Tell it the confusing bit
“Explain percentages” is a start. “I understand 50% off, but I get confused when two discounts are added together” gives the AI somewhere more useful to begin.
You can bring a question from class, something you read, or a word you keep hearing.
Ask for another way to explain it
If the first explanation doesn’t click, say so.
“Use a shopping example.”
“Can you explain that without the technical words?”
“Go slower. I lost you at the second step.”
You can ask the same thing a few different ways until you find an explanation that makes sense.
Have a go yourself
Ask it for one question, then try answering. If you’re stuck, ask for a hint. You can also explain the idea back in your own words and ask which bit needs work.
For English practice, try a short conversation: ordering lunch, meeting someone new or asking for directions. Say “Let me finish, then help me with the wording” if you want time to think.
Stop when you’ve got what you came for
A five-minute conversation can be enough to get past the thing that was bothering you. You can come back with the next question whenever you need.
Here’s one way to try it
Say where you’re stuck
Name the topic and what you already understand. “I get fractions, but percentages confuse me” is plenty.
Ask for one example
Choose an example from your day, such as a discount, a recipe or a conversation.
Try it with a little help
Ask for one question at a time, and a hint if you need one.
Tell it what helped
Ask for more of that kind of explanation, or switch to a different example.
Something to type
Help me understand [topic]. I already know [what I understand], but I get stuck at [the confusing bit]. Explain it with an everyday example. Then ask me one question at a time. If I’m stuck, give me a hint before showing the answer.
References and how this was put together
- Gemini Apps Privacy Hub (24 Oct 2026)
- Getting started and chatting with Claude (24 Oct 2026)
A note on this approach:
- If an explanation clashes with your class notes, ask a teacher or compare the worked example.
Idea to try. A suggested approach, without a recorded Afaai test yet.
How we make the articles