# How to Write Good Prompts: Using Spaced Repetition to Create Understanding  ## Metadata - Author: [[Andy Matuschak]] - Full Title: How to Write Good Prompts: Using Spaced Repetition to Create Understanding - Category: #articles - URL: https://andymatuschak.org/prompts/ ## Highlights - Spaced repetition systems work only as well as the prompts you give them ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbt1ym4re27fajcxjpyk5s2)) - Note: [[Spaced Repetition]] - This guide aims to help you *create understanding* in the context of an informational resource like an article or talk. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbt35ra36knbkq7m4agrxyg)) - The most common mechanism of change for spaced repetition learning tasks is called *retrieval practice.* In brief: when you attempt to recall some knowledge from memory, the act of retrieval tends to reinforce those memories ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbt3nx5hqa34vryr59xm4s6)) - Note: Retrieving from memory reinforces those memories - *Retrieval* is the key element which distinguishes this effective mode of practice from typical study habits ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbt6p3t3kphap9q64zkz079)) - Note: Retrieval is not the same as just studying - retrieval practice is about testing your knowledge to *produce* learning, rather than to assess learning. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbt7mpefxgcve9jkdyxfg6y)) - Note: Retrieval is about producing, not reminding - Writing good prompts feels surprisingly similar to translating written text. When translating prose into another language, you’re asking: which words, when read, would light a similar set of bulbs in readers’ minds? ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbt93krm1nnz3qdczcdzk6s)) - Note: Similar to translation: which words will set off similar bulbs in a reader's mind - Retrieval practice prompts should be **focused.** A question or answer involving too much detail will dull your concentration and stimulate incomplete retrievals, leaving some bulbs unlit. Unfocused questions also make it harder to check whether you remembered all parts of the answer and to note places where you differed. It’s usually best to focus on one detail at a time. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbta6zxentdd56mmk73gc27)) - Note: Prompts should be focused: they should only recall a few details or only a single one, to avoid incomplete retrievals. - Retrieval practice prompts should be **precise** about what they’re asking for. Vague questions will elicit vague answers, which won’t reliably light the bulbs you’re targeting. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbte26gg8zh5e80zydmr5gs)) - Note: Retrieval prompts should be precise, not vague - Retrieval practice prompts should produce **consistent** answers, lighting the same bulbs each time you perform the task. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbtfc7h9nnh8bzwht265e1x)) - Note: Prompts should be consistent: light the same bulbs every time you perform the task. Knowledge that doesn't get recalled is inhibited. - Retrieval practice prompts should be **tractable** ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbtjetg6p4wwa27tvhxskyn)) - Note: Prompts should be tractable. - Retrieval practice prompts should be **effortful** ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbtk0pptbvykns66af1mh2h)) - Note: Retrieval prompt should be effortful. - Achieving these properties is mostly about writing tightly-scoped questions. When a prompt’s scope is too broad, you’ll usually have problems ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01gpbtn7e20q4fzn7wvnxk4w62)) - Note: Writing good prompts that have these properties is mostly about writing tightly-scoped questions