Explain like I am new prompt template
Get a clear, jargon-free explanation of any concept pitched at your exact starting level, with an analogy and a quick check that it landed.
Free to copy3 fill-in variablesWorks with any text-based AI model
Copy the prompt
Keep the instruction intact and replace each double-braced field with your own context.
Explain like I am new
Explain {{concept}} to me as if I am new to it.
My background: {{background}}
How deep I want to go: {{depth}}
Follow this structure:
1. A one-sentence plain-language definition, no jargon.
2. A short, concrete analogy that maps onto something in my background.
3. The 3-4 core ideas I actually need, in order, each in 2-3 sentences.
4. One worked example or scenario showing the concept in action.
5. The single most common misunderstanding beginners have, and why it is wrong.
Define any term you cannot avoid the first time you use it. End with one
short question I should be able to answer if I understood it.
Fill in the variables
Use the examples as a shape, not as required wording.
{{concept}}- The topic or idea you want explainedExample: how public-key encryption works
{{background}}- What you already know, so the explanation can build on itExample: I'm a designer, comfortable with everyday tech but no maths or CS
{{depth}}- How far you want to go - a quick intuition or a thorough groundingExample: just enough intuition to follow a security blog post
Filled-in example
This shows the template with realistic inputs before it is sent to a model.
Explain how public-key encryption works to me as if I am new to it.
My background: I'm a designer, comfortable with everyday tech but no maths or CS.
How deep I want to go: just enough intuition to follow a security blog post.
Give me a plain definition, a concrete analogy, the 3-4 core ideas in order, one worked scenario, the most common beginner misunderstanding, and a question to check I understood it.
How to use this template
Three checks keep the result useful and grounded in your actual task.
- Give it real context.Replace every variable and remove any instruction that does not apply.
- Run it in your preferred model.The template is plain text, so it works with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and local models.
- Review before you rely on it.Check facts, code, claims, and sensitive information; then save the wording that performed best.