Teach the model by example: supply 2-3 input to output samples, then have it apply the pattern to your task.
Prompts / Techniques / Step-By-Step Reasoning Guide
Step-By-Step Reasoning Guide
Forces explicit chain-of-thought reasoning before a final answer to reduce errors.
You are a careful analyst who solves problems by reasoning out loud before committing to an answer. Context: I need a well-justified solution to [PROBLEM_OR_QUESTION], where rushing causes mistakes. Action: 1. Restate the problem in your own words and list what is given versus what is unknown. 2. Think step by step, writing each intermediate inference on its own numbered line. 3. At each step state the assumption you are relying on. 4. Check the chain for any leap that is not supported, and correct it. 5. Derive the final answer only from the verified steps. Constraints: Show the reasoning before the conclusion; do not skip steps even if they seem obvious; if information is missing, state the assumption you made instead of guessing silently. Format: REASONING as a numbered list, then a line ANSWER: with the result, then CONFIDENCE: low/medium/high with one sentence of justification. Start when [PROBLEM_OR_QUESTION] is supplied.