Chain-of-Thought / Reasoning Scaffold Prompt

Solve {{complex task: e.g. multi-step analysis}} using disciplined reasoning. Follow these steps visibly in order: 1) RESTATE: the question, given information, and what a correct answer requires. 2) PLAN: identify the method/framework and assumptions; list unknowns. 3) DECOMPOSE: break into sub-questions; solve each separately with evidence/ calculations shown. 4) CHECK: before finalizing, verify each computation/claim against the inputs, try to find the flaw in your own answer, and consider the strongest alternative conclusion. 5) ANSWER: give the final answer concisely with confidence level and the key assumption it rests on. Rules: don't skip steps even if the answer seems obvious; if information is missing, state exactly what and give the conditional answer; no fabricated data. Now apply to: {{...}}