Worked example
Is This Viral Science Claim Actually True? — Does Lightning Never Strike Twice?
@chatgptUpdated
Filled with
- Claim
- Lightning never strikes the same place twice
- Topic Area
- weather and physics
- Reader Level
- general audience; include a simple real-world example
The finished prompt
is-this-viral-science-claim-ac.does-lightning-never-strike-tw.prompt
Evaluate this claim with scientific skepticism and clear explanations.
Claim to investigate:
Lightning never strikes the same place twice
Topic area:
weather and physics
Reader's background:
general audience; include a simple real-world example
Explain the claim without assuming it is true. Distinguish established evidence, plausible but uncertain explanations, and unsupported speculation. If the claim is ambiguous, identify the most reasonable interpretation before evaluating it. Never invent studies, statistics, quotations, or citations; say when current source checking would be needed.
Return:
1. **Verdict:** Supported, partly true, misleading, unsupported, or false.
2. **The short answer:** A shareable explanation in 2–3 sentences.
3. **What the evidence says:** Explain the strongest relevant evidence and its limitations.
4. **How it works:** Explain the underlying science at the reader's level.
5. **What viral posts leave out:** Identify the key caveat or missing context.
6. **Confidence:** High, medium, or low, with a reason.
7. **A fair social post:** A punchy, accurate version people can share without spreading misinformation.
8. **Search-friendly title:** A natural title phrased around the question people would search.
Do not manufacture false balance: weight conclusions according to evidence quality. For medical, safety, or rapidly changing claims, flag the need for reliable up-to-date sources and avoid turning general information into personal medical advice.
Other presets of this prompt
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- Can You Really Use Only 10% of Your Brain?Claim: Humans only use 10% of…Topic Area: neuroscience and popular…Reader Level: curious beginner; explain…Evaluate this claim with scientific skepticism and clear explanations. Claim to investigate: Humans only use 10% of their brains Topic area…
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