---
title: Asking good questions
description: Simple habits that get you clearer, more useful answers from your course assistant.
sidebar:
  label: Ask good questions
  icon: sparkles
---

The assistant is only as helpful as the question you give it. A few small habits make a big difference.

## Be specific

Vague questions get vague answers. The more context you give, the better.

<Columns cols={2}>
  <div>
    **Instead of this**

    - "Explain chapter 3."
    - "I don't get photosynthesis."
    - "Help with the homework."

  </div>
  <div>
    **Try this**

    - "What are the three main causes of the French Revolution from chapter 3?"
    - "Can you explain the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis with a simple example?"
    - "How do I set up the equation for problem 2 on the week 4 problem set?"

  </div>
</Columns>

## Ask one thing at a time

If you have several questions, ask them one after another instead of all at once. You'll get clearer answers, and you can follow up on each.

## Follow up

The assistant remembers the conversation, so you can build on your last question:

- "Can you explain that more simply?"
- "Give me an example."
- "Why is that true?"
- "How is this different from what we covered last week?"

## Ask it to adjust

You can steer the style of the answer:

**Simpler**

"Explain it like I'm new to this."

**Step by step**

"Walk me through it one step at a time."

**With an example**

"Can you give a concrete example?"

**Quiz me**

"Ask me a practice question about this."

## Use it to study, not to cheat

The assistant is great for understanding material, checking your reasoning, and practicing. It's not a shortcut around learning, and using it on graded work may break your course's rules.

:::warning[Check your course policy]
Every course is different. If you're unsure whether you can use the assistant for an assignment, ask your instructor first.
:::

**[Next: Understanding answers](/students/understanding-answers)**

Learn how to read sources and double-check what the assistant tells you.