Let the AI ask you questions first
For anything important, ask the AI to interview you before it starts. It will usually spot missing information you did not think to give.
I want a 3-month study plan for the IELTS exam. Before writing it, ask me up to 5 questions about my level, schedule and target score. Wait for my answers.
Break big tasks into stages
Instead of “write my business plan”, work in stages: outline first, approve it, then write one section at a time. Each stage is smaller, easier to check, and the AI stays focused.
Ask for structured output
Tables, numbered lists, and fixed headings make answers easier to check and reuse. If you will paste the result into a spreadsheet or app, ask for CSV or JSON with named columns.
Compare these 3 laptops for a university student. Return a table with columns: Model, Price, Battery (hours), Weight (kg), Best for, Main drawback. Then give a one-line recommendation.
Use self-review
Ask the AI to check its own draft against a checklist. This catches many errors, especially missing requirements.
Review your answer against these requirements: (1) under 300 words, (2) mentions the refund policy, (3) no technical jargon. List any requirement you missed, then give the corrected version.
Put long material first, question last
When you paste a long document, put the document first and your instructions at the end, clearly separated. Label parts with simple tags such as “DOCUMENT:” and “TASK:” so the AI knows what is source material and what is the request.