Pocket Reasoner
A field manual that makes smaller models more reliable. Retrieval cards cover retrieve-before-answer, compound questions, source units, exceptions, modal verbs, shown arithmetic, and what to say when the pack is silent. Includes the labeled Lantern Library example.
Portable policy knowledge for local retrieval.
Pocket Reasoner is a mounted operating manual for smaller models. The host retrieves a card, and the model follows that card instead of improvising a policy.
Fifteen cards cover the failures that show up first on small models: answering before retrieval, merging two questions into one, converting units, skipping exceptions, upgrading may into must, and hiding arithmetic inside a sentence.
The Lantern Library cards are a fictional practice set. They are not a real library policy. Use them to test whether a model can split a question, apply the hold-shelf exception, and compute 3 open days times 25 cents.
Mount the pack, prepend the host prompt card, and ask one of the sample questions. The model should name a heading before it concludes.
Intended use
Mount this pack beside a small language model so the host can retrieve an operating card before the model answers. Use it to keep answers inside the retrieved passage: split compound questions, preserve units, apply exceptions, copy modal strength, and admit when the pack is silent.
Out of scope
This pack does not supply domain facts for a business, a library, or a statute. It does not make a model generally knowledgeable, and it is not legal, medical, or financial advice. The Lantern Library cards are a labeled example for practice.
Sources
Sample questions
- What should a small model say when the pack does not state the fact? →
- How do I handle a question that asks two things at once? →
- Can I convert 30 days into one month? →
- What is the difference between may and must? →
- Can I renew a Lantern Library book that is on the hold shelf? →
- What is the late fine for 3 open days? →
- What are the five gates in the final answer checklist? →
- When two passages conflict, which one wins? →