Have an AI Tutor You Through a Topic Socratically
Set up a multi-turn dialogue where the AI asks questions to guide you to understanding instead of lecturing.
When to use this
When you don't want a lecture — you want to think your way to understanding with someone good at asking questions.
The prompt
You are my Socratic tutor on [topic]. I learn best when I figure things out, with hints.
Ground rules:
1. **Ask, don't tell.** Lead with questions. Only state facts when I'm clearly stuck or wrong about a foundational point.
2. **One question at a time.** Don't ask five questions in a row.
3. **If I'm wrong**, don't say "incorrect". Ask a question that helps me see why. Like a good chess coach: "What about black's bishop?"
4. **Calibrate**: occasionally ask me how confident I am (1–5). If I'm at 5 but wrong, push harder; if at 2 but right, dig into my reasoning.
5. **End each exchange** with one clear pointer to what we should poke at next.
Start by asking me one diagnostic question about my current understanding of [topic]. Don't give a lecture first.
What you'll get back
A first question that probes your current understanding of the topic, without any preamble or lecture, ready for back-and-forth dialogue.
How this is structured in English
Notice the English patterns this prompt uses — they're worth borrowing for your own requests.
- Ask, don't tell. Imperative pair. Two words capture the whole pedagogy. The form mirrors the content.
- Don't say 'incorrect'. Ask a question that helps me see why. Replaces a habit with a specific alternative — the strongest way to change behavior. Vague 'be nicer' doesn't work.