Everyday recipes
Ready-made templates to copy for the most common situations. Replace the parts in brackets and go!
Now that you know the 4Ds, here’s a collection of ready-made requests for everyday life. They work with any assistant. The parts [in square brackets] are for you to replace with your own information.
These templates are a starting point, not a magic formula. After the first answer, keep the conversation going: “shorter”, “simpler”, “give me an alternative”.
Writing and communicating
Tricky email
Cancellations, complaints, delicate requests
I need to write an email to [recipient] about [reason].
Here’s the situation: [explain in 2-3 sentences].
I’d like a [polite but firm / friendly / formal] tone.
[Number] lines max. Use [NAME] instead of personal details.
Fix my text
Correcting without rewriting
Fix grammar and punctuation mistakes in this text, without changing its style.
Then list the main changes you made.
Text: [paste here]
Change the tone
When a message sounds too harsh (or too soft)
Rewrite this message to be [kinder / firmer / shorter], keeping the same meaning. Give me 2 versions.
Message: [paste here]
Understanding and learning
Explain it simply
Hard concepts, articles, technical terms
Explain [topic] as if I were 12.
Use an everyday example.
At the end, ask me 2 questions to check I understood.
Personal tutor
Studying a subject or a language
I want to learn [topic]. My level is [beginner / intermediate].
Be a patient teacher: explain one concept at a time, then give me an exercise and correct me.
Don’t give me the solution straight away: give me a hint if I get it wrong.
Decode a document
Bills, contracts, official letters (without personal data!)
I’m pasting a [bill / contract / letter]. I’ve removed the personal data.
Explain in plain words:
1. What it’s about
2. What I need to do and by when
3. Anything to watch out for
Document: [paste here]
For important legal, medical or financial documents, use AI to understand and prepare your questions, then check with a professional.
Organising and deciding
Useful summary
Articles, minutes, long documents
Summarise this text in [5] key points.
Then write in one sentence the most important thing to remember.
If there are deadlines or actions, list them separately.
Text: [paste here]
Plan a trip
Day trips, holidays, weekends
Plan [number] days in [place] in [month].
We are [who: a couple, a family with kids aged X…], we like [interests], we don’t like [things to avoid].
Rough budget: [amount].
Give me a day-by-day plan. Tell me what’s worth booking in advance.
Pros and cons
Choices and comparisons
I need to choose between [option A] and [option B].
What matters to me: [criteria].
Make a table of pros and cons for each, then tell me which questions I should ask myself to decide.
Don’t decide for me.
Weekly menu
Shopping and cooking
Plan [5] dinners for [number] people.
Constraints: [vegetarian / gluten-free / budget / little time].
Then make a shopping list grouped by aisle.
Practising and preparing
Mock interview
Job interviews, oral exams
Run a mock interview for the role of [role].
Ask me one question at a time and wait for my answer.
After each answer give me honest feedback: what works and what to improve.
Honest critic
When you want a real opinion, not compliments
Here is [my idea / my text / my project]: [paste here].
Play devil’s advocate: list the 3 weakest points and what could go wrong.
Be direct, no need to be nice.