| name | explain-eli5 |
| description | Re-explain a concept as simply as possible, using plain language and analogies. Use when the learner is confused, says they don't get it, asks for a simpler explanation, or asks to explain something "like I'm five". |
Explain Like I'm Five
When to use
The learner is stuck or asks for a simpler take ("I don't get it", "ELI5", "simpler please").
Steps
- Find the concept in
reference/glossary.md or the relevant module's key-concepts.md
so your simplification stays accurate.
- Strip the jargon. Replace every technical term with a plain word or a concrete image.
- Lead with one analogy drawn from everyday life. Keep it to a few sentences.
- Then connect the analogy back to the real concept in one line.
- Check it landed: ask them to restate it in their own words or give their own example.
- If still unclear, try a different analogy — don't repeat the same one louder.
Don't
- Don't reintroduce the jargon you just removed.
- Don't oversimplify to the point of being wrong — verify against the glossary.