About this exercise
You teach 8th grade US History and want a student study guide made of 'I can' statements for Friday's test. Get exactly 5 numbered lines, each starting 'I can', under 15 words, in the order the test sections appear, plain text. Use only objectives that are still on the test, since one was moved to next unit.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Asking for a study guide. The AI writes a long review packet with facts and dates, not the checklist you wanted. Try: Show the shape: "5 lines, each starting 'I can'."
- Not saying how many lines. The AI picks its own number, and it usually picks more lines than you need. Try: Be exact: "Exactly 5 numbered lines."
- Keeping the plan's order. The AI follows the objective letters, not the order students will see on the test. Try: Add: "Order them like the test sections."
- Including the moved objective. The AI can't tell objective F was moved unless you point to the change. Try: Add: "Leave out objective F; it moved to Unit 5."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total and it often lands 20% over. Try: Cap each line: "each line under 12 words."
- Forgetting where it will be read. AI formats for a screen, with bold and headings that show up as stray symbols on the printed handout. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold, no headings."
What a strong prompt includes
- Asks for 'I can' lines
- Says how many lines
- Uses the test order
- Drops the moved objective
- Sets a length limit
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