Practical AI
No. 1.03Track 1 · Get answers faster

Get the format you need: tables, lists, limits

Lesson 3 of 55 min read1 task · 3 questions

Ask for a table and you can decide in one glance.

The idea

AI writes long paragraphs by default. That is slow to read on a phone. You can ask for exactly the shape you need.

Useful format words: table with columns, numbered steps, 3 bullet points, under 80 words, one-line verdict at the end.

When you compare options, always ask for a table plus a verdict. A table forces the AI to use the same points for each option. A verdict tells you what it would pick and why.

Your task

Compare two laptops in one table

You need a laptop for office work and video calls. Here are two made-up options. Paste the prompt as it is.

Your slip: copy-paste prompt
Compare these two laptops for a person who does spreadsheets, email and video calls for 8 hours a day.

Laptop A: 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, 1.3 kg, battery 12 hours, price Rs 62,000.
Laptop B: 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, 1.8 kg, battery 7 hours, price Rs 48,000.

Format: a table with columns Feature, Laptop A, Laptop B, Better for office work. Use 5 rows: RAM, Weight, Battery, Price, Overall. After the table, write a one-line verdict starting with "Verdict:". Use only the facts I gave. Do not add specs.

What you should get

A real example of a good result. Your wording will differ a little. The shape and the facts should match.

Printed resultExample

| Feature | Laptop A | Laptop B | Better for office work |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | A |
| Weight | 1.3 kg | 1.8 kg | A |
| Battery | 12 hours | 7 hours | A |
| Price | Rs 62,000 | Rs 48,000 | B |
| Overall | Faster, lighter, lasts a full day | Cheaper, heavier, needs charging | A |

Verdict: Pick Laptop A if you can pay Rs 14,000 more. It lasts a full workday and handles many tabs and video calls better.

Check yourself

Q1 Why ask for a table when you compare options?

Q2 What does "under 80 words" do?

Q3 What is the reason for the line "Use only the facts I gave"?

Finished?

Stamp this ticket. Your pass on the home page gets punched.

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