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Level 2 · Prompt Basics

Pick a List or Steps

Ask AI for the answer shape you need: a list, steps, table, message, or draft.

~6 min Skill: Answer Shape Lesson 3 of 8
Clear asks get better answers!
Buddy, your friendly guide
Step 1 of 5
One small step further

Now tell ChatGPT what the answer should look like.

Last time you wrote a clear ask. Today you add one small thing.

You name the form. The form is just the shape of the answer.

A list is a form. A paragraph is a form too. Same words, different shape.

Here is the trick. Pick the form that fits your job, then ask for it by name:

A listwhen you want items to scan or check off
Stepswhen you need to do things in order
A tablewhen you want to compare a few things
A draftwhen you need words to send or save

Leave out anything private. That means names, addresses, account numbers, and health notes.

Keep the task small. For money, health, legal, or any big choice, ask a real person.

Buddy, your friendly guide
Buddy says

Think of the form first. A list and a paragraph hold the same idea. But one is far easier to use.