ELI5 to Expert: A Multi-Level Explanation Prompt

How the Layered Approach Works

Dense text creates a specific problem: everything seems equally important. An academic paper might pack three arguments, two qualifications, a methodology note, and an implied critique into a single paragraph. Without a hierarchy, you’re overwhelmed.

The ELI5 prompt for complex topics solves this by requesting explanation in layers. Instead of one flat response, you get four levels of depth — and you can stop at any level.

Layer 1 is the “explain like I’m five” level. One sentence. The absolute core. If someone asked “what’s this about?” in an elevator, this is your answer.

Layer 2 adds structure. The 3-4 supporting elements that hold up the core point. Still simple, but now you understand why the core point is true or important.

Layer 3 brings nuance. The qualifications, exceptions, and edge cases. This is where “it’s complicated” becomes specific — you learn under what conditions the main claim might not hold.

Layer 4 goes meta. What did the author simplify? What’s implied but not stated? What would experts notice that beginners would miss? This layer is for when you need to critically evaluate the text, not just understand it.

The Template in Action

Let’s say you paste a dense paragraph about monetary policy. Here’s what the layers might look like:

Layer 1: “Central banks raise interest rates to slow inflation by making borrowing more expensive.”

Layer 2: “Supporting elements: (1) Higher rates reduce consumer spending, (2) businesses delay investments, (3) currency strengthens making imports cheaper, (4) expectations shift as people anticipate slower growth.”

Layer 3: “Nuances: This works with demand-driven inflation but not supply shocks. Effects lag by 12-18 months. Small economies can’t raise rates independently without capital flight. The relationship breaks down at very low or very high rate levels.”

Layer 4: “Unsaid: The author assumes inflation expectations are ‘anchored’ and doesn’t address what happens when they’re not. Also omits distributional effects — rate hikes hurt borrowers and help savers, which has political implications the passage doesn’t mention.”

Notice how each layer adds complexity without contradicting the previous one. You build understanding progressively instead of drowning in detail.

Examples by Subject Area

For Scientific Papers

Layer 1 gives you the main finding. Layer 2 explains the evidence. Layer 3 reveals the limitations the authors acknowledge. Layer 4 exposes what they didn’t test or assumed without proof.

For Philosophy

Layer 1 states the thesis. Layer 2 outlines the argument structure. Layer 3 addresses counterarguments and qualifications. Layer 4 shows what the philosopher takes for granted — the hidden premises.

For Legal Documents

Layer 1 gives you the bottom line — what you can or can’t do. Layer 2 explains the conditions and requirements. Layer 3 covers exceptions and edge cases. Layer 4 reveals what’s ambiguous or likely to be contested.

For Technical Documentation

Layer 1 tells you what the thing does. Layer 2 explains how to use it. Layer 3 covers configuration options and limitations. Layer 4 reveals what the docs don’t tell you — common pitfalls, implicit requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Skipping Layer 1. Even if you’re an expert, start with the core point. Dense text can bury the main idea in qualifications. Layer 1 ensures you haven’t missed the forest for the trees.

Mistake 2: Treating all layers as equally important. They’re not. Layer 1 is always essential. Layer 4 is only for deep analysis. Don’t spend time on nuances if you just need the gist.

Mistake 3: Using this for simple text. If the passage is already clear, layered explanation adds complexity without benefit. Use the no-fluff prompt instead for straightforward content.

Mistake 4: Not following up. If a layer confuses you, ask AI to expand just that layer. “Can you give me more examples for Layer 3?” is better than re-running the whole prompt.

The AI Reading Prompts Library has tools for every comprehension challenge. The article understanding prompts give you a full toolkit. But for dense academic or technical writing, start here — with layers.