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.