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Answer a nut allergy question honestly and clearly

Practice: Keeping the AI to your sources. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

A parent asked if your cookies are safe for her son's nut allergy. Reply in at most 4 sentences. The first sentence answers plainly that you can't guarantee anything is nut-free, then say why, name what you can offer instead from your notes, and give the bakery phone number. Never use 'unfortunately', and don't call anything 'safe'. Write a prompt that gets that reply.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Not limiting the length. The AI writes a long, apologetic explanation. Try: Be exact: "At most 4 sentences."
  • Hedging the answer. The AI says the recipe has no nuts, which sounds like a yes. It isn't. Try: Say it: "Sentence 1: we can't guarantee any of our cookies are nut-free."
  • No alternative. The AI says no and stops, losing the order and leaving her stuck. Try: Add: "Offer Free Bird Bakes cookies, $18 a dozen, order by Wednesday."
  • Risky or stock wording. AI says the other cookies are 'safe', and opens with 'Unfortunately'. Try: Add: "Never say 'safe' or 'unfortunately'. Include 555-0193."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Limits the sentences
  • Answers plainly first
  • Explains why
  • Offers the alternative
  • Watches the wording

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