Help me answer this question: [QUESTION] Context that may affect the answer: [CONTEXT] My goal is to [DECISION OR OUTCOME]. The intended reader and their level of knowledge are [AUDIENCE]. Use this material as the source of truth where relevant: [SOURCE MATERIAL OR CONSTRAINTS]. First, identify the real question being asked and separate facts, reasonable inferences, and opinions. If a required input is missing, ask up to 3 focused clarifying questions before answering. Otherwise, answer directly. Produce:
1. A direct answer in 2-4 sentences. 2. The reasoning in 3-6 concise points, including any assumptions you had to make. 3. A practical recommendation or next action tied to my stated goal. 4. A short “Limits and uncertainty” section that distinguishes what is known from what needs verification. 5. If there are credible alternatives, a comparison table with criteria, trade-offs, and the situation in which each option wins. Do not fill gaps with plausible-sounding facts, citations, dates, quotes, capabilities, or legal, medical, financial, or safety advice. If this question depends on current information, say what should be checked and where to check it. Define specialized terms the first time you use them. Before finalizing, run two checks: (1) flag every material claim that is unsupported by my source material or general established knowledge, and (2) confirm that the recommendation follows from the criteria I gave, rather than from an unstated preference.
Fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [QUESTION] | Paste the exact question you need answered. | Should our 12-person design agency adopt a four-day client meeting schedule? |
| [CONTEXT] | Add relevant background, constraints, timing, and facts that change the answer. | We serve SaaS clients in US time zones; account managers currently spend 14 hours a week in recurring meetings. |
| [DECISION OR OUTCOME] | State what you need to decide, produce, or do after receiving the answer. | Choose a pilot policy for the next eight weeks. |
| [AUDIENCE] | Describe who will use the answer and how familiar they are with the topic. | Agency partners who understand operations but want a concise recommendation. |
| [SOURCE MATERIAL OR CONSTRAINTS] | Paste notes, links, policies, data, or rules the answer must use. | Client contracts require response within one business day; no client may lose a standing weekly meeting without approval. |
How to use
- Replace every bracketed field, especially the outcome you need to decide.
- Paste source notes after the prompt instead of asking the model to infer missing facts.
- Check the limits section before relying on a recommendation.
- Follow up with: “Turn the recommendation into a one-page action plan with owner, deadline, and success measure for each step.”
Variations
Research brief
Use this when you need a decision-ready summary from several sources.
Create a research brief on [TOPIC] for [AUDIENCE] to decide [DECISION]. Use only [SOURCES]. Start with a 100-word conclusion, then provide a table of claims, supporting source, confidence level, and counterevidence. Separate direct evidence from inference. Identify missing data that could change the decision and give the three highest-value questions to investigate next. Do not invent citations or treat marketing claims as independent evidence. Before answering, check that every factual statement can be traced to a supplied source.
Explain simply
Use this when the reader needs a clear explanation without losing important caveats.
Explain [TOPIC] to [AUDIENCE], who currently know [CURRENT KNOWLEDGE]. They need to understand it well enough to [USE CASE]. Give a plain-language overview, define up to five essential terms, then walk through one realistic example using [EXAMPLE CONTEXT]. Include a short section on common misunderstandings and what is uncertain or context-dependent. Avoid jargon unless defined. Do not use facts that are not established or supplied. Check that the example does not imply a guarantee or oversimplify a material exception.
Compare options
Use this when you must choose among defined options against stated criteria.
Compare [OPTION A], [OPTION B], and [OPTION C] for [DECISION]. Score each against [CRITERIA] using only [AVAILABLE FACTS]. Produce a comparison table, explain the two most important trade-offs, and recommend an option only if the evidence supports one. State which assumptions drive the result and how the recommendation changes if [KEY CONDITION] changes. Do not manufacture prices, performance claims, or customer data. Before finalizing, verify that the scoring criteria match the decision rather than merely what is easiest to measure.
Tips
- Give the model the decision behind your question; “which option should I use for a two-month pilot?” produces a more usable answer than “tell me about these options.”
- Paste the policy, data, or notes that govern the answer, then require the model to label assumptions instead of silently supplying them.
- For consequential answers, ask for the strongest counterargument and the fact that would most change the recommendation.
- Treat an answer with confident wording but no stated source or uncertainty as a draft to investigate, not a verified conclusion.
FAQ
Why does ChatGPT give generic answers to detailed questions?
It usually lacks the decision context, audience, source material, or constraints that determine a useful answer. Put those inputs in the prompt and ask it to expose assumptions.
Can I use this prompt for current events or product comparisons?
Yes, but require it to identify information that needs current verification. Check primary sources, current pricing, and dates before acting.
Should I ask the AI to cite sources?
Ask for sources when research is needed, but open and verify them yourself. A citation format alone does not prove that a claim is supported.