Beginner · Start here · 20 min · Estimated time
Create reusable instructions for an AI assistant
A first exercise without code: turn fictional notes into tasks, prepare a reusable instruction template and check for invented details.
By Eric Muriel
Before you start
You will build: An instruction template and a checklist for turning notes into tasks you can review.
- A text editor and access to a text assistant of your choice.
- No coding or company integrations needed. Use only the fictional notes provided.
Template and reference answer reviewed. This prompt has not been run against a particular model; its response can vary.
01Prepare a small input
Open your editor and copy these notes. There are two tasks, but only one has an owner. Do not fill in the gaps yourself. Saving the input lets you compare several responses using the same example.
Ana will review the draft on 12 October 2026.
The sources need checking; no owner or date has been assigned.Check the result
Two identifiable actions: review the draft and check the sources.
If it does not work
Replace any real names or private information before sending notes to an external service.
02Define the response contract
Paste these instructions into a new conversation and append the notes. Specify the format, the treatment of missing information and the evidence requirement so you can check the result.
Turn the notes into a table: task, owner, date, literal evidence.
Extract only explicit actions. Do not fill in missing information.
Write “pending” if an owner or date is missing.
Do not send messages or create tasks in other tools.
NOTES:
[paste the two lines from step 1]Check the result
A table with two rows, without executing any external actions.
If it does not work
Ask for the supporting passage for each additional task. Reject tasks with no evidence.
03Compare with the reference answer
Check each cell against the original notes. Both gaps must remain in the second row. An orderly table is not enough: the owner and date must appear in the input.
Review draft | Ana | 2026-10-12
Check sources | pending | pendingCheck the result
Two tasks, one explicit owner and one explicit date. Each row includes its supporting passage.
If it does not work
Reject an invented date for checking sources. Retry with “do not infer deadlines from other tasks”.
04Save and test the template
Save the instructions as tasks-v1.txt. Then try “We discussed the design without agreeing any actions”. The answer should report no explicit tasks. Record the tool, model if shown, date and failures before reusing the template.
Check the result
One positive example and one example without actions to check future revisions. You decide which tasks to accept.
If it does not work
If it turns a discussion topic into a task, clarify what counts as an explicit action and repeat both checks.
Sources, verification and limitations
This is a reusable template, not an installed platform skill. Skill syntax and permissions depend on the tool. Check your assistant’s usage limits and cost.
How this content is prepared