Reasoning Formats

Reasoning format is a specification choice, not a default. Numbered steps, think-aloud prose, and structured scratchpads each produce different reasoning traces — and each is appropriate for different tasks. Choosing the format deliberately gives you control over what the reasoning chain looks like, how auditable it is, and how the final conclusion relates to the intermediate work.

Format 1: Numbered Steps — best for procedural reasoning
"Evaluate the following contract modification request. Use numbered steps:
1. Identify what the modification is changing from the original agreement.
2. Assess whether the change creates additional financial exposure.
3. Assess whether the change creates additional delivery risk.
4. Recommend: accept, reject, or counter (with specific counter language).
Show each step, then your recommendation."

Format 2: Think-Aloud — best for open-ended analysis
"Review the following competitive analysis and identify any gaps or inconsistencies.
Think aloud as you work through it — write your observations as you go, then summarize your findings at the end."

Format 3: Structured Scratchpad — best for multi-factor comparison
"Compare these three vendor proposals on the following dimensions. Use a scratchpad format:

[SCRATCHPAD]
Dimension 1 — Price: [your analysis]
Dimension 2 — Implementation timeline: [your analysis]
Dimension 3 — Support terms: [your analysis]
Dimension 4 — Contract flexibility: [your analysis]

[CONCLUSION]
Recommended vendor: [name]
Primary reason: [one sentence]
Primary risk: [one sentence]"