NotebookLM Prompt Templates (2026): Fill-in-the-Blank

Using only the sources in this notebook, write a briefing document on [topic] for [audience]. Cover: (1) what it is and why it matters, (2) the key facts and figures, (3) the main themes across the sources, and (4) the most important takeaways. Keep it to about [length, e.g. 500 words]. Cite the exact source for every claim, and add a short "Not covered" note listing any obvious questions these documents do not answer.

Summarize these documents into an executive summary for [audience] in [length, e.g. 5 bullets]. Lead with the single most important point, then the supporting findings in order of importance. Use plain [tone, e.g. neutral, business] language and define any jargon on first use. Cite the source behind each bullet. If the sources disagree or leave a key point unaddressed, say so explicitly at the end rather than smoothing it over.

Build a glossary of the key terms and concepts used across these sources, aimed at [audience]. For each term, give a one- to two-sentence definition drawn from how the sources actually use it, not a generic dictionary definition. Order them [alphabetically / by importance]. Cite the source and passage each definition comes from. Flag any term that the sources use inconsistently, and note any term you would expect but that the documents never define.

From these sources, build a dated timeline of how [topic or situation] developed, from the earliest point mentioned to the latest. For each entry give the date, what happened, and a citation to the source and passage. Keep entries in chronological order. Distinguish confirmed dates from approximate or disputed ones. Flag any point where the sources give conflicting dates, and note any gap in the timeline where the documents fall silent.

Create a study guide from these sources for [audience, e.g. a first-year student] preparing for [goal, e.g. an exam on this material]. Include: the core concepts I must know, key terms with short definitions, the most important facts and examples, and 5 likely exam questions. Organize it by [topic / source / difficulty]. Cite the source for every fact so I can go back to it. Flag which topics the sources cover thinly, so I know where to find extra material.

Generate [number, e.g. 20] flashcards from these sources on [topic] at [difficulty level]. Format each as "Q: ... / A: ...". Cover the most important concepts, terms, and facts, and keep each answer to one or two sentences. Cite the source passage behind each answer. Make the questions test understanding, not just recall, where the material allows. At the end, list any concept you think deserves a card but that the sources cover too briefly to write one.

Make a [number]-question practice quiz from these sources on [topic] at [difficulty level]. Mix multiple-choice and short-answer questions covering the most important ideas. Keep the questions and the answer key clearly separated so I can test myself first. In the answer key, explain why each answer is correct and cite the source passage. Make wrong options plausible. Flag any question where the sources are ambiguous or where the answer depends on which document you trust.

Using only these sources, explain [concept] to me as if I were [audience, e.g. a curious beginner]. Start with a one-paragraph plain-English summary, then build up the key mechanisms and why they matter. Use one concrete analogy if it helps, and define jargon on first use. Cite the source for every non-obvious claim. Keep it accurate over simple — if the sources are uncertain or disagree on a point, say so instead of picking one view. End with what these documents do not explain.

Build a synthesis matrix across these sources on [research question]. Create a table with one row per source and columns for: main argument or finding, method or evidence type, key data point, and stance on [specific sub-question]. Fill each cell only from what the source actually says, and cite the passage. Leave a cell blank rather than guessing when a source doesn't address a column. After the table, write a 3-sentence synthesis of where the sources converge and diverge.

Across these sources, map where they agree and where they disagree about [topic or question]. First list the points of consensus, each with the sources that support it and a citation. Then list the points of genuine disagreement, and for each explain what each side claims, on what evidence, and why they might differ — different data, timeframe, or definitions. Do not paper over conflict. Cite every claim to its source and passage, and flag any point where only one source speaks.

Answer this question using only these sources: [your question]. Give a direct answer first, then the supporting evidence. Cite the exact source and passage for every claim — I want to be able to click through and verify each one. If the sources only partly answer the question, answer the part they cover and clearly state what is missing. If the sources conflict, present both and say which has stronger support. Do not add anything that is not in the documents.

Read across these sources on [topic] and tell me what is missing. Identify: (1) questions the documents raise but never answer, (2) claims made without supporting evidence in the sources, (3) topics you would expect given the subject but that are absent, and (4) where the sources are outdated or thin. For each gap, cite the source that reveals it where relevant. End with the 5 most important things I would need to research elsewhere to fill these gaps.

Draft a blog post of about [length] on [topic] for [audience], using only these sources. Use a [tone, e.g. clear and practical] tone. Open with the main point, then develop 3-4 sections each grounded in the sources, and close with a takeaway. Every fact, figure, or quote must come from the documents and carry a citation to the source passage. Do not invent statistics or examples. At the end, list any claim I should verify or expand with outside research before publishing.

Turn the key insights from these sources into a [number]-post social thread on [topic] for [audience]. Post 1 should hook with the single most interesting finding. Each following post should carry one concrete idea in plain language, using a [tone] voice. Base every claim on the sources and note the source in brackets after each post so I can add proper attribution. Do not exaggerate beyond what the documents support. End with a short note on any post that oversimplifies and needs a caveat.

From these sources, outline a [number]-slide deck on [topic] for [audience]. For each slide give a headline and 3-4 bullet points. Structure it as: title, the problem or context, key findings each backed by a cited source, implications, and next steps. Put the source citation on any slide that states a fact or figure. Add a final "Sources" slide listing every citation. Flag any slide where the sources are too thin to make the point confidently.

Focus the discussion on [topic] for an audience of [audience]. Spend most of the time on [the 2-3 subtopics I care about] and go deep on the how and why, not just definitions. Use concrete examples straight from the sources. Skip [what to leave out]. Keep the tone [tone, e.g. conversational but rigorous]. When the sources disagree or leave something unanswered, have the hosts say so out loud rather than glossing over it. Ground everything in these documents.

Structure this as a genuine debate on [contested question] for [audience]. Have one host argue the strongest case for [position A] and the other the strongest case for [position B], each drawing only on what the sources actually support. Make them engage the other side's best points, not strawmen. Have them name where the sources agree and where the evidence is genuinely split. Keep it fair — no forced winner. End by summarizing what remains unresolved in the documents.

Make this Video Overview an explainer on [topic] for [audience] who are new to it. Build understanding step by step: start with the big picture, then the key mechanisms, then one or two worked examples pulled from the sources. Emphasize [what to highlight] and keep visuals tied to real data or diagrams the sources contain. Use a [tone, e.g. friendly, clear] style and define terms as they come up. Stay grounded in these documents, and note on screen anything the sources do not cover.