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Learning AI · Practical guide

Compare the meaning of changes with both texts in view.

Compare two fictional room-use notices. This is not a legal review; it is an exercise in producing differences someone else can verify against both originals.

By Eric Muriel2 min read

01Label the versions before comparing

Version A: “The room opens from 9 am to 6 pm. Bookings last up to two hours. Booking is available by email.” Version B: “The room opens from 10 am to 6 pm. Bookings last up to two hours. Booking is available through the form. Fridays require confirmation from the person in charge.”

Keep both complete versions and their labels. Do not ask to compare “the previous document” unless that content is available in the conversation or files supplied to the tool.

02Request before-and-after pairs

Instruction: “Compare A and B. For each difference, include previous text, new text and change type: added, removed or modified. Then provide a separate brief interpretation of its effect. Do not invent reasons for changes.”

This separation lets you verify the literal difference before discussing its effect. Rephrasing can preserve meaning, while a single word can alter a condition.

03Review the exercise answer

Expect three differences: opening moves from 9 am to 10 am, booking moves from email to a form, and Fridays gain a confirmation condition. Closing at 6 pm and the two-hour maximum remain unchanged.

There is no evidence that the form approves bookings automatically or who is in charge. If the output adds those explanations, treat them as open questions rather than documented changes.

Reference [1]: NIST · AI 600-1

04Turn differences into review tasks

For each confirmed change, record related material that may need updating: a notice, page or procedure. Do not automatically modify that material based on the first summary.

For long documents, compare identified sections and record any not reviewed. Finish with open questions and someone who can resolve them, retaining links to both versions.

Sources and further reading

These references expand on the concepts indicated. The examples and exercises are original editorial material.

  1. [1] NIST · AI 600-1

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Frequently asked questions

Can the tool explain why the document changed?

Only if the supplied information includes a reason. This exercise describes differences and possible effects; unstated reasons remain questions.