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How to Use Claude: A Prompt to Have AI Summarize Long Text

When this happens

Long school letters and work announcements can leave you wondering what you actually need to do. If you just say "summarize this," important dates can drop out, or things that aren't in the text can sneak in. Tell the AI the shape you want and the rules to follow, and you get a summary you can rely on. The example here is a school field trip letter.

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Ask like this

Summarize the text below. 1) Key points in 3 lines 2) My to-dos as a separate list 3) Dates, amounts and places exactly as written Don't add anything not in the text. (paste the text here)

The answer we got

Example AI chat
YouSummarize the text below. 1) Key points in 3 lines 2) My to-dos as a separate list 3) Dates, amounts and places exactly as written Don't add anything not in the text. (paste the text here)
AI1) Key points · The field trip next Friday goes ahead even if it rains, with an indoor schedule instead. · Each student needs to bring their own packed lunch and water. · The permission slip has to be returned to the class teacher by the deadline. 2) What you need to do · Sign the permission slip and send it back with your child · Pack lunch, water and a small umbrella or raincoat 3) Details exactly as written · Date: "next Friday" · Place: "the city science museum" · Amount: the letter doesn't mention any cost. The letter only says the slip is due "by the deadline." Check the rest of the letter or ask the teacher for the exact date.

Tips for better results

  1. Paste very long text in parts

    If it's too long to paste at once, send it in a few parts and ask for the summary at the end. Tell the AI upfront not to start summarizing too early.

    This is long, so I'll send it in parts. Until I say "done," just reply "got it."
  2. Match the tone to the reader

    A summary for your kid and one for a parents' group chat should sound different. Say who will read it and the AI will rewrite it to fit.

    Rewrite that summary in simple words I can read out to my 8-year-old.
  3. Hide names and numbers first

    If the notice has other people's names, phone numbers or addresses, delete them or replace them with XXX before pasting. The summary doesn't need them.

    I've replaced names and phone numbers with XXX. Summarize it the same way.

Today's checklist

FAQ

Does it have to be Claude?

No. It's plain everyday language, not a special command, so you'll get a similar summary in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.

How long a text can I paste?

The limit depends on the service and plan, and it changes often. If you get a "too long" message, send it in parts as in the tip above.

Can I trust the summary?

AI summaries can miss or get things wrong. That's why the prompt asks for dates, amounts and places word for word. Double-check anything important against the original.

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AI answers can vary by service and version. Double-check anything important before you use it.

Works in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.