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Explain how GPA is calculated to a younger sibling
Practice: Showing an example of what you want. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
Your younger brother, a high school freshman, asked how college GPA works because his grades 'all count the same.' Explain it in under 80 words, plain text, using your own fall semester as the example with the math shown on one line, and end with the one thing he should take from it. No terms like 'weighted', 'quality points' or 'credit hours'. Write a prompt that gets that.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 80 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Cap each part: "3 short sentences plus one math line."
- Explaining without his example. The AI explains GPA in general instead of using your real grades. Try: Say it: "Use my fall classes: Biology, Calculus, Writing, Music."
- Wrong or missing math. The notes show a wrong first try. The AI may average the grades and get 3.25. Try: Add: "One math line: (16 + 12 + 12 + 2) / 12 = 3.5."
- Jargon and no takeaway. AI says "weighted by credit hours" and stops without the point. Try: Add: "No weighted, quality points or credit hours. End with the takeaway. Plain text."
What a strong prompt includes
- Says who it's for
- Uses your example
- Shows the math
- Bans jargon
- Asks for plain text
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