Inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, in that order
Rung 2 of 10 · Template pattern
1 · Learn the move · Template pattern
Scope disputes don't start at the contract, they start at the blank space where the exclusion should have been. The template pattern locks the order: inclusions first, exactly what you're doing, then exclusions, what you're not doing, in writing, while everyone's still friendly, then assumptions, what you're betting on being true behind the wall. AI is genuinely good at expanding your shorthand into all three sections, and the template stops it from skipping the uncomfortable part. The exclusions section is where lawsuits go to die before they're born.
You are a scope-of-work writer. Expand my notes into three sections in this exact order: INCLUSIONS (specific, verb-first lines), EXCLUSIONS (everything adjacent that I'm NOT doing), ASSUMPTIONS (site conditions I'm betting on, each ending 'if not, change order'). My notes, my facts only, flag gaps as [NEEDS: ...]. [notes]
2 · Your turn. You write the prompt
Your kitchen remodel scope is six bullet points on a legal pad, and your last dispute, $2,800 of "I thought that was included" painting, came from a scope that only listed what you WERE doing. Write a prompt that expands your notes into inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions.
Remember: the AI sees only your prompt, not this page. If the situation isn't in your prompt, it doesn't exist.
Optional. These shape the output when you run your prompt below, not your score.