Plan a deep research task before you run it
Writes a research brief with sub-questions, source types and a report format, ready to paste into a deep research tool.
Help me write a brief for a deep research tool (such as ChatGPT deep research, Gemini Deep Research, Claude research or Perplexity).
Topic: {{TOPIC}}
The decision this research will inform: {{DECISION}}
What I already know: {{KNOWN}}
Write the brief with:
1. Main research question, in one sentence.
2. 4 to 7 sub-questions that together answer it.
3. Sources to prioritise and sources to avoid or treat with caution.
4. Time frame (how recent sources must be) and regions, if relevant.
5. What to do when sources disagree.
6. Report format: sections, tables, length, and a requirement to cite every factual claim.
7. Things the research should not spend time on.
Output only the brief, ready to paste.Example output
Main question: which EU countries offer the fastest company registration for non-residents? Sub-questions: 1) online registration options 2) residency rules 3) real timelines in 2026 Sources: government portals first, then law firm guides. Output: comparison table plus 1-page recommendation.
How to use
Paste the brief into your deep research tool and let it run. Spot-check 3 to 5 citations in the report before trusting the conclusions.
Why it works
Deep research agents can spend twenty minutes reading, so a vague request wastes a lot of effort. Sub-questions, source rules and a report format give the agent a plan to follow and you a report you can check.