Lesson 4: Asking Better Questions
Welcome Back!
Welcome to Lesson 4! By now, you’ve had some real conversations with AI, and you’re getting comfortable with the basics. Today, we’re going to level up your skills by learning how to ask questions that get you exactly what you need.
Think of this lesson as learning the difference between asking someone “Where’s food?” versus “Where’s the best Italian restaurant within 5 miles that’s open for dinner tonight?” Both are questions, but one will get you much better results!
Let’s become expert question-askers!
What You’ll Need Today
✓ Your device with internet access
✓ Your login information for Claude or ChatGPT
✓ The homework notes from Lesson 3
✓ Examples of questions that worked well and ones that didn’t
✓ An open mind and willingness to experiment
Part 1: Why Better Questions Matter
The Difference Better Questions Make
Let me show you what a difference your question can make:
Vague Question: “Tell me about Italy.”
AI’s Response: A general overview covering history, geography, culture, food, famous cities, population, government—basically everything about Italy. That’s a LOT of information, and it might not include what you actually wanted to know.
Better Question: “I’m planning a 7-day trip to Italy in September. What cities should I visit and how many days should I spend in each?”
AI’s Response: Specific recommendations for a 7-day itinerary, with suggested days per city, what to see in each place, and tips for September weather. Exactly what you needed!
See the difference? Both questions are about Italy, but one gives you useful, actionable information while the other gives you an encyclopedia entry.
The Question Formula
Here’s a simple formula for great questions:
[What you want] + [Important details] + [How you want the answer]
Examples:
What you want: A recipe
Important details: For 4 people, using chicken, under 30 minutes
How you want it: Step-by-step instructions
The question: “Can you give me a step-by-step recipe for a chicken dinner that serves 4 people and takes under 30 minutes to make?”
Let’s try another:
What you want: Gift ideas
Important details: For my 12-year-old granddaughter who loves art
How you want it: Around $30, maybe 5 options
The question: “Can you give me 5 gift ideas around $30 for my 12-year-old granddaughter who loves art and drawing?”
See the pattern? The more information you give, the more tailored the answer.
Part 2: The Five Key Elements of Great Questions
Let’s break down what makes a question effective:
Element 1: Be Specific About What You Want
Vague: “Help me with cooking.”
Specific: “Give me a recipe for chocolate chip cookies.”
Even more specific: “Give me a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe that makes about 24 cookies and doesn’t require a mixer.”
Practice this now! Take these vague questions and make them specific:
Vague: “Tell me about exercise.”
Your specific version: ________________________________
Possible answer: “What are some gentle exercises I can do at home to improve my balance and flexibility?”
Vague: “I need help with my phone.”
Your specific version: ________________________________
Possible answer: “How do I make the text larger on my iPhone so it’s easier to read?”
Element 2: Include Relevant Context
Context means background information that helps AI understand your situation.
Without context: “What should I plant?”
With context: “I live in Phoenix, Arizona, and want to plant vegetables in my backyard in March. What should I plant that will survive the hot summer?”
Why context matters: Without it, AI might suggest vegetables that don’t grow well in desert heat!
More examples of helpful context:
For cooking questions:
How many people you’re feeding
Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, allergies, etc.)
What ingredients you have or don’t have
What cooking equipment you have
Your skill level
For technology questions:
What device you’re using (iPhone, Android, Windows computer, etc.)
What you’re trying to accomplish
What you’ve already tried
What error message you’re seeing (if any)
For health questions:
Your general situation (remember: don’t share private medical details!)
What you’re trying to achieve
Any relevant limitations
Practice adding context!
Without context: “How do I save money?”
With context you add: ________________________________
Possible answer: “I’m retired and living on a fixed income. How can I save money on my grocery bill without sacrificing nutrition?”
Element 3: Specify Your Knowledge Level
Tell AI how much you already know about the topic!
Examples:
“I’ve never used a computer before. Can you explain what a ‘browser’ is?”
“I know the basics of gardening but I’m new to growing roses. What do I need to know?”
“I’m pretty comfortable with my smartphone, but I don’t understand what the cloud is. Can you explain?”
Why this matters: AI will adjust its explanation to match your level. Without this, AI might use terms you don’t understand, or explain things you already know.
Three levels you can specify:
Complete beginner: “Explain this like I’ve never heard of it before.”
Some knowledge: “I know the basics, but I want to understand more.”
Experienced: “I’m familiar with this topic—just need advanced tips.”
Element 4: Tell AI How You Want the Answer
You can ask for information in different formats:
List format: “Give me 5 ideas for…”
Step-by-step: “Give me step-by-step instructions for…”
Brief summary: “Summarize this in 2-3 sentences…”
Detailed explanation: “Explain this in detail…”
Comparison: “What are the pros and cons of…”
Table format: “Can you put this in a table comparing…”
Examples:
“Give me a numbered list of 10 easy houseplants for beginners.”
“Explain step-by-step how to set up voicemail on an iPhone.”
“Summarize the main plot of the movie Casablanca in 3 sentences.”
“Compare SUVs and sedans in terms of gas mileage, safety, and cost.”
Element 5: Set Constraints or Preferences
Constraints are your limits or requirements:
Time constraints: “…in under 30 minutes” or “…over a weekend”
Budget constraints: “…under $50” or “…free options only”
Physical constraints: “…that don’t require bending or kneeling”
Dietary constraints: “…vegetarian” or “…gluten-free”
Location constraints: “…in Phoenix, Arizona” or “…that ships to my location”
Examples:
“Suggest a hobby I can do at home for under $100 that doesn’t require a lot of physical activity.”
“Give me a 30-minute exercise routine I can do in my living room without any equipment.”
“Recommend 3 books similar to mystery novels that are available as large-print editions.”
Part 3: Before and After Examples
Let’s see real examples of questions transformed from okay to excellent:
Example 1: Cooking
Before (okay): “Cookie recipe?”
After (excellent): “Can you give me a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe that makes about 2 dozen cookies, uses ingredients I probably already have at home, and doesn’t require an electric mixer?”
What improved:
Specified the type of cookie
Gave a desired quantity
Mentioned ingredient preferences
Noted equipment limitations
Used clear, conversational language
Example 2: Technology
Before (okay): “My email isn’t working.”
After (excellent): “I’m using Gmail on my iPhone, and when I try to send an email, it says ‘Cannot Send Mail.’ I have internet connection and I can receive emails fine. What should I try?”
What improved:
Specified the email service (Gmail)
Specified the device (iPhone)
Described the exact problem (can’t send, specific error message)
Shared what IS working (can receive emails)
Asked for troubleshooting steps
Example 3: Travel
Before (okay): “Where should I go on vacation?”
After (excellent): “My husband and I are retired and looking for a relaxing 5-day vacation in the United States sometime in spring. We enjoy nice weather, good food, and scenic views, but we’re not interested in hiking or adventure activities. What destinations would you recommend, and why?”
What improved:
Identified who’s traveling (couple, retired)
Specified duration (5 days)
Gave timeframe (spring)
Listed interests (weather, food, scenery)
Excluded what they don’t want (hiking, adventure)
Asked for reasoning (why each destination)
Example 4: Learning
Before (okay): “How do computers work?”
After (excellent): “I’m trying to understand the basics of how computers work. I know how to use one, but I don’t understand what happens when I click on something or type something. Can you explain in simple terms without technical jargon?”
What improved:
Clarified what aspect of computers (the basic mechanisms)
Stated current knowledge level (can use, but doesn’t understand)
Gave specific examples of what’s confusing (clicking, typing)
Requested simple, non-technical language
Example 5: Shopping
Before (okay): “What phone should I buy?”
After (excellent): “I’m 72 years old and need a new smartphone. I mainly use it for calls, texts, photos of my grandkids, and video calls with family. I want something simple to use with a large screen that’s easy to read. My budget is around $400. Should I get an iPhone or Android, and which specific model would you recommend?”
What improved:
Gave personal context (age, needs)
Listed main uses (calls, texts, photos, video)
Specified requirements (simple, large screen)
Set budget ($400)
Asked for specific recommendation
Part 4: Interactive Practice Session
Now it’s your turn! Let’s practice transforming questions together.
Practice Exercise 1: Add Details
Start with: “Tell me about gardening.”
Now add details using these questions:
What specifically about gardening?
Where do you live (climate)?
What’s your experience level?
What’s your goal?
Any limitations?
Write your improved question:
Possible answer: “I’m a complete beginner who wants to start a small vegetable garden in my Phoenix, Arizona backyard. I want to grow tomatoes and peppers. What do I need to know about dealing with the hot, dry climate?”
Practice Exercise 2: Add Context
Start with: “How do I use Zoom?”
Add context:
What device are you using?
What specifically are you trying to do?
What’s confusing you?
Is this for a specific purpose?
Write your improved question:
Possible answer: “I need to join my grandson’s graduation ceremony on Zoom using my iPad. I’ve never used Zoom before. Can you give me step-by-step instructions from opening the app to joining the meeting?”
Practice Exercise 3: Specify Format
Start with: “What are good exercises for seniors?”
Now specify:
How do you want the answer? (List? Detailed descriptions?)
How many suggestions?
Any particular format you prefer?
Write your improved question:
Possible answer: “Can you give me a numbered list of 10 gentle exercises for seniors that improve balance and flexibility, with a brief description of how to do each one?”
Practice Exercise 4: Your Turn Completely
Think of something you actually want to know about. Write a detailed question using everything you’ve learned:
Your question:
Now type this into AI and see what answer you get!
Part 5: Advanced Questioning Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these advanced techniques:
Technique 1: The “Yes, And” Method
When AI gives you a good answer but you want to explore more, use “Yes, and…”
Example conversation:
You: “What are some indoor hobbies for seniors?”
AI: [Gives list of hobbies like reading, puzzles, crafts, etc.]
You: “Those are great! And which of those would be good for someone with arthritis in their hands?”
You: “Perfect! And where can I find supplies for the ones you recommended?”
You: “And are there any online communities where I could connect with others who share these hobbies?”
See how each question builds on the previous answer? You’re having a natural, flowing conversation that goes deeper into the topic.
Technique 2: The Comparison Question
Ask AI to compare options to help you decide:
Examples:
“What are the pros and cons of iPhone vs. Android for seniors?”
“Compare the benefits of walking vs. swimming for staying fit in retirement.”
“What’s the difference between Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and which would be easiest for me to learn?”
Why this works: You get a balanced view that helps you make informed decisions.
Technique 3: The “Walk Me Through It” Question
For processes or tasks you need to learn:
Examples:
“Walk me through the process of booking a flight online, step by step.”
“Take me through what happens from the moment I click ‘send’ on an email until it reaches the recipient.”
“Guide me through the process of planting tomato seeds, from buying seeds to harvesting tomatoes.”
Why this works: You get a complete, sequential explanation without gaps.
Technique 4: The “What If” Question
Explore scenarios and contingencies:
Examples:
“I want to make lasagna for 6 people. What if one person is vegetarian and another is gluten-free? How can I accommodate both?”
“What if I follow your recipe but I don’t have a stand mixer? What should I do instead?”
“What if I want to visit Italy but I don’t speak Italian? How much of a problem is that?”
Why this works: You get solutions for complications before they happen.
Technique 5: The “Explain Like I’m Five” (ELI5) Question
For complex topics you want simplified:
Examples:
“Can you explain how WiFi works like you’re explaining it to a five-year-old?”
“Explain cryptocurrency to me as simply as possible, like I know nothing about it.”
“What is the stock market? Explain it in the simplest terms, without any jargon.”
Why this works: AI will use analogies, simple language, and basic concepts.
Technique 6: The “What Am I Missing?” Question
After getting information, ask what else you should know:
Examples:
After getting a recipe: “What else should I know to make sure this recipe turns out well?”
After getting tech instructions: “What common mistakes should I avoid?”
After getting travel advice: “What important things am I not thinking about?”
Why this works: You get additional insights you might not have thought to ask about.
Part 6: Common Question Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Let’s look at questions that don’t work well and learn how to fix them:
Mistake 1: The Vague Pronoun
Problem: “How do I use it?”
Issue: AI doesn’t know what “it” refers to!
Fix: “How do I use Zoom for video calls?”
Mistake 2: The Assumed Context
Problem: “What should I do about the problem?”
Issue: AI doesn’t know what problem you’re talking about!
Fix: “My dishwasher isn’t draining properly and there’s standing water at the bottom. What should I do?”
Mistake 3: The Multiple Questions in One
Problem: “How do I bake a cake and what kind of frosting should I use and should I use a glass or metal pan and what temperature and how long?”
Issue: Too many questions at once! AI might miss some.
Fix: Start with one question, get the answer, then ask follow-up questions:
First: “How do I bake a simple chocolate cake?”
Then: “What kind of frosting goes well with chocolate cake?”
Then: “Should I use a glass or metal pan for cake?”
Mistake 4: The Keyword Search
Problem: “restaurants near me italian good”
Issue: You’re talking to AI like it’s Google!
Fix: “Can you recommend some highly-rated Italian restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona?”
Mistake 5: The Missing Details
Problem: “I want to learn a language. How?”
Issue: Which language? What’s your learning style? How much time do you have?
Fix: “I want to learn basic conversational Spanish to communicate with my neighbors. I’m a complete beginner and can practice about 30 minutes a day. What’s the best way to start?”
Mistake 6: The Overly Complex Question
Problem: “I’m thinking about maybe possibly considering perhaps learning some things about technology or computers or whatever, if it’s not too hard, but I’m not sure where to start or if I even should or what the best approach might be given that I don’t know very much and I’m worried it might be too complicated…”
Issue: Too much uncertainty and rambling—the actual question gets lost!
Fix: “I want to learn basic computer skills but I’m worried it will be too difficult. Where should I start?”
Part 7: Real-World Practice Scenarios
Let’s practice with realistic situations you might encounter:
Scenario 1: Health Information
Your situation: Your doctor mentioned you should increase your fiber intake.
Poor question: “Tell me about fiber.”
Good question: ________________________________
Excellent question: “My doctor recommended I increase my fiber intake. Can you give me a list of 10 high-fiber foods that are easy to find at the grocery store, along with simple ways to add them to my daily meals?”
Type your version into AI now and see what you get!
Scenario 2: Family Connection
Your situation: You want to send photos to your grandchildren but don’t know the best way.
Poor question: “How do I send pictures?”
Good question: ________________________________
Excellent question: “I want to share photos with my grandchildren who live in different states. I take pictures on my iPhone. What are the easiest ways to share them—through text, email, or something else? Please explain each option simply.”
Type your version into AI now!
Scenario 3: Home Maintenance
Your situation: You have a squeaky door hinge that’s driving you crazy.
Poor question: “Fix squeaky door?”
Good question: ________________________________
Excellent question: “I have a bedroom door with a squeaky hinge. What’s the easiest way to fix it myself? I have basic tools but I’m not particularly handy. Give me step-by-step instructions.”
Type your version into AI now!
Scenario 4: Entertainment
Your situation: You finished watching a TV series and want to find something similar.
Poor question: “What should I watch?”
Good question: ________________________________
Excellent question: “I just finished watching ‘The Crown’ on Netflix and loved it. Can you recommend 5 similar shows that have great acting, historical settings, and good storytelling? Please include which streaming service each one is on.”
Type your version into AI now!
Scenario 5: Learning Technology
Your situation: Your grandchild is teaching you about social media and you’re confused.
Poor question: “What’s social media?”
Good question: ________________________________
Excellent question: “My grandchildren keep mentioning Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. I don’t understand the difference between them or what each one is used for. Can you explain each one in simple terms and tell me which would be best for staying connected with family?”
Type your version into AI now!
Part 8: The Question Refinement Process
Sometimes your first question doesn’t get you what you need. Here’s how to refine:
Step 1: Ask Your Initial Question
Example: “How do I make bread?”
Step 2: Evaluate the Answer
Ask yourself:
Did I get what I needed?
Was it too complicated?
Was it too simple?
Did it assume knowledge I don’t have?
Did it miss something important?
Step 3: Refine Based on What’s Missing
If the answer was too complicated:
“Can you simplify that? I’m a complete beginner at bread-making.”
If it was too simple:
“I actually have some baking experience. Can you give me a more detailed recipe with tips for getting a good crust?”
If it missed something:
“That’s helpful! Can you also tell me what equipment I’ll need?”
If you need a different approach:
“Actually, I don’t have a lot of time. Do you have a quicker bread recipe, maybe using a bread machine?”
Step 4: Continue Until You’re Satisfied
Keep refining:
“Perfect! One more question—how do I know when the bread is fully baked?”
Real example conversation:
You: “How do I make bread?”
AI: [Gives traditional bread recipe with kneading, rising time, etc.]
You: “That sounds like it takes a long time. Do you have a faster recipe?”
AI: [Gives quick bread recipe]
You: “Better! But I don’t have yeast. Can I make bread without it?”
AI: [Gives no-yeast quick bread recipe]
You: “Perfect! What if I want to add cheese and herbs to make it more flavorful?”
AI: [Gives suggestions for add-ins]
See how each question refines and improves the information?
Part 9: Questions for Different Purposes
Different goals require different question styles:
Questions for Learning
Goal: Understand something new
Format: Start with basics, build up
Examples:
“What is [topic] in simple terms?”
“Can you explain the basics of [topic] without using technical language?”
“What’s the difference between [thing 1] and [thing 2]?”
“What are the most important things to know about [topic]?”
Questions for Doing
Goal: Complete a task
Format: Step-by-step, actionable
Examples:
“Give me step-by-step instructions for [task].”
“Walk me through the process of [task].”
“What’s the easiest way to [task] for a beginner?”
“What do I need to do to [accomplish goal]?”
Questions for Deciding
Goal: Make a choice
Format: Comparison, pros/cons
Examples:
“What are the pros and cons of [option 1] vs. [option 2]?”
“Which would be better for someone who [your situation]: [option 1] or [option 2]?”
“Help me decide between [options]. Here’s my situation: [context].”
“What factors should I consider when choosing [thing]?”
Questions for Troubleshooting
Goal: Fix a problem
Format: Describe problem, ask for solutions
Examples:
“My [device/thing] is [problem]. What could be wrong?”
“I tried to [task] but [what went wrong]. How do I fix it?”
“I’m getting this error: [error message]. What does it mean and how do I resolve it?”
“What are common reasons why [problem happens]?”
Questions for Planning
Goal: Organize or prepare
Format: Ask for structure, lists, timelines
Examples:
“Help me plan [event/project]. What steps should I take?”
“What do I need to prepare for [event/trip]?”
“Give me a timeline for [project] that takes [timeframe].”
“What should I consider when planning [event]?”
Questions for Creating
Goal: Make or build something
Format: Ask for ideas, instructions, inspiration
Examples:
“Give me [number] ideas for [creative project].”
“How can I make [thing] using [materials I have]?”
“What are some creative ways to [accomplish something]?”
“I want to create [thing]. What materials and steps do I need?”
Part 10: The Question Improvement Checklist
Before sending any question, run through this mental checklist:
✓ Is it clear WHAT I want?
Ask yourself: If someone else read my question, would they understand what I’m looking for?
Example:
❌ “Tell me about that.”
✅ “Tell me about growing tomatoes in Arizona.”
✓ Did I include important CONTEXT?
Ask yourself: Does AI have the background information it needs?
Example:
❌ “What should I buy?”
✅ “I need a new phone that’s easy for seniors to use. What should I buy?”
✓ Did I specify my KNOWLEDGE LEVEL?
Ask yourself: Will AI know how much I already understand?
Example:
❌ “Explain computers.”
✅ “I’m a complete beginner. Explain what a computer is in simple terms.”
✓ Did I say HOW I want the answer?
Ask yourself: Do I want a list? Steps? A brief summary? Detailed explanation?
Example:
❌ “Good books?”
✅ “Give me a list of 5 mystery novels similar to Agatha Christie, with a brief description of each.”
✓ Did I include CONSTRAINTS or PREFERENCES?
Ask yourself: Are there limits or requirements AI should know about?
Example:
❌ “Exercise ideas?”
✅ “Exercise ideas that can be done sitting down and don’t require any equipment?”
✓ Can I be MORE SPECIFIC?
Ask yourself: Is there any vague language I could make more precise?
Example:
❌ “Good places to visit?”
✅ “Good places to visit in Italy for a first-time traveler interested in art and history?”
Your Assignment Before Lesson 5
It’s time to practice your new question-asking skills!
Assignment 1: Transform 5 Questions
Take 5 vague questions and transform them into excellent questions using what you learned.
Use these or create your own:
“Tell me about dogs.”
“How do I cook?”
“What phone is good?”
“Exercise help?”
“Travel ideas?”
Transform each one into a detailed, specific question, then actually ask AI and record what kind of answer you got.
Assignment 2: Practice the Refinement Process
Choose one topic you’re genuinely interested in.
Start with a basic question, then refine it through at least 4 follow-up questions.
Example:
Start: “Tell me about knitting.”
Refine: “Actually, I want to learn to knit. What supplies do I need to start?”
Refine: “Where’s the best place to buy these supplies?”
Refine: “What’s an easy first project for a complete beginner?”
Refine: “Can you give me step-by-step instructions for that project?”
Document your conversation and bring it to class!
Assignment 3: Compare Question Styles
Ask the same basic question THREE different ways:
Very brief and simple
Detailed with lots of context
Somewhere in between
Compare the answers you get. Which approach gave you the most useful response?
Assignment 4: Real-World Application
Think of something you actually need help with this week.
Craft the perfect question using everything you learned:
What you want
Important context
Your knowledge level
How you want the answer
Any constraints
Ask AI your question and use the answer in real life. Did it help?
Assignment 5: Keep a Question Journal
For the next week, write down:
Questions you asked AI
What worked well
What didn’t work as expected
How you refined questions to get better answers
Bring this to our next class for discussion!
Key Takeaways from Lesson 4
Let’s review the important concepts from today:
✓ Specific questions get better answers than vague questions
✓ The question formula: What you want + Details + How you want it
✓ Five key elements: Be specific, add context, state your level, specify format, set constraints
✓ You can refine questions through follow-ups until you get exactly what you need
✓ Different purposes require different question styles
✓ Even “okay” questions can be transformed into “excellent” questions
✓ You learned advanced techniques like “Yes, and,” comparisons, and “Walk me through it”
✓ Common mistakes include vague pronouns, assumed context, and missing details
✓ The refinement process: Ask, evaluate, refine, repeat until satisfied
✓ You have a mental checklist to improve every question before sending it
Questions and Discussion
Let’s address common questions about asking questions:
Q: “Isn’t it easier to just ask short questions?”
A: Short questions are easier to type, but detailed questions save time overall because you get the right answer the first time instead of going back and forth.
Q: “What if I give too much detail and confuse AI?”
A: It’s almost impossible to give too much helpful detail. If your question is very long, AI will still find the important parts. Err on the side of more information rather than less.
Q: “Can I ask the same question to both Claude and ChatGPT to compare answers?”
A: Absolutely! This is a great way to get different perspectives or more complete information.
Q: “What if I still don’t get a good answer even after refining my question?”
A: Try starting a new conversation and approaching the topic from a different angle. Sometimes a fresh start helps.
Q: “Should I write out my questions in a document first before typing them to AI?”
A: If you’re working on something important, this can be helpful! But for everyday questions, just type directly to AI and refine as you go.
Q: “Is it okay to tell AI when its answer wasn’t helpful?”
A: Yes! You can say “That’s not quite what I needed” and explain what you were actually looking for. AI will adjust.
Quick Reference Guide
Here’s a handy guide you can refer to:
Question Starters for Different Situations
For learning:
“Can you explain…”
“What is…”
“Help me understand…”
“What’s the difference between…”
For doing:
“Give me step-by-step instructions for…”
“How do I…”
“Walk me through…”
“What’s the process for…”
For deciding:
“What are the pros and cons of…”
“Should I choose… or…?”
“Help me decide between…”
“Which is better for someone who…”
For troubleshooting:
“My [thing] isn’t working. It’s [problem]…”
“I’m getting this error…”
“What could cause…”
“How do I fix…”
For ideas:
“Give me [number] ideas for…”
“What are some creative ways to…”
“Can you suggest…”
“What would be a good…”
Quick Improvement Phrases
To add context:
“Here’s my situation…”
“I should mention that…”
“Some important details…”
“For context…”
To specify level:
“I’m a complete beginner…”
“I have some experience with…”
“I’m comfortable with the basics but…”
“Explain this simply…”
To refine:
“Actually, I meant…”
“Can you be more specific about…”
“That’s helpful, but can you also…”
“Let me clarify…”
To change format:
“Can you put that in a list?”
“Give me step-by-step…”
“Summarize that briefly…”
“Can you explain in more detail?”
Looking Ahead to Lesson 5
In our next lesson, we’ll focus on using AI for health and wellness questions. We’ll learn:
How to ask health-related questions safely and effectively
Understanding what AI can and cannot help with regarding health
Getting nutrition and recipe assistance
Finding exercise and wellness information
When to consult a real doctor vs. using AI
Explaining medical terms and understanding prescriptions
What to bring to Lesson 5:
Your device and login information
Examples of health or wellness questions you have
Any medical terms you’ve heard but don’t understand (from doctor visits, prescriptions, etc.)
Your question journal from this week’s practice
Questions about today’s lesson
Celebrating Your Progress!
Look how far you’ve come!
Lesson 1: You learned what AI is
Lesson 2: You created your accounts
Lesson 3: You had conversations with AI
Lesson 4: You learned to ask questions like a pro!
You’re not just using AI anymore—you’re using it WELL. That’s a significant skill that will serve you in countless situations.
Many people use AI but never learn to ask good questions. You’re ahead of the game!
Final Thoughts
Remember these principles as you practice:
✓ Every great answer starts with a great question
✓ You can always refine—first attempts don’t have to be perfect
✓ More details usually mean better answers
✓ Natural, conversational questions work best
✓ It’s okay to tell AI when you need something explained differently
✓ Practice makes you better—the more you ask, the easier it gets
Most importantly: Use what you learned! The best way to get good at asking questions is to actually practice with real questions you care about.
Before You Go
✓ Complete your 5 assignments this week
✓ Keep your question journal
✓ Practice the refinement process
✓ Transform vague questions into excellent questions
✓ **Use AI to help with something you actually need this week**
✓ Bring examples of your best questions to next class
✓ Don’t be afraid to experiment with different question styles
See you in Lesson 5, where we’ll explore health and wellness questions!
Bonus: Quick Practice Challenges
Before you go, try these quick challenges to reinforce what you learned:
Challenge 1: The 10-Second Improvement
Take this question: “Help with computer”
You have 10 seconds—make it better!
Possible answer: “My Windows computer is running very slowly. What can I do to speed it up?”
Challenge 2: Add One Element
Take this question: “Give me a recipe for soup.”
Add just ONE element from what you learned (context, constraint, format preference, etc.)
Possible additions:
“Give me a recipe for soup that serves 4 people.” (constraint)
“Give me an easy recipe for soup—I’m a beginner cook.” (knowledge level)
“Give me a recipe for chicken soup with step-by-step instructions.” (format)
Challenge 3: The Context Challenge
Basic question: “Should I buy a tablet?”
Add enough context to get a personalized recommendation.
Your improved question:
Possible answer: “I’m 70 years old and want something to read books on, video chat with my grandkids, and check email. I’ve never owned a tablet. Should I buy one, and if so, which one would be easiest for someone my age to learn?”
Challenge 4: The Comparison Challenge
Turn this into a comparison question: “Tell me about streaming services.”
Your comparison question:
Possible answer: “Can you compare Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ in terms of price, content for families, and ease of use for seniors?”
Challenge 5: The Expert Challenge
Take ANY topic you’re interested in and write the perfect question using ALL five elements:
Be specific about what you want
Add relevant context
Specify your knowledge level
Tell AI how you want the answer
Include constraints or preferences
Your expert-level question:
Example: “I’m a 68-year-old retiree who wants to start a small vegetable garden in my Phoenix, Arizona backyard. I have some basic gardening experience but have never dealt with desert heat. Can you give me a numbered list of 8-10 vegetables that will thrive in extreme heat, along with brief planting tips for each? I’d prefer vegetables that don’t require constant watering and are relatively easy to grow.”
Personal Action Plan
Before our next lesson, create your personal action plan:
This Week I Will:
1. Practice asking questions: I will ask AI at least _____ questions this week (goal: at least 10)
2. Focus on improvement: I will practice transforming vague questions into detailed questions
3. Apply what I learned: I will use AI to help me with: ________________________________
4. Keep learning: I will document what works well and what doesn’t in my question journal
5. Prepare for next lesson: I will bring examples of health/wellness questions I have
My Success Metrics:
I’ll know I’m successful when:
I can write a detailed question without looking at my notes
I get useful answers on my first try more often
I’m comfortable refining questions when needed
I actually use AI to solve real problems in my life
I can explain to a friend how to ask good questions
Encouraging Words
Learning to ask good questions is a skill that goes beyond AI—it’s a life skill. People who ask good questions:
Get better help from doctors
Communicate more clearly with family
Solve problems more effectively
Learn faster
Make better decisions
You’re not just learning to use AI—you’re learning to think more clearly and communicate more effectively. That’s valuable in every area of life!
Share Your Success!
After you complete this week’s assignments, you’ll have some great stories to share:
Questions to reflect on:
What was the most helpful answer you got from AI this week?
What question transformation made the biggest difference?
What did you learn about yourself as you practiced?
What surprised you about the refinement process?
How did better questions make your life easier?
Bring these stories to Lesson 5! We’ll share experiences and learn from each other.
Additional Resources
Keep These Phrases Handy
When you need clarification:
“Can you explain that more simply?”
“What does [term] mean?”
“I don’t understand the part about…”
“Can you give me an example?”
When you need more detail:
“Tell me more about…”
“Can you expand on…”
“What else should I know about…”
“Go into more depth about…”
When you need less detail:
“Give me just the key points”
“Summarize that briefly”
“What’s the short version?”
“Just the essentials, please”
When the answer isn’t quite right:
“That’s close, but actually I meant…”
“Let me rephrase my question…”
“I’m looking for something different…”
“Actually, my situation is…”
Question Templates You Can Use
For recipes: “Can you give me a [type of food] recipe that serves [number] people, uses [ingredient], takes [time], and is [difficulty level]?”
For technology: “I’m trying to [task] on my [device]. I’m a [experience level]. Can you give me step-by-step instructions?”
For learning: “I want to understand [topic] as a [experience level]. Can you explain it in simple terms without using [type of jargon]?”
For health: “I’m [age/situation] and interested in [health goal]. What [exercise/diet/habit] would you recommend, keeping in mind [limitation]?”
For shopping: “I need to buy [item] for [purpose]. My budget is [amount]. I need it to [requirements]. What do you recommend?”
For planning: “Help me plan [event/trip] for [number] people in [timeframe]. We’re interested in [interests] and our budget is [amount].”
One Final Exercise: The Question Evolution Chain
Let’s end with one complete example showing how a question can evolve through refinement:
Question 1 (Basic): “Cookie recipe”
Question 2 (Better): “Can you give me a chocolate chip cookie recipe?”
Question 3 (Even Better): “Can you give me a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe for a beginner?”
Question 4 (More Detailed): “Can you give me a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe that makes about 24 cookies and doesn’t require an electric mixer?”
Question 5 (Excellent): “Can you give me a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe that makes about 24 cookies, doesn’t require an electric mixer, uses common ingredients, and includes step-by-step instructions with timing? I’m a beginner baker.”
Follow-up 1: “That looks great! How do I know when they’re done baking?”
Follow-up 2: “What if I want them chewier rather than crispy?”
Follow-up 3: “Can I substitute dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate?”
Follow-up 4: “How should I store them to keep them fresh?”
See how the conversation evolved? You started with two words and ended with a complete understanding of how to make exactly the cookies you want, plus storage tips!
This is the power of good questions!
Parting Wisdom
As you go forward and practice, remember:
“The quality of your life is determined by the quality of the questions you ask.”
This is true whether you’re asking AI, asking your doctor, asking family members, or asking yourself. Good questions lead to better understanding, which leads to better decisions and outcomes.
You now have the tools to ask excellent questions. Use them!
Your Homework Reminder Card
(Print or write this down and keep it with you)
📝 LESSON 4 HOMEWORK:
✓ Transform 5 vague questions into excellent ones
✓ Practice the refinement process with one topic
✓ Compare three different question styles
✓ Use AI to solve a real problem this week
✓ Keep a question journal
✓ Bring examples to Lesson 5
🎯 MY GOAL THIS WEEK:
📅 I WILL COMPLETE THIS BY:
Thank You for Your Dedication!
You’re putting in the work to learn this skill, and it shows. Every lesson, you’re getting more confident and capable. That’s something to be proud of!
Remember:
You’re learning at your own pace
Every question you ask is practice
Mistakes are part of learning
You’re doing great!
We can’t wait to hear about your experiences in Lesson 5!
Until then, happy questioning!
“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” – Voltaire
“The important thing is not to stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein
You’re asking questions, you’re learning, you’re growing. Keep it up!
Post-Lesson Reflection
Take a moment now to reflect on today’s lesson:
What was your biggest “aha!” moment today?
What technique are you most excited to try?
What’s one question you want to ask AI this week using your new skills?
On a scale of 1-10, how confident do you feel about asking good questions now? _____ (Be honest—and remember, it’s okay if you’re still building confidence!)
What do you want to make sure you remember from today?
See You in Lesson 5!
Next time, we’ll dive into practical health and wellness questions. We’ll learn how to get helpful health information while understanding AI’s limitations, how to research medications and conditions safely, and how to use AI as a complement (not replacement) to professional medical care.
Come prepared with:
Questions about health topics you’re curious about
Medical terms you’ve heard but don’t understand
Nutrition or exercise questions
Your homework completed
Stories of your question-asking successes this week!
Until then, keep asking, keep learning, and keep getting better!
You’re doing amazing work. We’re proud of your progress!
END OF LESSON 4
🎓 You’ve completed another milestone in your AI learning journey! 🎓
