What you’ll learn
The problem: Important dates and instructions can be hard to find in a long notice or document.
How AI can help: AI can explain the main points in everyday language, but it can miss or change details.
In this lesson: You’ll practice with a made-up notice, ask a follow-up question, and check the answer against the original. A summary is a shorter version that covers the main points.
What you’ll need: An internet connection and access to an AI chat. You can copy or type the example; you don’t need to upload a file.
Before you start: Use the fictional example below. Don’t paste or upload passwords, account numbers, medical records, or confidential work information.
1. Open an AI chat
Open ChatGPT (opens in a new tab) or another AI chat you already use. If you’re new to this, try your first conversation with AI first. Keep this lesson open so you can return to it.
2. Give AI the notice
Copy everything in the box, including the notice. Paste it into the chat’s message box, then send it. The notice is fictional so you can easily compare the answer with the original.
Summarize this notice in plain English. List the deadline and any important conditions. If a detail isn’t provided, say so rather than guessing.
Notice: Registration closes Wednesday at 5 p.m. The workshop is Saturday at 10 a.m. Participants under 16 must attend with an adult. A second session is proposed for next month, subject to volunteer availability.
Need help copying and pasting?
On a computer: Select the entire example, copy it with Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on a Mac, switch to your AI chat, click the message box, and paste with Ctrl+V or Command+V.
On a phone or tablet: Touch and hold the example, adjust the selection handles, and choose Copy. Switch to your AI chat, touch and hold the message box, and choose Paste.
If the button doesn’t work, copy the visible text manually or type it yourself. Remember to send the message.
Read the answer and see if it makes the main points easier to understand.
What a helpful summary might look like
We wrote this example for the lesson; it is not a recorded AI response. Your answer may use different words.
- Register by Wednesday at 5 p.m.
- The workshop is Saturday at 10 a.m.
- Anyone under 16 must attend with an adult.
- A second session is proposed, but depends on volunteer availability.
3. Ask a follow-up question
To learn more, send this question in the same conversation:
Can a 14-year-old attend alone? Is the second session confirmed?
AI should answer using the notice. If it’s unclear, ask it to point to the part of the notice that supports its answer. Then read that part yourself.
What a helpful answer might look like
This example was written for the lesson; it is not a recorded AI response. Your answer may use different words.
- A 14-year-old must attend with an adult.
- The second session is not confirmed. It is proposed and depends on volunteer availability.
4. Check the important details
Compare the answer with the original. Check:
- Registration closes Wednesday at 5 p.m.
- The workshop is Saturday at 10 a.m.
- Anyone under 16 must attend with an adult.
- The second session is proposed, not confirmed.
The notice doesn’t give a price or location. If AI supplies either, don’t assume it’s correct. AI can miss a condition or invent a detail, so check the original before you act.
Try it with your own document
Find a public notice or a short, non-sensitive passage you are allowed to share. Copy a few paragraphs and ask: “Explain this in plain English. List the main points and deadlines. Tell me what is unclear.” Paste the passage after your request.
For a long document, start with one section at a time. A summary of one section may miss important details elsewhere. Check deadlines, exceptions, and instructions against the complete original; leave private information out.
What if I get stuck?
The answer is confusing. Ask: “Explain that in simpler words.”
AI added something not in the notice. Ask it to use only the supplied text, then check the source yourself.
I have a PDF or a paper notice. For this first exercise, type a short public passage you are allowed to share. Uploading a file isn’t required.
You’ve finished when: You’ve asked for a summary, followed up, and checked the important details in the original.
Try the next lesson: Check an AI answer →
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