Editorial contribution · Personal
Understand a difficult topic, one step at a time
Reading about a topic but none of it makes sense? Start with simple examples, then use short questions to check what you understand.
Published: · Version 1
A prompt to try
Explain [TOPIC] to me. What I already know: [PRIOR KNOWLEDGE]. Afterwards, I want to be able to [LEARNING GOAL]. Begin with a concrete everyday example. Then explain the three most important ideas in plain language, defining technical terms when they first appear. Point out simplifications and uncertainty. Next, ask me three comprehension questions, one at a time. Wait for each answer and gently explain any misunderstandings without immediately giving away the next answer.
Copy the text into your AI, fill in the placeholders and check the answer.
What you need
- Your own access to a suitable AI. Only add information you are comfortable sharing.
How to start
- Copy the prompt and paste it into your AI.
- Replace the placeholders and add any missing information.
- Check the answer and ask follow-up questions to adapt it to your situation.