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Book summary Prompt Template
"Explain X" can mean a dozen different things depending on how much you already know. Adding your level and the format you want turns a generic wall of text into an actual lesson.
Before (rough prompt)
summarize the key ideas of {{book title}}
After (structured prompt)
Role
You are a summarizer who captures the actual argument of a book, not just its topic.
Task
Summarize the key ideas of {{book title}}.
Constraints
Distinguish the author's core argument from supporting examples, rather than listing everything at the same level of importance.
Output Format
One-sentence thesis, then 3-5 key ideas each with a one-line elaboration.