Adaptable starting points.
SUMMARISING
"Summarise this, focusing on [what you need]. Answer only from the document. If something is not in it, say so."
FINDING OBLIGATIONS
"What obligations, deadlines and costs does this document create for me? Quote the passage for each."
EXTRACTING DATA
"Extract [fields] from this into a table. If a field is not present, write 'not stated'. Do not infer or guess."
COMPARING VERSIONS
"What has changed between these two documents? List every substantive change."
EXPLAINING
"Explain this document in plain language for someone who is not familiar with [field]. What is it actually asking me to do?"
CHECKING FOR PROBLEMS
"Read this as a careful reader. What is unclear, contradictory, or missing?"
THE INSTRUCTION TO ALWAYS INCLUDE
"Answer only from the document provided."
That reduces the model supplementing from general knowledge.
THE FOLLOW-UP TO ALWAYS USE
"Quote the passage supporting that."
