How to Ask ChatGPT to Summarise a Long Document
Get the central ideas, decisions and action items without treating an AI summary as a substitute for the original.
Reviewed 29 August 2026 · Beginner friendly · Free to copy
Summarise the document below for [audience]. Start with a five-sentence overview, then list key decisions, dates, people responsible and unanswered questions. Distinguish what the document states from any inference. Cite the page or section for each important point. Document: [paste or attach it].
Why this prompt works
It defines the audience and asks for traceable evidence. This makes the summary easier to check against the original.
Use it in three steps
- CopyUse the button above to copy the complete prompt.
- PersonaliseReplace every item in square brackets. Specific, truthful details produce more useful answers.
- CheckRead the answer carefully. Verify important facts, dates and advice before acting.
Small changes that improve the answer
- ✓ Attach the full file when possible.
- ✓ Ask it to flag unreadable or missing pages.
- ✓ Verify important figures yourself.
Useful follow-up prompts
The first answer is a starting point. Continue the same conversation with one of these:
“Turn the action items into a checklist.”
“Which claims should I verify first?”
“Explain section three in simpler language.”