ask-questions-if-underspecified

Prompt for essential clarifications when requests are underspecified.

1|Updated Mar 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/gebl/anvil-skill-marketplace --skill ask-questions-if-underspecified-gebl
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ask-questions-if-underspecified
Source: https://github.com/gebl/anvil-skill-marketplace/tree/main/generated/copilot/skills/ask-questions-if-underspecified
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/gebl/anvil-skill-marketplace --skill ask-questions-if-underspecified-gebl

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Clarifies underspecified requests by prompting for essential clarifications.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Guided question-asking: generates concise, must-have questions to remove ambiguity.
  • Structured decision templates: offers recommended options and defaults to accelerate alignment.
  • Pause-and-confirm workflow: halts execution until user answers and confirms assumptions.

Quick Start

Provide a compact clarifying prompt when a request is ambiguous to begin the discovery process.

Frequently Asked Questions about ask-questions-if-underspecified

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I clarify underspecified product requirements before starting work?▼

To clarify underspecified requirements, you prompt the requester with essential must-have questions that remove ambiguity. This approach ensures goals, scope, and constraints are defined and confirmed before executing product, software, or research tasks.

What is a pause-and-confirm workflow for ambiguous requests?▼

A pause-and-confirm workflow halts task execution until the user answers clarifying questions and confirms assumptions. This risk-management process prevents misaligned outcomes by establishing safe defaults and structured decision templates before proceeding.

How do I identify the right questions to ask for an underdetermined software task?▼

Identifying the right questions for an underdetermined software task involves generating concise, must-have queries that target unclear goals and scope. This guided questioning process accelerates alignment by offering recommended options and safe defaults.

Can I use structured decision templates to accelerate alignment on project scope?▼

Yes, you can use structured decision templates to accelerate alignment on project scope. These templates provide recommended options and defaults that quickly resolve underspecified requests, ensuring all stakeholders share a confirmed understanding before work begins.

When should I halt execution to ask for clarifications on a research task?▼

You should halt execution to ask for clarifications whenever a research task's goals, scope, or constraints are unclear. Applying a pause-for-answer workflow ensures you gather essential information and establish safe defaults before proceeding with underdetermined work.