Every prompt from the book, organized by chapter. Copy, adapt to your situation, use. All AI output requires review, and factual or citation content requires independent verification before use in academic work.
Prompt Library by Chapter
Chapter 1 — AI Literacy
I just read an AI explanation of [topic]. Here is what I understood from it: [describe in your own words]. Is my understanding accurate? What did I miss or get wrong? What specifically should I verify in a primary source before relying on this?
Chapter 2 — Getting Oriented
I am a [year] student majoring in [major] at [institution type]. My degree plan requires [describe requirements]. Help me understand what these categories mean and what types of courses typically satisfy them. I will confirm specifics with my academic advisor.
I am planning to take [list courses with credits] while working [X] hours per week and managing [other obligations]. Help me calculate the total weekly time commitment (using 2–3 hours of outside work per credit hour) and assess whether this is realistic. If it is not, suggest two alternative configurations.
Chapter 3 — Studying
I am studying [subject] and stuck on [specific concept]. I understand [what you already know]. What I don't understand is [specific point of confusion]. Please explain this clearly with a concrete example, then ask me a question to check my understanding.
I have a [midterm/final/quiz] in [course] covering [topics]. Here are my notes: [paste key points]. Generate 15 practice questions at mixed difficulty: 5 factual recall, 5 conceptual understanding, 5 application. Put the answers separately at the end so I can test myself first.
Chapter 4 — Writing
I am writing a [type] paper on [topic]. My tentative thesis is [thesis]. Is this arguable? What are the strongest counterarguments? What evidence would I need? Suggest two alternative framings I should consider.
Here is my draft: [paste draft]. Give me feedback on four specific things:
1. Is my thesis clear and arguable? If not, why not?
2. Does my evidence actually support my argument, or are there gaps?
3. What counterarguments have I not addressed?
4. Which paragraph is weakest, and specifically why?
Do not rewrite. Advise me.
Chapter 5 — Research
I am writing a paper on [topic] for [course]. Help me build a research framework: key concepts and debates, relevant disciplines, important search terms for academic databases, common methodological approaches. I will verify every specific source in library databases before citing.
Chapter 6 — STEM
I am studying [topic] in [course]. I understand [what you already know] but am confused about [specific point]. Explain clearly with a simple example, then give me one practice problem. Wait for my attempt before giving the answer.
I am working on a [language] assignment requiring me to [task]. Here is what I understand: [describe]. I am stuck on [specific issue]. Explain the concept behind the issue with a small, different example. I will write my own solution.
Chapter 7 — Financial Aid
I am applying for a scholarship asking: [prompt]. The scholarship awards [amount] to students with [criteria]. My relevant background: [your background].
Before I draft, help me think strategically:
1. Which 2–3 stories from my background would resonate most with this committee?
2. What angle would a generic applicant take — so I can avoid it?
3. What one vivid, specific detail should I build the essay around?
I will write the essay from this planning.
Chapter 8 — Internships
I am applying to [company] for [role]. The position requires: [key requirements from posting]. My relevant experience: [your experience]. Help me identify the most relevant experiences, frame three of them as strong resume bullets with specific metrics, and draft a cover letter opening paragraph. I will refine the prose in my own voice.
I am a [year, major] student interested in [area]. I want to email [person], who works at [organization] as [role], because [specific reason]. Help me draft a 150-word cold email that names the specific thing of theirs I engaged with, connects it to something I've done, and asks for a 15-minute informational call. No clichés. No "I hope this email finds you well."
Chapter 9 — Graduate School
I am applying to [program type] in [field]. My goal is [goal]. My key experiences are [experiences]. Here is my draft: [draft]. Feedback on:
1. Compelling and specific opening?
2. Clear connection to professional goals?
3. Tailored to this program, or could it be for any program?
4. Weakest paragraph, and why?
Do not rewrite. Advise me.
Chapter 10 — Career
For my role as [title] at [organization], I did: [plain description of work and accomplishments]. Help me write 3–4 strong resume bullets with action verbs, specific accomplishments, and measurable results. I am applying in [field], so tailor the language accordingly.
I have an interview for [role] at [organization]. The role requires [key requirements]. My relevant background: [background]. Please conduct a mock behavioral interview. Ask me one question at a time, wait for my response, and give me feedback using the STAR structure before moving on.
Chapter 11 — Persistence
I had a difficult semester. Here's what happened: [brief description]. Here's what I learned: [reflections]. Help me build a realistic plan for next semester that names two things I'll do differently, identifies early warning signs, lists three campus resources to connect with before the semester starts, and builds in a weekly self-check before week 10. Keep it specific.
AI Platform Quick Reference
Platform capabilities, pricing, and features change frequently — verify current information at each platform's official documentation.
ChatGPT (OpenAI)
Best uses: studying and concept explanation; brainstorming and outlining; draft feedback; scholarship drafting; interview preparation; resume refinement.
Tier notes: Free tier is capable for most tasks. Paid tier adds document upload, browsing, and more powerful models. Verification required on all factual claims and citations.
Claude (Anthropic)
Best uses: long document analysis; careful, nuanced feedback on writing; research orientation for complex topics; processing and summarizing lengthy readings.
Tier notes: Extended context in paid tier is useful for large document sets. Same verification requirements as all platforms.
Grok (xAI)
Best uses: current events and recent research; timely information that other models may not have in their training data.
Tier notes: Real-time access via X integration. Verification still required — real-time access does not guarantee accuracy.
Gemini (Google)
Best uses: document drafting within Google Docs; organizing within Google Workspace; email drafting.
Tier notes: Particularly efficient for students using Google Workspace tools. Same verification requirements apply.
Verification required on all platforms
Regardless of which platform you use: every citation independently confirmed, every statistic traced to a primary source, every factual claim verified before it appears in academic work.
AI Verification Checklist (Appendix G)
Use this checklist before any AI-generated content appears in academic work.
Citations and sources
☐ Locate the cited source in a verified database (library database, Google Scholar, official repository).
☐ Confirm author name, publication title, journal or publisher, year, and page numbers are accurate.
☐ Confirm the specific claim you are attributing to the source is actually in the source.
☐ Run a citator check (Google Scholar 'Cited by') to confirm the source is not retracted or significantly disputed.
☐ Format the citation correctly using the required style guide.
Statistics and quantitative claims
☐ Locate the original study or dataset from which the statistic is drawn.
☐ Confirm the statistic is accurately reported (correct value, correct units, correct year).
☐ Confirm the study's methodology supports the interpretation you are placing on the statistic.
☐ Note the sample size and population — statistics from small or unrepresentative samples require qualification.
Legal, scientific, and policy claims
☐ Verify legal standards and holdings against primary sources (official court opinions, statutes, regulations).
☐ Verify scientific claims against peer-reviewed literature, not AI summaries.
☐ Verify policy information against official government or institutional sources.
☐ Check publication dates — AI knowledge has a training cutoff and may not reflect current law, policy, or scientific consensus.
The bottom line
If you cannot verify it, do not include it. An unverified AI-generated fact, citation, or claim has no place in academic work. Flag unverifiable content for removal or replacement — never include it on the assumption that it is probably correct.