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Read an Academic Paper Actively in Three Passes
Prompt
My course and why I'm reading this paper: {{READING_REASON}}
Paper title and field: {{PAPER_TITLE}}
The abstract and, if I have them, the introduction's last paragraph and the conclusion:
"""
{{PAPER_EXCERPTS}}
"""
Run it like this:
1. Pass 1 (5 minutes): from the excerpts, ask me to state the paper's research question, method and main finding in one sentence each. Wait for my answers, then correct them.
2. Pass 2: tell me which sections of the full paper to read next for my purpose, and which I can skim. Give me 4 questions to answer while reading (for example, "What's the sample, and who is left out?").
3. Pass 3: when I come back with my answers, help me evaluate: strengths, limitations the authors admit, limitations they don't, and how the paper fits my assignment.
4. Finish with a 5-line note template I can fill in for my reference manager.
Constraints: base comments only on text I've given you. If I ask about parts you haven't seen, say so. Don't claim to know the paper's citations or reception.
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About this prompt
“Read an Academic Paper Actively in Three Passes” is a free prompt for ChatGPT in the Education & Learning category, 206 words long, added to The Prompt Index on October 28, 2026 by The Prompt Index. Copy it with the button above, paste it into ChatGPT or any other AI chat assistant, and send it.
It has 3 placeholders to fill in first:
{{READING_REASON}}, {{PAPER_TITLE}}, {{PAPER_EXCERPTS}}.
Use the “Customize this prompt” fields to personalise it before you copy.
Recommended models: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini.
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