Example prompts by category.

Mathematics

1. Algebra II: "I'm an 11th grader working on logarithms. I can solve basic log equations but get stuck when there are different bases involved. Could you show me how to use the change of base formula with real-world examples? I need to explain this concept to my study group tomorrow."

2. Geometry: "I'm in 10th grade geometry struggling with proofs. I know the theorems but can't figure out which ones to use when. Can you teach me a decision-making process for choosing the right approach? I prefer visual diagrams over written explanations."

3. Pre-Calculus: "I'm a junior studying trigonometric identities. I memorized sin²θ + cos²θ = 1, but I don't understand how to derive other identities from it. Can you walk me through the logic like a puzzle, showing me patterns? My teacher expects us to prove identities on our quiz Friday."

4. Statistics: "I'm taking AP Stats and understand mean and median, but standard deviation confuses me. Why do we square the differences? Can you explain using a sports analogy? I need to interpret data sets for my project due next week."

Sciences

1. Chemistry: "I'm a sophomore learning about chemical bonding. I get ionic bonds but covalent bonds confuse me – how do atoms 'share' electrons? Can you explain like I'm building with LEGOs? I have a lab report due where I need to identify bond types."

2. Physics: "I'm in 11th grade physics studying momentum. I understand the formula p=mv but can't visualize conservation of momentum in collisions. Could you use a billiards or sports analogy to help? I need to solve collision problems for homework."

3. Environmental Science: "I'm studying carbon cycles but can't connect how deforestation affects ocean acidification. Can you trace the path of carbon like following a story? I'm creating an infographic for my semester project."

4. Anatomy: "I'm in 12th grade anatomy learning the endocrine system. I know the glands but can't remember which hormones do what. Can you create memory tricks or associations? I have a practical exam where I need to explain hormone functions."

Social studies

1. World History: "I'm a freshman studying the Renaissance. I understand it was a 'rebirth' but what exactly was being reborn? Can you explain the contrast with the Middle Ages using modern comparisons? I need three specific examples for my essay."

2. Economics: "I'm in 12th grade econ confused about supply and demand curves. Why does demand go down when price goes up? Can you explain using examples from teenage life like concert tickets or gaming consoles? We're having a debate next class."

3. Government: "I'm an 11th grader learning about checks and balances. I memorized the three branches but don't get how they actually limit each other. Can you use a sports referee analogy? I need to write about a current event showing this system."

4. Psychology: "I'm taking AP Psych and studying memory. I understand short-term vs long-term, but what's working memory? Can you explain using examples from studying or test-taking? I need to design an experiment proposal."

Language arts

1. Literature Analysis: "I'm a sophomore reading The Great Gatsby. Everyone says the green light is symbolic but I don't see why. Can you help me understand symbolism by connecting it to social media or modern status symbols? I have to write about three symbols."

2. Grammar: "I'm in 9th grade English constantly marked down for comma splices. I know they're wrong but can't identify them. Can you teach me a quick test to spot them? I need to edit my research paper before Friday."

3. Poetry: "I'm analyzing poetry in 11th grade but can't identify meter. Iambic pentameter sounds like gibberish. Can you explain rhythm in poetry like beats in music? I have to scan a sonnet for homework."

4. Creative Writing: "I'm in a creative writing class struggling with 'show don't tell.' I understand the concept but my writing still sounds like a list of events. Can you demonstrate the difference using a scene a teenager might experience? My short story is due next week."

Foreign languages

1. French: "I'm in French 3 learning the subjunctive mood. I know it expresses doubt or emotion but when do I actually use it? Can you show me triggers in conversations about school or friends? I have an oral exam coming up."

2. German: "I'm a sophomore struggling with German cases. Nominative makes sense but accusative and dative blur together. Can you create a decision tree or flowchart? I need to write emails correctly for my pen pal exchange."

3. Mandarin: "I'm learning Mandarin and tone changes confuse me. I know the four tones individually but when words combine, they change? Can you explain the rules using color coding or musical notes? I need to pass my speaking assessment."

4. Latin: "I'm in Latin II trying to translate Caesar. I know the vocabulary but the word order makes no sense. Can you show me a step-by-step process for 'unpacking' Latin sentences? We're translating a passage about the Gallic Wars for our midterm."

Computer science

1. Programming Basics: "I'm in intro to CS learning loops. I get 'while' loops but 'for' loops seem redundant. When would I use one over the other? Can you explain using everyday repetitive tasks? I need to write a program for my project."

2. Web Development: "I'm learning HTML/CSS in my web design class. My pages work but look amateur. How do I make layouts that don't break on different screens? Can you explain responsive design like organizing a flexible closet? Portfolio due at semester end."

3. Data Structures: "I'm in AP Computer Science learning about arrays vs lists. They seem to do the same thing. Can you explain the differences using a school locker vs backpack analogy? I have to choose the right structure for my app project."

Arts & music

1. Music Theory: "I'm in band and learning key signatures. I memorized the circle of fifths but don't understand why it works that way. Can you explain the pattern behind it? I need to transpose music for different instruments in our ensemble."

2. Art History: "I'm studying Impressionism but all the paintings look blurry to me. What were these artists trying to do differently? Can you relate it to Instagram filters or photography? I have to analyze a painting for my presentation."

3. Drama: "I'm in theater class learning about character motivation. I can memorize lines but my acting feels fake. How do I find the 'why' behind what my character says? Can you walk me through analyzing a scene? Auditions are next month."

Test preparation

1. ACT Science: "I'm prepping for the ACT and the science section kills my time. I try to read everything but run out of time. Can you teach me a skimming strategy that actually works? I'm taking the test in 6 weeks."

2. AP Exam Essays: "I'm studying for AP U.S. History and my DBQ essays are too slow. I know the content but can't organize quickly. Can you show me a template or formula that works for any prompt? The exam is in May."

Study skills & general learning

1. Note-Taking: "I'm a freshman and my notes are useless when I study. I write everything down but can't find important info later. Can you teach me a note-taking system that works for different subjects? I have finals in all my classes."

2. Time Management: "I'm a junior with 4 AP classes, sports, and college prep. I'm always behind and pulling all-nighters. Can you help me create a realistic study schedule that includes breaks? I need to survive this semester without burning out."

Tips for writing your own prompts

1. Be specific about your grade level and current understanding

2. Identify exactly what confuses you - don't just say "I don't get it"

3. Request a specific teaching style (analogies, step-by-step, visual, etc.)

4. Mention deadlines or upcoming assessments when relevant

5. Include your learning preferences to get explanations that stick

Remember: The more context you provide, the more tailored and helpful the response will be!