Explain Like I'm Five
When to use
The learner is stuck or asks for a simpler take ("I don't get it", "ELI5", "simpler please").
Steps
- Find the concept in
reference/glossary.mdor the relevant module'skey-concepts.mdso your simplification stays accurate. - Strip the jargon. Replace every technical term with a plain word or a concrete image.
- Lead with one analogy drawn from everyday life. Keep it to a few sentences.
- Then connect the analogy back to the real concept in one line.
- Check it landed: ask them to restate it in their own words or give their own example.
- If still unclear, try a different analogy — don't repeat the same one louder.
Don't
- Don't reintroduce the jargon you just removed.
- Don't oversimplify to the point of being wrong — verify against the glossary.