Should I send this email to a prof?

Sam

Fairly self explanatory

Prof. Sullivan, I realize I never got around to asking if the question on four works where the characters undertake a journey was in fact a question, and I realize now that I left it off, meaning to go back to it. In any case my answer would have been Heart of Darkness, Aurora Leigh, Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Don Juan. I recall that my answers on the test concerning those works would indicate familiarity with those works enough to know at the time of the test that they involved journeys. However I understand if it is too late to do anything about it.

Cauld

I would go talk to him/her in person instead.

Iceman.USAF

Do both. After that explanation, request a brief sit down. That way he/she knows you are quite serious about explaining the situation.

Meeting in person can go miles with people.

The Crowing One

You can squeak this by if you're concerned about your grade, certainly. Go see him in person and just let him know that you had the remaining part of the question answered.

In all, it's more a question of the nature of his character than anything else. If he's a nice guy he'll cut a break, if not then, well, not.

EggyToast

If this is you saying "Oh crap, I just realized I didn't finish my answer!" you should send an email stating that specifically, before going into the specifics as you do. Perhaps state that you'd be happy to meet up with your prof in order to "finish" the question, not as an extension but just that it's bugging you now that you realized it.

Most professors are gracious when students admit to mistakes, especially honest ones. If your prof just sees an answer that stops, he or she will likely grade it negatively. If you point out almost immediately (in this case via email) that you just realized that an answer is incomplete, and point out why, they're more likely to perceive it as a simple misunderstanding, rather than you slacking off or not knowing. Many profs will grade a test or exam in parts, so may not even do your entire test at once.

So write the email now so the prof knows, and go see the prof in person if you don't hear back.

MurphysParadox

The email tells the professor that you did forget it. However, if you want him to care, you need to go into the office and talk to him about it. Even if he doesn't grant you any credit for the question, you should still given him the answer, in person, so that he knows that you aren't just begging for more credit. It'll help establish you in his mind - this is rarely a bad thing with college professors.

Vixx

See him. Send an E-mail quickly asking for an appointment regarding a sensitive situation with your paper and follow-up by meeting up with him after the next class (this shows a sense of urgency). Ask him then if he saw the E-mail and ask to firm up the appointment if he hasn't already done so (this forces him to reply to you in a timely fashion). If he asks what it's about, quickly allude to the fact that it's about a specific question on the paper and you'd rather speak to him in private about it.

Then meet him and explain away.