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Write three questions for a budget owner about a variance
- For FP&A and financial analysts
- You practice Saying who it's for
- Time about 5 minutes
- Level Beginner
About this exercise
You're preparing for a budget review meeting with the Facilities manager. Write a prompt for exactly 3 numbered questions, each ending with a question mark, under 25 words, and citing a dollar figure from the variance table. Do not state any conclusion or cause yourself; questions only. One question must be about the repair item that might be capital. Plain text, no intro.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Stating causes as fact. The AI writes 'Utilities are up because of the cold weather.' Try: Add: "Ask only. Do not state causes or conclusions as fact."
- Statements instead of questions. The AI lists observations with no question marks. Try: Say: "Each ends with a question mark."
- Missing the capital question. The AI asks generic 'why is it over?' questions. Try: Add: "One question must ask about the $5,000 Hartwell Roofing item."
- Wrong shape. The AI adds an intro and bold headings. Try: Say: "Exactly 3 numbered lines starting with 1."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs past word limits. Try: Ask for fewer words than the real cap and keep each line short.
What a strong prompt includes
- Sets exactly 3 numbered questions
- Requires a figure
- Names the roofing item
- Asks only
- Caps length
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