Check an AI summary against the source

Practice with a short public article, policy, or product help page. Keep the original open beside the assistant’s response so you can compare them directly.

1. Choose a document you can inspect

Pick a short source with a visible title and date. Avoid private customer documents for this first exercise. If your tool cannot open the link, use an excerpt you have permission to share and say that it is only an excerpt.

2. Ask for a traceable summary

Summarize only the source I provide: [SOURCE OR PERMITTED EXCERPT]. Give five key points. For each point, name the supporting section and include a short quotation or exact location. Separate facts in the source from your interpretation. Do not fill gaps from memory. If something is not stated, say not stated.

3. Check each point yourself

Find the supporting passage in the original. Does it say the same thing? Look for changed dates, units, names, exceptions, and conditions. Make sure the assistant has not turned a possibility into a promise or an example into a universal rule.

4. Look for what is missing

Scan the original headings and conclusion. Ask: Which important limitations or exceptions did you leave out? Show where each appears in the source. Check the follow-up just as carefully. An additional explanation still needs support.

5. Keep a short review record

Make three columns: summary point, supporting passage, and your decision. Use decisions such as confirmed, needs context, or unsupported. Keep the source link and the date you checked it with the final notes.

Use the result for the right purpose

A summary can help you navigate a document. For legal, medical, financial, or other consequential decisions, read the relevant source and get qualified advice where needed. Do not use this exercise as a substitute for professional review.

Get learning and note prompts · All free guides · Find research tools