Tutor-Mode Struggle-Prompt Card

Use with Tutor-Mode Prompts: Getting AI to Ask Questions Instead of Just Answering.

Pattern 1: The hint ladder

I am trying to solve this myself: [describe the problem].

Do not give me the answer or a full explanation.
Give me one small hint - the smallest nudge that might unstick me.
Wait for me to try again. Only give me a slightly bigger hint if I ask for one.
Only give me the full explanation if I ask for it directly after at least two hints.

Pattern 2: Ask me a question back

I think I understand [concept], but I am not confident. Instead of explaining it to me, ask me questions that would reveal whether I actually understand it.
Ask one question at a time. Based on my answer, ask a follow-up that targets whatever seems shaky.
Do not tell me if I'm right or wrong until after at least three questions - just keep asking.

Pattern 3: Confirm, don’t correct

Here is my answer: [your attempt].
Tell me only whether I am right or wrong, and if wrong, give me one clue about where the error is - not the corrected answer.
I will try again before you tell me more.

Which pattern worked best?

When not to use hint mode

Medical symptoms, safety questions, urgent factual checks, or anything where getting stuck and guessing wrong has a real cost. Ask directly for those.