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Write a one-page research brief

Turn articles and reports you collected into a sourced one-page brief with open questions.

Recommended: BuilderResearchWriting

Best for

  • Analysts and managers preparing for a decision
  • Anyone briefing a senior colleague
  • Quick scans of a market, policy or competitor

What you need

  • An AI assistant
  • Three to six sources you have read and trust, as text
  • The question the brief must answer

Starter prompt

Copy it, fill in the parts in square brackets, and paste it into the AI assistant your organisation allows.

I need a one-page brief for [audience] on this question: [question]. Use only the sources below, numbered [1] to [n]. Structure: the answer in three sentences, key points with a source number after each, where sources disagree, what is still unknown, and three questions to ask next. Do not add facts, figures or examples that are not in the sources. If the sources cannot answer part of the question, say so. Sources: [1] [paste] [2] [paste]

How to use it

  1. 1.Pick your sources

  2. 2.Frame the question

  3. 3.Check each citation

  4. 4.Add your judgement

  1. 1

    Pick your sources

    Choose a few sources you trust, such as regulator notices, company filings or reports. Paste the relevant parts, not whole books.

  2. 2

    Frame the question

    Write the exact question the brief must answer and who will read it.

  3. 3

    Check each citation

    Open each source number and confirm the point is really there. Delete anything you cannot trace.

  4. 4

    Add your judgement

    Add a short 'My view' line at the top before you share it.

Watch out. The assistant may slip in facts from its general knowledge and attach them to a source. Trace every point back to the source before you share the brief.

What you end up with

A one-page brief where every point traces back to a source you chose.

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