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Answer a new analyst's table questions using only the data guide
- For Business analysts
- You practice Keeping the AI to your sources
- Time about 5 minutes
- Level Intermediate
About this exercise
A new analyst asks which tables to use. Write a Q&A with exactly 3 questions and answers, each as 'Q:' then 'A:' on the next line, plain text, under 130 words. Each answer is at most 2 sentences, names the table, says what one row is, and uses only the data guide.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Naming no table. The AI explains concepts without naming orders or order_items. Try: Add: "Name the table and say what one row is."
- Wrong table for units. The AI uses orders for units sold. Try: Add: "Units come from order_items: sum quantity."
- Vague join answer. The AI says 'joins can cause duplicates'. Try: Add: "The join repeats order_total_usd on every item row."
- Leaving the format to chance. The AI picks its own length and layout unless told the exact shape. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold or headings."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each part instead, for example "each line under 15 words."
What a strong prompt includes
- Asks for Q and A pairs
- Asks for table and row grain
- Names the tables
- Explains the join
- Limits to the guide
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