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Get a researched brief with sources on any topic
A clear two-page brief on a subject you need to write about, with key facts, different viewpoints and links to check every claim.
When to use it
Before writing about something new to you
Step by step
Turn on web search
Use an AI assistant that can search the web (ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini all can). Some also offer a deeper research mode for longer reports.
Ask for a structured brief
Paste this prompt and fill in your topic.
Prompt to copyResearch [topic] for an article aimed at [audience] in [country]. Give me a brief with: 1) a 5-sentence plain-English summary; 2) 8-10 key facts or figures, each with the source name, date and link; 3) the main debates or different viewpoints; 4) common myths and what's actually true; 5) 5 questions readers are likely to ask; 6) gaps where reliable information is thin. Prefer official, academic and reputable news sources from the last [2] years. Say clearly if you're unsure.Check the sources
Open each link and make sure it says what the brief claims. Delete anything you can't verify.
Save it for writing
Paste the checked brief into a Google Doc at the top of your draft so the facts are to hand.
What you get
Summary: Heat pumps work in cold weather, but efficiency drops below -5C... Fact: average UK household install cost £X (source, date, link). Debate: whether older homes need full insulation first. Myth: 'They don't work in winter.' Gap: little data on terraced houses.
Tips
- AI can invent sources that look real. Never quote a figure you haven't seen on the source page yourself.