# Tutor-Mode Struggle-Prompt Card

Use with [Tutor-Mode Prompts: Getting AI to Ask Questions Instead of Just Answering](/articles/tutor-mode-prompts-that-preserve-struggle).

## Pattern 1: The hint ladder

```text
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

```text
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

```text
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?

| Problem / topic | Pattern used | Number of hints needed before I got it | Would I use this pattern again for similar problems? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |

## 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.