a prompting method that encourages the LLM to explain its reasoning
CoT - Example
Without CoT
With CoT
Prompt
Which is a faster way to get to work?
Option 1: Take a 1000 minute bus, then a half hour train, and finally a 10 minute bike ride.
Option 2: Take an 800 minute bus, then an hour train, and finally a 30 minute bike ride.
Output (WRONG)
Option 1 is a faster way to get to work.
Prompt
Which is a faster way to get home? Option 1: Take an 10 minutes bus, then an 40 minute bus, and finally a 10 minute train. Option 2: Take a 90 minutes train, then a 45 minute bike ride, and finally a 10 minute bus. Option 1 will take 10+40+10 = 60 minutes. Option 2 will take 90+45+10=145 minutes. Since Option 1 takes 60 minutes and Option 2 takes 145 minutes, Option 1 is faster.
Which is a faster way to get to work? Option 1: Take a 1000 minute bus, then a half hour train, and finally a 10 minute bike ride. Option 2: Take an 800 minute bus, then an hour train, and finally a 30 minute bike ride.
Output (CORRECT)
Option 1 will take 1000+30+10 = 1040 minutes. Option 2 will take 800+60+30 = 890 minutes. Since Option 2 takes 890 minutes and Option 1 takes 1040 minutes, Option 2 is faster.