had to wait for her for 30+ minutes.

Olya_roo Report

#29

My Teacher Printed The Video File On Paper

My Teacher Printed The Video File On Paper

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#31

The Article For An Assignment In Class Is Paid

The Article For An Assignment In Class Is Paid

Accomplished_Bike149 Report

#32

This Program Our Professor Wants Us To Use For Our Tests

This Program Our Professor Wants Us To Use For Our Tests

The reviews all say it's spyware and that it ruins computers. In the past, we’ve used Honorlock, but this professor just had to be different.

TexasMeatMan Report

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#33

The Lines A Fellow Teacher Gave A 7-Year-Old Student To Write 20 Times As A Consequence

The Lines A Fellow Teacher Gave A 7-Year-Old Student To Write 20 Times As A Consequence

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Zephyr
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Explanation: I must remember to forget the correct shoes to wear which means ( consequence lines = no meaning)

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#34

When Teachers Give Diagrams Like This

When Teachers Give Diagrams Like This

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#35

My Four-Year-Old Daughter's Preschool Homework. "Match The Pictures" With No Other Context

My Four-Year-Old Daughter's Preschool Homework. "Match The Pictures" With No Other Context

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#36

This Sign Is On A High School Classroom Door

This Sign Is On A High School Classroom Door

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#37

My French Teacher Gave Us New "French Names" About Two Weeks Ago And Takes Off Points From Your Exams And Daily Participation If You Don't Refer To Yourself By Your French Name

My French Teacher Gave Us New "French Names" About Two Weeks Ago And Takes Off Points From Your Exams And Daily Participation If You Don't Refer To Yourself By Your French Name

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Zephyr
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think some cultures would find this offensive,............ wait, I find this offensive

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#39

My Blind Child Came Home From School Today With This Homework

My Blind Child Came Home From School Today With This Homework

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Jas Warner
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've accidentally put work in people's cubbys who shouldn't have gotten it. WE ARE OVER WORKED! CHILL. It was probably an honest mistake and things happen.

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#40

Kindergarten Homework Is Kicking My Butt. "In Front" Or "Behind"? I Got -2 Points For This

Kindergarten Homework Is Kicking My Butt. "In Front" Or "Behind"? I Got -2 Points For This

Fresh_Counter Report

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LuckyL
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry - but it already starts with "kindergarten homework" - whaaat??

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#41

This Stressed My Son Out. Literally Impossible

This Stressed My Son Out. Literally Impossible

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#42

My Kid's Science Teacher Assigned An 82-Question Packet To Be Done Over Spring Break

My Kid's Science Teacher Assigned An 82-Question Packet To Be Done Over Spring Break

gardenbikie821 Report

#43

No Point In Studying For The Final

No Point In Studying For The Final

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Andi
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This means that you have done so badly in other exams that to get a passing grade you will need a higher score than is possible - its not difficult if somewhat a funny way to put it -

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#44

Teacher Not Happy With Marching Band Score And Award

Teacher Not Happy With Marching Band Score And Award

DesertRat13 Report

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Nawny
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Band teachers can be wild. Had one in elementary school that used to throw recorders, ukuleles and chairs at students. Like 6 year olds. Or maybe it was just the 80’s that was wild lol.

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#45

I Didn’t Know People Actually Covered Clocks In Schools

I Didn’t Know People Actually Covered Clocks In Schools

JacobIsAFroggyBoi Report

#46

The Way My Math Teacher Numbers His Worksheets

The Way My Math Teacher Numbers His Worksheets

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#48

My University Cancelled Class Today Due To The Weather (A Freezing Rainstorm Caused Thick Layers Of Ice All Over The Campus), But My Professor Still Wants Us To Go To Our Lab

My University Cancelled Class Today Due To The Weather (A Freezing Rainstorm Caused Thick Layers Of Ice All Over The Campus), But My Professor Still Wants Us To Go To Our Lab

Lada730 Report

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UncleJohn3000
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Forward it to the office that closed the school. Massive liability could occur.

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#49

All Of My School's Printers Are Auto-Configured To Print Double-Sided. However, My Programming Teacher Requires Code To Be Printed Single-Sided

All Of My School's Printers Are Auto-Configured To Print Double-Sided. However, My Programming Teacher Requires Code To Be Printed Single-Sided

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Morphuny
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Requires code to be PRINTED? We would get kicked of computer class for that at university 😂 we have to give them the code as a python script or something but never ever print code

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#50

This Keyboard At My College. Teachers, Don't Let Us Clean It

This Keyboard At My College. Teachers, Don't Let Us Clean It

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Note: this post originally had 60 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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