QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE EMAILING YOUR TEACHER

because we're people whose anxiety is often linked to the state of our inboxes, too.

1. "Is it on the syllabus?"

You do. Because you have a syllabus. And "it" is probably on it.

2. "Is it in an email?"

Yup. The one where I explained that thing you're about to ask.

3. "Is it on Blackboard?"

Silly you! Of course you checked Blackboard!

4. "Is it on the assignment sheet?"

You have it. I gave it to you. I even put it online.

5. "Have I asked a classmate?"

DO IT. Just like this chick.

6. "Have I been to office hours?"

YES. YOU DO WANT TO GO TO THERE. I'M THERE. WAITING. FOR YOU.

7. "Have I already asked this?"

Me too. Delicious crazy pills of knowledge.

8. "Is this common knowledge/sense?"

Your brain: it's a beautiful thing.

IF THE ANSWER TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS IS YES, DO NOT EMAIL YOUR TEACHER.

BUT! IF THE ANSWER TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS IS NO, PLEASE, BY ALL MEANS, SEND AN ARTICULATE, RHETORICALLY-AWARE EMAIL TO YOUR TEACHER!