Research and summariesIntermediateFree

Summarise a long report

Turns a report into key findings, the evidence behind them and what’s missing.

The prompt

Summarise the report below for [who you’re summarising it for]. Give me: a three-sentence summary; the five key findings, each with the section or page it comes from; the evidence behind each finding (survey, data, case studies or opinion); and anything a reader might expect that the report doesn’t cover. Quote figures exactly as the report gives them. Write in plain, neutral English, and if the report doesn’t say something, don’t fill the gap. The report: [paste the text, or attach the file if your assistant can read files. Use public or approved documents only]

Tips for a better answer

  • Spot-check two or three findings against the report itself before you rely on the summary.
  • Ask “what would someone who disagrees with this report say?” to find its weak points.

An example, filled in

Summarise the report below for my team, who will decide whether to read the full thing. Give me: a three-sentence summary; the five key findings, each with the section or page it comes from; the evidence behind each finding (survey, data, case studies or opinion); and anything a reader might expect that the report doesn’t cover. Quote figures exactly as the report gives them. Write in plain, neutral English, and if the report doesn’t say something, don’t fill the gap. The report: the full text of the council’s public consultation report on changes to local bus routes

Before you paste it in. Leave out names, contact details, passwords and anything confidential. At work, use the AI tools your employer has approved, and check what comes back before you rely on it. Using AI at work safely

Spotted a problem with this prompt? Tell us and an editor will check it.

More prompts for research and summaries

All the prompts for research and summaries, on one page

Get AI explained at your level, every weekday

The five stories that matter, in plain English, with a prompt of the day. Free.