1.Do I need the textbook?

2. Do I need to read the textbook?

3. Do I need to know this for the test?

4.  I missed class -- did you do anything important?  This is closely related to the equally-to-be-avoided "I missed class -- did I miss anything"? (It may not be nice, but professors asked this question are prone to answer, mentally if not verbally, "Of course not --a soon as I noticed you were absent, I canceled class!").

5. Any question that is answered in clear, plain English on the course syllabus (especially if the question is “Can I do extra credit” when the syllabus says no).

6. Are the grades done yet? (Never to be asked less than a week after the exam or assignment date; especially never to be asked the day of the final)

7. How do I get an A in this class?