This viral ChatGPT prompt can teach you anything — and I’m officially hooked – 1v1 Video Chat & LIve Streaming & Influencer Subscription

By Amanda Caswell

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I’ve been using ChatGPT since it launched — this is the one prompt that never fails me

ChatGPT is an amazing education tool — 5 essential prompts I use to learn new things

I’ve been using this one ChatGPT prompt for years — and it works in absolutely any situation

The prompt, originally shared on r/ChatGPT, gives the AI a structured role: to ask questions before answering, tailor explanations to your level and then offer multiple paths of exploration.

In other words, instead of dumping information at you, it’s more interactive so it builds a learning plan tailored to you. After testing it across topics from neuroscience to personal finance, I can confidently say: it works.
The prompt and how to try it

(Image credit: Getty Images)
You Can Learn Everything With This Prompt. BEST LEARNING PROMPT! from r/ChatGPTPromptGenius
The Reddit prompt is dense and might be confusing because it looks a little different than most prompts. But, you’re going to want to copy the entire prompt into ChatGPT and hit send. From there, the AI will prompt you with follow up questions.

Too bulky? I’ve streamlined a version of it for you:
“Act as a private tutor. Ask me what I already know about the topic, how deep I want to go, and how much time I want to spend learning. Then create a personalized explanation plan and quiz me along the way to check understanding. Don’t move on until I confirm I’m ready.”

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Immediately, ChatGPT shifts from reactive assistant to proactive guide. It starts by asking smart, clarifying questions, then delivers layered responses that build on each other.
Whether I wanted a summary or a deep dive, it adjusted. It even offered practice questions and examples tailored to my interests.
More prompts I use to enhance learning

(Image credit: Future)

“Explain this topic to me like I’m 12 — then like I’m a college student.”
“Give me a beginner, intermediate, and advanced breakdown of [topic].”
“Quiz me on what I’ve learned so far. Use multiple choice.”
“What are common misunderstandings about this subject?”
“How can I apply this knowledge in real life?”
I tried the viral prompt to take a deep dive into the history of 1960s rock n’ roll and learned stuff my parents didn’t even know.

The add-on prompts helped me deepen my retention, fill in gaps and stay engaged.
I have used them for everything from world history to animal facts. There is realy no limit to how helpful this prompt can be for continued education.
Why this prompt works

(Image credit: Shutterstock)
What makes this prompt so effective is that it aligns with the way people learn best: through interaction, scaffolding and feedback.
When ChatGPT asks what you already know, it avoids wasting time on the basics or skipping too far ahead. When it checks your understanding, it simulates the feedback loop of a live tutor. That back-and-forth is what turns passive reading into active learning.
It also adds accountability. You’re not just being told information that can be misread or overlooked, you’re being quizzed, nudged and guided to ensure you “get it.”

That makes it easier to stay focused and retain the material. Plus, when you tell ChatGPT how much time you want to spend, it shapes the experience into something manageable and realistic, which reduces overwhelm.
Final takeaway
If you’re serious about learning something new and want to dive deeper than just surface-level answers, this Reddit prompt is a game-changer.
It transforms the chatbot into a true learning coach, guiding you step-by-step with clarity, structure and interaction.
Add a few follow-up prompts, and you’ll wonder why you ever tried to learn from static Google results or explainer videos that couldn’t answer your specific questions. Try it and let me know in the comments what worked for you.

Amanda Caswell

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Amanda Caswell is an award-winning journalist, bestselling YA author, and one of today’s leading voices in AI and technology. A celebrated contributor to various news outlets, her sharp insights and relatable storytelling have earned her a loyal readership. Amanda’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including outstanding contribution to media.
Known for her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex topics, Amanda seamlessly blends innovation and creativity, inspiring readers to embrace the power of AI and emerging technologies. As a certified prompt engineer, she continues to push the boundaries of how humans and AI can work together.
Beyond her journalism career, Amanda is a bestselling author of science fiction books for young readers, where she channels her passion for storytelling into inspiring the next generation. A long-distance runner and mom of three, Amanda’s writing reflects her authenticity, natural curiosity, and heartfelt connection to everyday life — making her not just a journalist, but a trusted guide in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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