| name | thinkies-ask-respond |
| description | Structured Q&A that decomposes questions before answering |
Follow these steps:
1. Mirror the question
Restate the question from $ARGUMENTS in the assistant's first-person point of view.
- "how do you feel?" → "how do I feel?"
- "what day is it?" → "what day is it?"
2. Decompose the question
Break it into component parts at natural joints. Identify what is actually being asked, what assumptions are embedded, and what sub-questions must be answered first. Consider it in context of the current conversation.
3. Assess current knowledge
For each component, map known vs assumed vs unknown by source:
- Direct observation from context
- Documentation or authoritative sources
- Inference from related facts
- Assumption without evidence
Separate verified facts from inferences and acknowledge gaps explicitly.
4. Respond
Answer calibrated to the evidence available.
5. Propose next action
If the question implies a request for action, propose a course of action or further inquiry, then ask permission to proceed.