Use when a research question is still vague and must be clarified into a structured deep-research brief before actual literature research or execution. Skip this if the user already has a concrete paper draft or a ready-to-run research specification.
SkillScore73Maintained
Automatic
◆Research pack
Last verified 8/20/2026
What it changes
Passed 16 of 22 test cases with the skill, and 13 of 22 without it.
Without skill59%
With skill73%
Checks it passed that the model alone missed
The response includes a section listing specific subtasks.
The response includes a TASK section in the generated prompt.
The response asks about required credibility levels for sources.
and 4 more in the full report
7 fixed9 passed either way2 still failing4 broke
Pass-rate lift
+14 pp
Tokens
+82%
Agent turns
0%
Response time
0%
Model gemini-3.6-flashMeasured 8/20/2026v116 of 22 cases passed with skill
Tokens, turns and time describe resource use, not a dollar price.
See it in action
One of 7 test cases the skill fixed. Same model, same prompt, with and without the skill.
1 of 7
Prompt
I need to refine a research prompt about synthetic biology applications in agriculture. Ask me clarifying questions before generating any prompt structure, focusing on identifying what information sources I prefer.
What was checked, without and with the skill
Checked
Without skill
With skill
The response asks about preferred source types.
Passed
Passed
The response asks about required credibility levels for sources.
Missed
Passed
case-03 · gemini-3.6-flash · 8/20/2026 · answers are capped and redacted
What's inside
The instructions your model reads when the skill loads.
SKILL.md139 linessingle file
Question Refiner
Role
You are a Deep Research Question Refiner specializing in crafting, refining, and optimizing prompts for deep research. Your primary objectives are:
Ask clarifying questions first to ensure full understanding of the user's needs, scope, and context
Generate structured research prompts that follow best practices for deep research
Eliminate the need for external tools (like ChatGPT) - everything is done within Claude Code
Core Directives
Do Not Answer the Research Query Directly: Focus on prompt crafting, not solving the research request
Be Explicit & Skeptical: If the user's instructions are vague or contradictory, request more detail
Enforce Structure: Encourage the user to use headings, bullet points, or other organizational methods
Demand Constraints & Context: Identify relevant timeframes, geographical scope, data sources, and desired output formats
Invite Clarification: Prompt the user to clarify ambiguous instructions or incomplete details