It’s Tuesday. Third period. Chemistry class.
Mr. Henderson walks to the front of the room and writes on the whiteboard: “Analyze the unknown compound. Due Thursday.”
That’s it. Five words. He turns around, crosses his arms, and waits for questions.
I raise my hand. “What exactly should we analyze?”
He sighs. “The compound. That’s what analysis means.”
“But like… what format? What are we looking for? What tests should we—”
“You’re in 11th grade. You should know how to analyze things by now. Figure it out.”
He walks back to his desk. The conversation is over.
I look around. Everyone else looks just as confused as I am. But nobody asks more questions because Henderson’s made it clear: he’s not explaining.
I have 48 hours to complete an assignment that nobody understands. And apparently, I’m just supposed to know how to do it.
This Wasn’t the First Time
Mr. Henderson had been doing this all semester.
Every assignment was the same pattern: vague instructions, no explanation, “figure it out.”
“Read Chapter 5 and apply the concepts.” Which concepts? How do I apply them?
“Write a lab report on today’s experiment.” What sections? What format? What’s supposed to be in it?
“Explain the bonding in this molecule.” Explain HOW? What level of detail?
Always the same answer when we asked: “You should know this. Figure it out.”
And here’s the thing that made me feel crazy: some students seemed fine with this. They’d nod like Henderson’s five-word assignments made perfect sense. They’d turn in their work looking confident.
I started wondering if I was the only one who didn’t get it. Maybe I was just dumb?
What Most Students Do (And Why It Doesn’t Work)
When your teacher won’t explain assignments, you have three bad options:
Option 1: Guess and Hope
Just do something. Anything. Write words that sound chemistry-related. Hope you get partial credit. Turn it in knowing it’s probably wrong.
I tried this first. Got a D. Henderson’s only feedback: “This isn’t analysis.”
Great. Still no idea what analysis actually IS.
Option 2: Copy Someone Else’s Format
Find a student who seems confident. Ask what they’re doing. Copy their approach.
Problem: They’re usually guessing too. They’re just better at looking confident while guessing.
We’d both get it wrong. Just in the same way.
Option 3: Google Everything
“How to analyze chemical compounds” “What is chemical analysis” “Chemistry analysis format”
Spend two hours reading general chemistry websites that don’t match my specific assignment. Get more confused. Give up.
None of these work. Because the real problem isn’t that I can’t DO chemistry. It’s that I don’t know what Henderson WANTS me to do.
What I Did Instead
After getting a D on the last assignment, I was desperate for this one. I couldn’t afford another bad grade.
I stared at “Analyze the unknown compound” for probably 20 minutes. I genuinely had no idea what that meant in this context.
So I opened ChatGPT and typed:
“I have a chemistry assignment that says ‘analyze the unknown compound.’ My teacher didn’t explain what that means. I don’t know what analysis is supposed to include. Can you help?”
ChatGPT: “In chemistry, when you’re asked to analyze an unknown compound, you’re typically being asked to identify what it is through testing. Analysis usually means:
- Identifying what compound you have
- Using available tests to narrow down possibilities
- Documenting your testing process and the reasoning behind each test
- Drawing conclusions based on your results
Does your assignment mention what tests you have available?”
Oh. So “analyze” means “identify it using tests and explain your reasoning.”
Why didn’t Henderson just SAY that?
Me: “Yeah, we have flame tests, solubility tests, pH testing, and precipitation reactions available.”
ChatGPT: “Okay, so you need to design a testing sequence using those tools. Each test will give you information that narrows down what your compound could be.
For example:
- A flame test can identify certain metals by the color they produce
- Solubility tests show what dissolves in what, which eliminates possibilities
- pH tells you if it’s acidic, basic, or neutral
- Precipitation reactions can confirm specific ions are present
The key is documenting WHY you chose each test and what each result tells you. You’re showing your reasoning process, not just listing results.”
Okay, that makes sense. But I still don’t know HOW to design a testing sequence.
Me: “I get what each test does, but how do I decide which order to do them in?”
ChatGPT: “Good question. You want to start with tests that eliminate the most possibilities first, then narrow down from there. Think of it like a decision tree.
Let me show you with an example. Say you’re testing a white powder and you need to figure out what it is.
Step 1: Start with flame test
- Why? It quickly identifies if you have certain metals (sodium gives yellow, copper gives green, etc.)
- Let’s say you get a yellow flame → probably contains sodium
- That eliminates everything that doesn’t have sodium
Step 2: Next, test pH
- Why? Now that you know it has sodium, you need to know if it’s acidic or basic
- Let’s say you test it and get pH 14 → strongly basic
- That eliminates neutral compounds and narrows to basic sodium compounds
Step 3: Solubility test
- Why? You’ve narrowed to basic sodium compounds, now test if it dissolves in water
- Let’s say it dissolves → that eliminates insoluble sodium compounds
Step 4: Precipitation reaction
- Why? Final confirmation – add a reagent that should cause a specific reaction if it’s what you think
- Let’s say you think it’s sodium hydroxide – add silver nitrate, and you should get a brown precipitate
- You get the brown precipitate → confirms it’s sodium hydroxide
See the logic? Start broad, get a piece of information, use that to narrow possibilities, test again. Each test builds on the last one.”
Now I actually understood what I was supposed to do.
Me: “Okay, so for my assignment, I need to write out this kind of sequence with my compound, explaining why I’m doing each test in that order?”
ChatGPT: “Exactly. Show your logical thinking. Something like:
‘I will first perform a flame test to identify the metal present. Based on that result, I will then test the pH to determine if the compound is acidic, basic, or neutral. This will narrow down the possible anions. Next, I will…’ and so on.
The key is explaining the WHY – why you chose each test, what information you’re trying to get, and how that narrows down your possibilities.”
Perfect. Now I knew what to write.
I closed ChatGPT and designed MY testing sequence for MY compound:
Analysis of Unknown Compound
Step 1: Flame Test
Why I’m doing this: To identify which metal is present in the compound. Different metals produce different colored flames, which will immediately narrow down my possibilities to compounds containing that specific metal.
What I’m looking for: The color of the flame will indicate the metal. For example, yellow indicates sodium, green indicates copper, red indicates lithium.
Step 2: pH Test
Why I’m doing this: Once I know which metal is present, I need to determine if the compound is acidic, basic, or neutral. This will help me narrow down which anion is paired with the metal.
What I’m looking for: If pH < 7, the compound is acidic. If pH > 7, it’s basic. If pH = 7, it’s neutral. This eliminates entire categories of possible compounds.
Step 3: Solubility Test in Water
Why I’m doing this: Based on the metal and pH, I can predict which compounds are possible. Testing solubility will eliminate compounds that don’t match the expected behavior.
What I’m looking for: Does it dissolve completely, partially, or not at all? If it dissolves, I’m looking at a soluble compound. If not, it’s insoluble.
Step 4: Precipitation Reaction
Why I’m doing this: As final confirmation of my hypothesis, I will add a specific reagent that should produce a characteristic precipitate if my identified compound is correct.
What I’m looking for: The color and formation of the precipitate. If I get the expected result, it confirms my identification. If not, I need to reconsider my conclusion.
I submitted that.
Got a B.
Not perfect – I made some mistakes in my reasoning about which anion would be present. But I’d actually done what the assignment asked for. I’d shown my analytical thinking.
The Golden Rule Test
A week later, Henderson asked me to explain my testing sequence in class.
I could.
I walked through why I started with a flame test (to identify the metal). Why I chose pH testing next (to narrow down the anion based on acidity). What each result would mean. Why I’d use precipitation as final confirmation.
Henderson nodded. “Good. That’s proper analytical thinking.”
I passed the Golden Rule: I could explain everything because I actually understood what I’d done.
AI didn’t do my chemistry work. AI explained what “analysis” meant in chemistry so I could DO the chemistry work myself.
That’s the difference.
The Pattern Works for Other Subjects
Once I realized AI could translate Henderson’s vague assignments into actual tasks, I used it for other classes too.
Let me show you one more complete example:
English assignment: “Analyze the symbolism in Chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby”
I had no idea what this meant. I could identify symbols – the green light, the eyes on the billboard. But what does “analyze” mean?
Me to ChatGPT: “I have to analyze symbolism in The Great Gatsby. I can identify the symbols, but I don’t know what analyzing them means. What’s the difference?”
ChatGPT: “Good question. There’s a big difference:
Identifying = pointing out that symbols exist ‘The green light appears in chapter 1, chapter 5, and chapter 9.’
Analyzing = explaining what they represent and why they matter to the story ‘The green light represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams, specifically his desire to recapture the past with Daisy. The fact that it’s always at a distance shows these dreams are unattainable.’
See the difference? Identifying is observation. Analyzing is interpretation and connection to meaning.”
Me: “Okay, so for the green light, I need to explain what it represents, not just that it exists?”
ChatGPT: “Right. And connect it to the bigger themes of the book. What does that symbol tell us about the story’s message?”
Me: “How do I figure out what it represents though? Like, how do I know the green light is about dreams?”
ChatGPT: “Look at the context around it. When does Gatsby look at the green light? What’s he thinking about in those moments? What’s he trying to achieve?
Think about chapter 1 – what’s Gatsby doing when Nick first sees him looking at the green light?”
Me: “He’s reaching toward it, across the water. And it’s at Daisy’s dock.”
ChatGPT: “Exactly. So what’s he reaching for? What does Daisy represent to him?”
Me: “His past? Like, the life he wanted before he went to war?”
ChatGPT: “Yes! So the green light is physically at Daisy’s dock, but symbolically represents what?”
Me: “His desire to go back to that time? His dream of being with Daisy?”
ChatGPT: “Right. And what does it tell us that the light is always across the water – always at a distance?”
Me: “That… he can’t actually reach it? His dream is impossible?”
ChatGPT: “Exactly. Now THAT’S analysis. You’ve connected the symbol (green light) to what it represents (Gatsby’s dream of the past) and to the bigger theme (the impossibility of recapturing the past, the American Dream as unattainable).
That’s what your teacher wants. Not just ‘the green light exists’ but ‘here’s what it means and why it matters to the story’s themes.'”
Now I knew what to do. I closed ChatGPT and wrote my essay:
[Excerpt from my essay]
The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock serves as the central symbol of Gatsby’s impossible dream. When Nick first observes Gatsby reaching toward this light across the water in Chapter 1, Gatsby is literally reaching for Daisy, but symbolically reaching for his idealized past. The green light represents not just Daisy herself, but Gatsby’s desire to recapture the life he left behind when he went to war – a time when he believed he could be worthy of her.
The fact that the light is always at a distance, across the water, reveals the impossibility of this dream. Gatsby can see it, he can reach for it, but he can never actually possess it. This connects to the novel’s larger theme about the American Dream itself – the idea that you can recreate yourself and achieve anything is as unreachable as that green light. Fitzgerald is showing us that the past cannot be recaptured, no matter how wealthy or determined you become…
Got a B+ on that essay.
Henderson had said “analyze symbolism” without explaining what that meant. ChatGPT translated that into concrete steps I could follow. Then I did the actual writing myself.
The Honest Truth
Some teachers just don’t teach. They assign work without explaining it. They expect you to “figure it out” with zero guidance.
That’s not fair. But it’s reality.
You have two choices: fail because your teacher failed you, or find another way to understand what’s being asked.
AI can be that other way.
Not to do your work. To explain what the work IS when your teacher won’t.
There’s a huge difference between:
- “Do my chemistry analysis for me” (cheating, doesn’t help you)
- “What does chemical analysis mean in this assignment?” (understanding the task so you can do it)
One makes you dependent. One makes you capable.
I used the second approach all semester. My chemistry grade went from D’s to B’s. Not because AI did my work, but because I finally understood what Henderson was asking for.
And when finals came, I could do chemistry independently. Because I’d been doing it myself all along – just with clarity about what “it” was.
If Your Teacher Won’t Explain
If you’re in a class where the teacher gives assignments without explaining them:
You’re not dumb.
You’re not the only one confused.
The problem isn’t you. It’s that your teacher isn’t teaching.
But you don’t have to fail because of it.
Next time you get a vague assignment, try this:
Open ChatGPT (or Claude, or whatever AI you use) and ask: “My teacher assigned [assignment] but didn’t explain what that means. What is [key term] supposed to include? What’s the difference between [thing A] and [thing B]?”
Get clarity on what the assignment actually wants. Ask follow-up questions until you understand the steps. Then close the AI and do the work yourself.
You’ll spend less time confused and more time actually doing what you’re supposed to be doing.
That’s not cheating. That’s filling the gap your teacher left.
The Tool That Makes This Easier
The SuperPrompt handles this automatically – when you tell it “my teacher gave me this vague assignment,” it walks you through understanding what’s being asked, then makes sure you do the work yourself.
Think of it like having a backup teacher who’s always available – explains what you’re supposed to do, then makes sure you actually do it.
Plus the complete guide showing how to use AI ethically for every study situation.
Both designed so bad teachers can’t hold you back.
Ready to stop being confused by vague assignments?
(Works with ChatGPT, Claude, or any AI you use)
P.S. Next time your teacher says “figure it out,” remember: that’s not a challenge. That’s them failing to teach. Use AI to understand what they want, then do the work yourself. You’ll pass the class even if your teacher won’t teach it.
If you enjoyed this Blog Post, you might also enjoy my other Blogs on Meta Learning ( i.e. learning how to learn ) here: