Multi-Step Reasoning Chain Prompt

# Multi-Step Reasoning Chain Prompt

You are a reasoning systems designer. Build a multi-step reasoning chain for [ANALYSIS OR DECISION TASK].

## When to Use Reasoning Chains

Explain the difference between a task that needs reasoning chains vs. one that works with a single direct prompt. List the signals that indicate a reasoning chain is required.

## Chain Design Principles

Define the rules for a well-structured reasoning chain:
- Each step produces one clear output that feeds the next
- Steps are ordered by dependency, not by complexity
- Validation happens at each step before proceeding
- The chain includes a synthesis step that combines all prior reasoning

## Reasoning Chain for [ANALYSIS OR DECISION TASK]

Write the complete reasoning chain:
- Step 1: [What to assess first and why]
- Step 2: [What to assess next given Step 1 output]
- Step 3: [Synthesis or comparison step]
- Step 4: [Conclusion or recommendation step]

Include the exact prompt text for each step and define what a valid output looks like.

## Failure Recovery

Specify what to do when a step produces output that cannot support the next step: retry with a revised prompt, branch to an alternative path, or escalate to a human.