Deakin GEM prompt library
To help you get started practising your use of Deakin GEM, we have created a prompt library. This library includes a list of sample prompts you can use when engaging with GEM about your studies, reasearch and assessments.
How to use the study support prompts
- These prompts are designed to support understanding, organisation and reflection for your learning outcomes.
- They are not intended to generate assessment responses or argument content.
- Always check your unit’s AI guidelines before using Deakin GEM for assessment tasks.
- You should be able to explain and defend every idea in your submitted work in your own words, without relying on AI.
- Understanding assessment language
- Planning and time management
- Strengthening understanding of concepts
- Developing critical thinking
- Writing feedback
- In university assessments, what does the term 'analyse' typically require?
- What questions should I ask myself before beginning an academic assignment?
- What is usually expected when a task asks students to 'critically evaluate' something?
- What is the difference between 'describe', 'discuss' and 'explain' in academic writing?
- What skills are commonly assessed in university essays?
- What are general characteristics of a strong academic argument?
- What does 'using evidence effectively' usually involve in academic work?
- I have an assignment due on [date]. Help me break the work into smaller stages between now and submission.
- Create a realistic weekly study schedule for a student studying [units] and working [X hours].
- Suggest a two-week revision plan for [unit/topic].
- Help me prioritise the following tasks logically: [list tasks].
- Break a large research project into manageable planning steps.
- Suggest strategies to avoid last-minute cramming before exams.
- How much time should students generally allow for proofreading before submission?
- Suggest ways to balance study, work and rest effectively.
- Provide a general explanation of [concept]. Identify key terms I should review in my unit readings.
- Explain the relationship between [Concept A] and [Concept B] in general terms.
- Outline common misunderstandings about [concept].
- Here is my understanding of [concept]: [insert explanation]. Where might I need clarification?
- Generate five short revision questions on [topic] without providing model answers.
- Suggest ways I can test my understanding of this topic independently.
- Identify key principles commonly associated with [theory].
- What types of examples are typically used to illustrate [concept]?
- Ask me three questions that would challenge this position: [insert summary in your own words].
- What assumptions commonly appear in discussions about [topic]?
- What kinds of bias should I watch for when analysing this issue?
- What questions should I ask to evaluate the strength of a source?
- Suggest reflective questions that could deepen analysis of this topic.
- What are common weaknesses found in arguments on this issue?
- Identify areas in this paragraph where clarity could be improved. Do not rewrite it.
- Comment on whether this paragraph reflects an appropriate academic tone.
- Highlight any logical gaps or unclear transitions in this section.
- Identify sentences that may require stronger evidence.
- Does this writing maintain a consistent argument? Explain your reasoning.
- Identify any overly general statements that may need more precision.
Responsible use reminder
Deakin GEM is a support tool. It does not replace your own reading, analysis or judgement. You remain responsible for:
- ensuring your work reflects your own understanding
- verifying the accuracy of information
- following your unit’s academic integrity requirements.
If you cannot clearly explain a sentence or idea in your own words, it should not appear in your submission.
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