7 Prompts to Test ChatGPT's Study Mode

When studying required books upon books, highlighters of every color, and gallons of coffee... who can forget that? But OpenAI has just turned this scenario on its head with ChatGPT's Study Mode , a new feature that transforms the chatbot into a personal tutor. It no longer simply answers questions; it now teaches, tests, corrects, and most importantly, adapts to the way each individual learns best.

For ChatGPT Plus subscribers, activating Study Mode is very simple. Just type "/study" in the chat and the system immediately transforms. The interface is still the same, but the behavior is completely different. Before starting, the chatbot asks for three crucial pieces of information: the subject you want to study, your knowledge level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced), and, most importantly, your preferred learning method.

This is no small feat. You can choose between flashcards, questions and answers, in-depth explanations of concepts, or practical problems to solve. ChatGPT adapts to your learning style, not the other way around.

1. Explanation of complex concepts

Sample prompt : Explain to me how inflation works at a beginner level.

The transformation is immediate and striking. Instead of the usual technical definition that ChatGPT normally provides, study mode takes a completely different approach. It begins with an analogy: Imagine that last year, with 10 euros you bought 5 sandwiches. This year, with the same 10 euros, you only buy 4. This is inflation: your money is worth less .

He then gradually builds on the concept, introducing technical terms only after they've become intuitive. He even offers an interactive mini-quiz to check understanding before moving on. No intimidating jargon, no complex economic formulas at first glance. It's the approach every good teacher should use, but one that's rarely seen in real classrooms.

The difference from standard responses is abysmal. Each step is carefully calibrated to ensure the foundation is solid before adding the next level.

2. Active recall and flashcard test

Sample prompt : Quiz me on Roman history using flashcards

Flashcards aren't entirely new, but those generated by ChatGPT are definitely a step ahead. They're dynamic and adapt to your answers. The system instantly creates a series of questions that balance facts, dates, and conceptual understanding.

And what if you get an answer wrong? Correction isn't immediate. The system adopts a more sophisticated behavior. In subsequent sessions, it presents the same information in different formats to reinforce learning. After a certain number of questions, you can also ask the student to focus only on the errors. This way, ChatGPT can create a targeted review session.

3. Turn your material into a study tool

Example prompt : Create a quiz from this document

In just a few seconds, ChatGPT analyzes the content and generates a multiple-choice quiz perfectly tailored to the key points of the text. The great thing is that it can even read handwritten notes. Students can photograph their notes, upload them, and instantly receive personalized quizzes, structured summaries, or review questions.

Furthermore, the system recognizes and preserves the specific terminology used in the original notes. This avoids confusion with synonyms or alternative formulations that may differ from what was taught in class.

4. Writing support

Sample prompt : Help me structure a 3,000-word essay on the impact of social media on democracy, college level

Here, a key feature emerges: Study Mode does n't write for the student. Instead, it teaches them how to write. The answer is a detailed guide to essay structure: how to set up an introduction with a clear thesis, how to organize the body paragraphs with progressive arguments, and how to conclude effectively.

For each section, she offers suggestions on length, content, and transitions. She even offers suggestions on logical connectors ("and," "or," "not," and "if..."), which make the argument more fluid and persuasive. It's exactly what a good writing teacher would do: not give you the fish, but teach you how to fish. Students learn structure and method, not passively copy a pre-packaged text.

5. Practice with problems and feedback

Sample prompt : Provide algebra problems for middle school level.

Again, if you make a mistake, ChatGPT , instead of simply saying “wrong, the answer is X ,” starts a diagnostic process: “I see you multiplied instead of divided. Let’s go over the steps together…” The system doesn’t just point out the mistake, but also explains the causes and how to avoid it in the future.

6. Last minute review

Sample prompt : I have an exam in 20 minutes, help me review the important things quickly.

The "pre-exam panic" mode is surprisingly effective. The system immediately changes approach. No lengthy explanations, just key concepts presented in an ultra-condensed yet understandable format. Quick flash cards, bullet points, and little memory tricks help you remember the lists. Furthermore, the system automatically selects the topics most likely to come up on the exam.

7. Long-term memory

Sample prompt : Ask me again about everything I did wrong

Thanks to ChatGPT's memory function , the system remembers previous sessions even after you close the chat. This way, you can review later, focusing exclusively on the most difficult concepts. The system not only remembers mistakes but can also recognize recurring patterns, such as the tendency to confuse two similar concepts, and offers targeted exercises to strengthen your understanding.

The seamless transition between desktop and mobile versions allows you to start studying on your computer at home and review on your phone on the bus. The system perfectly maintains your flow and progress.

Not everything is perfect. There's no integrated planning system for scheduling regular study sessions. There are no progress graphs or detailed statistics on performance over time. For creative subjects like art or creative writing, feedback is limited compared to a live teacher, who can capture emotional and stylistic nuances.

Furthermore, Study Mode requires a Plus subscription , making it inaccessible to many students who need it most. And of course, there's always the risk that students will use the tool to avoid independent thinking rather than to learn better…