Good uses
Explain unfamiliar concepts, generate questions to investigate, compare options, summarize supplied text, draft correspondence, brainstorm approaches, or ask for a second explanation at a different technical level.
Level 1
Ask AI for information
The easiest entry point: use a hosted assistant as an interactive explainer, researcher, comparator and drafting partner.
The main risk
Generated information may be wrong or stale. Ask for sources when facts matter, and verify important claims outside the model.
Three prompt patterns
Explain [topic] to me as someone who knows [what you already know]. Start with the big picture, then the key terms, then one worked example. Flag anything commonly misunderstood.
Compare [A] and [B] for [my goal]. Use these criteria: [criteria]. Tell me what facts you would need before making a confident recommendation.
I think [claim]. Challenge it. Give the strongest case against my view, identify assumptions on both sides, and tell me what evidence would change the conclusion.
Ready for Level 2? Move up when generic answers are no longer enough and you want AI to understand your situation, project or constraints.
Level 2: context and structure →