Most people use AI like a fancier Google. That works for quick lookups, but if you’ve got eight tabs open and still no real answer, it’s the wrong tool. These three prompts are what I keep in rotation when I want something I can actually cite.
The idea is simple: don’t ask the model for an answer. Make it do the work a research assistant would do. Pull sources, surface where they disagree, and flag when it’s guessing.
[Claude]
I need a structured research brief on [TOPIC]. Search the web, then compile: (1) 5 authoritative sources with URLs, (2) 3 conflicting viewpoints between sources, (3) a decision matrix weighing accuracy vs accessibility. Output as a markdown table.
[ChatGPT]
You are my fact-checker. I will paste a claim below. Search for 3 independent sources that either confirm or refute it. For each source, cite the URL, rate confidence High/Medium/Low, and flag any bias. Deliver as a numbered list with a one-line verdict at the top.
Claim: [PASTE HERE]
[Cursor]
Given the following search results about [TOPIC], write a concise executive summary with 3 bullet points for key findings, 2 for gaps in the data, and 1 actionable recommendation. Keep under 150 words.
[PASTE SEARCH RESULTS HERE]
None of these are magic. The output still depends on what you paste in and which model you’re using. But the structure forces the AI to show its work, which makes it easier to spot the weak spots yourself.
Full archive at aitoolalliance.com/tag/prompt-pack.