Prep a dense reading for discussion section

About this exercise

You have discussion section in an hour on a reading about participatory budgeting. You want exactly 3 numbered points (the author's argument, her main evidence, and the limitation she admits, in that order), each under 20 words, then one line starting 'Q:' with a question you could ask in section, plain text. Use only the excerpt, including the corrected turnout figure.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Asking for a plain summary. The AI writes a paragraph that retells the article in order, which is hard to use in a live discussion. Try: Name the 3 parts: "argument, evidence, limitation, in that order."
• Not saying how many points. The AI picks its own number, and it usually picks more points than you need. Try: Be exact: "Exactly 3 numbered points."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total and it often lands 20% over. Try: Cap each point: "each point under 18 words."
• Missing the correction. The original figure and the journal's correction are both in the excerpt. Try: Add: "Use the corrected renter share from the correction note."
• Not asking for a question. A summary alone doesn't prepare you to speak up in section. Try: Add: "End with one line starting 'Q:' with a question I could ask."

What a strong prompt includes

• Says how many points
• Names the 3 parts
• Uses the correction
• Asks for a discussion question
• Sets a length limit

Practice this now ↑

Related exercises

• Announce a referral bonus with the steps to claim it (Marketing AI · HR and recruiting)
• Announce a team meeting change people will actually follow (Writing AI · Managers and team leads)
• Answer a 'found an error' question in STAR order (Writing AI · Finance and accounting)
• Answer a wholesale inquiry with clear terms (Writing AI · Small business owners)
• Answer an RFP timeline question in exactly four phases (Writing AI · Sales and customer success)