Think ‘Step by Step’ Prompting
Your AI as a Step-by-Step Mentor. Break Down Complex Tasks with ‘Think Step by Step’ Prompting
Think of “Think Step by Step” prompts as a structured pathway your AI follows to solve problems or explain concepts. This technique is similar to how a mentor would teach a novice by breaking down a complex subject into smaller, digestible steps, ensuring comprehension at each stage.
Template 1:
The Task: Define what needs to be accomplished or understood.
The Steps: Add statement ‘Think Step by Step’
Template 2: Refined prompt
The Task: Define what needs to be accomplished or understood.
The Steps: Outline a series of logical and sequential steps to achieve the task.
Example 1: Mathematics domain
Explain how to solve quadratic equations step by step. Start by defining what a quadratic equation is, then move on to explaining the formula for finding solutions, and finally, demonstrate with an example.
Example 2: Programming domain
Guide me through building a simple website step by step. Start with choosing the right tools, then show how to set up a basic HTML template, followed by adding CSS for styling.
Template 3: Cooking domain
Guide me on how to make French toast. Think step by step.
“Think Step by Step” is powerful on its own, but you can also combine it with Chain of Thought prompting. Have the AI explain its reasoning behind why it suggests a particular step next. This boosts transparency and deepens the learning experience.
Example : Leveraging ‘Think Step by Step’ Technique only.
Task: Summarize this article into a 2-sentence paragraph.
Step 1: Read the article fully to identify the main topic.
Step 2: Identify the 2-3 most important supporting points or arguments.
Step 3: Write one sentence summarizing the main topic.
Step 4: Write one sentence per key supporting point, connecting them to the main topic.
Step 5: Review the summary for clarity and conciseness.
<Input Article>
— Screenshot of example run on ChatGPT4 Plus —
Example : Above prompt combined with ‘chain of thoughts’
Task: Summarize this article into a 3-sentence paragraph.
Step 1: Read the article fully to identify the main topic.
Reasoning: Why is this the first step? “I need to understand the overall subject of the article before I can determine what’s important enough to include in a summary.”
Step 2: Identify the 2-3 most important supporting points or arguments.
Reasoning: How do I find the most important points? “I’ll look for sentences with key phrases like ‘in conclusion’, ‘the main finding’, or ‘importantly’. I’ll also pay attention to any information that’s repeated.”
Step 3: Write one sentence summarizing the main topic.
Reasoning: How do I make this summary sentence strong? “I’ll make sure it mentions the article’s overall argument or conclusion, not just what it’s generally about.”
Step 4: Write one sentence per key supporting point, connecting them to the main topic.
Reasoning: How do I connect these ideas? “I’ll use words like ‘because’, ‘therefore’, ‘this demonstrates’, to show the relationship between the main point and the supporting details.”
Step 5: Review the summary for clarity and conciseness.
Reasoning: Is this a good summary? “I’ll read it aloud and ask myself: Does someone unfamiliar with the original article get the big picture? Are there any unnecessary words I can remove?”
<Input Article>
The “Think Step by Step” prompt technique is a powerful tool that makes your AI more effective and educational. Try it out and experience how structured thinking can enhance your productivity and understanding!
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