Self-Review Instructions
Self-review instructions ask AI to check and critique its own output before delivering it. This simple technique can significantly improve the quality of AI responses.
10 min•By Priygop Team•Updated 2026
What Self-Review Instructions Are
Self-review means adding instructions that ask AI to check its own output against specific criteria before finalizing the response.
Example:
Task: 'Write a product description for X.'
With self-review added:
'Write a product description for X. Before finalizing, check: (1) Is the tone appropriate for the audience? (2) Are all key features mentioned? (3) Is it under 100 words? If any check fails, revise and show only the final version.'
Diagram
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Deep Learning ⊂ Machine Learning ⊂ Artificial Intelligence
Self-Review Prompt Examples
Self-Review Prompt Examples
# Self-review instruction examples
# Writing self-review
writing_self_review = """
Write an email declining this meeting invitation.
Tone: polite and professional.
Length: under 60 words.
Self-check before finalizing:
1. Is the tone polite throughout?
2. Is the reason for declining stated clearly?
3. Is it under 60 words?
If any check fails, revise before showing the final version.
"""
# Code self-review
code_self_review = """
Write a Python function to [TASK].
Self-check before finalizing:
1. Does the function handle the edge case where [EDGE CASE]?
2. Is there error handling?
3. Is the code readable with appropriate variable names?
4. Is there a docstring?
Revise if any check fails. Show only the final version.
"""
# Research self-review
research_self_review = """
Explain [CONCEPT] to a beginner.
Self-check:
1. Have I used any jargon without explaining it?
2. Is the analogy appropriate for the audience?
3. Is the explanation under 100 words?
Revise if any check fails.
"""
print("Self-review instructions improve quality with minimal prompt length.")Key Takeaways
- Self-review instructions ask AI to check its output against specific criteria
- Self-review improves quality without requiring you to do the checking yourself
- Keep self-review criteria specific and measurable
- Ask AI to show only the final revised version, not the intermediate reviews
- Self-review works best for tasks with clear, objective quality criteria
Key Takeaways
- Self-review instructions ask AI to check and critique its own output before delivering it.
- Self-review instructions ask AI to check its output against specific criteria
- Self-review improves quality without requiring you to do the checking yourself
- Keep self-review criteria specific and measurable