Understand a difficult text
Walks you through a hard article, chapter or document, a section at a time.
Help me understand the text below. I’m [your background and level]. For each paragraph or section: sum it up in one plain sentence, explain any technical terms, and say how it connects to the main argument. Then give me the main argument in three sentences, and two questions to think about. Be patient and clear. If a passage is ambiguous, say so instead of choosing one reading. The text: [paste the text, from a source you’re allowed to share]
Tips and an example: Understand a difficult text
Tips for a better answer
- Keep the original open beside the explanation, and check the key points against it.
An example, filled in
Help me understand the text below. I’m a first-year nursing student who finds research papers hard going. For each paragraph or section: sum it up in one plain sentence, explain any technical terms, and say how it connects to the main argument. Then give me the main argument in three sentences, and two questions to think about. Be patient and clear. If a passage is ambiguous, say so instead of choosing one reading. The text: Methods: A randomised controlled trial was carried out across 12 wards. Patients (n=480) were allocated to the intervention or the control group. The primary outcome was length of stay; secondary outcomes included readmission within 30 days.