Question about cheating on test

[thememphisman]

So, I went to turn in my test to the teacher, as I was about to hand it in I saw the answer key, my answer to one part of the question was 20.7 when the correct answer was 20.5. I quickly drew a 5 over the 7 so as to have the right answer. My teacher saw me writing something and told me to stop, which I did, but not after having wrote the 5 over the 7. My question is this a mortal sin? I know that it is a sin, and regardless of its being venial or mortal I am sorry. What should I do? Thanks

 

[Newbie2]

Venial. Tell the teacher that you got that one wrong.

 

[Catholic90]

Oh, bad. So how did you feel when you cheated? Proud of yourself? Nope, did not think so. That little voice is your conscience (or God) telling you it was wrong. Be honest with the teacher. You will gain respect in the teacher’s eyes, and you will feel better about yourself.

 

[promethius]

So, I went to turn in my test to the teacher, as I was about to hand it in I saw the answer key, my answer to one part of the question was 20.7 when the correct answer was 20.5. I quickly drew a 5 over the 7 so as to have the right answer. My teacher saw me writing something and told me to stop, which I did, but not after having wrote the 5 over the 7. My question is this a mortal sin? I know that it is a sin, and regardless of its being venial or mortal I am sorry. What should I do? Thanks

You haven’t provided enough detail? How did you KNOW the right answer was 20.5? Did you rethink it on your way up to the teacher’s desk? If so, was there a rule against changing an answer after leaving your desk or were you past your time limit to answer questions?

Otherwise, did you see the answer on another classmate’s answer sheet? Did you see the teacher’s answer key to the test?

If you cheated by taking another person’s answer, the teacher’s answer, or broke a rule of the test by writing when you shouldn’t have, then you should go to the teacher and ask them to take back credit for that question. If you figured out the question on your own and wrote it at an acceptable time, then I don’t see anything wrong here.

In other words, it’s going to depend on the specifics of the case.