Work through the decision
Name the exact application, variant, assembly or record version. State what you know, what is missing and whether you need an explanation, draft or readiness action. Request source locations and scope, and make explicit that unknown information must remain unknown. A narrower useful question is easier to check than a request for an unsupported universal answer.
A fictional worked example
In a fictional exercise, the learner replaces “What is the greenest display?” with a question about suitable constructions for a stated indoor programme and which evidence is still missing. The assistant can prepare questions without inventing material factors or a winning product.
Evidence and authority limit
A well-written prompt improves reviewability but cannot create absent data, technical competence or scientific assurance.
Put it into practice
Rewrite one broad request as a precise application-and-evidence question.
Keep this record: A bounded question with known inputs, unknowns and expected source-backed output.
- The actual subject and version are stated.
- The requested output is bounded.
- Unknowns are explicitly preserved.