Step 2: Topic Deep Analysis
Goal
Create a detailed analysis document for each topic/chapter in the syllabus. These documents will serve as the "research file" for writing each chapter.
Inputs Required
| Input | Source | Purpose |
|-------|--------|---------|
| Syllabus | syllabus.md (from Step 1) | Topic structure |
| All source files | As mapped in syllabus | Raw content |
| External citations | Karpathy, Chroma Research, etc. | Authority quotes |
Output Structure
Create folder: topic_analysis/
For each chapter in syllabus, create one analysis file:
topic_analysis/
├── ch01_prompt_is_not_enough.md
├── ch02_anatomy_of_good_context.md
├── ch03_common_mistakes.md
├── ch04_breaking_down_problems.md
├── ch05_tools_and_workflows.md
├── ch06_team_implementation.md
├── ch07_bigger_picture.md
└── ... (one per chapter)
Process for Each Topic
2.1 Source Collection
For each chapter, gather all relevant content:
## Source Materials for Chapter X
### Primary Sources
- Article [N]: [sections/paragraphs used]
- Interview: Questions [X, Y, Z]
### Secondary Sources
- LinkedIn post [N]: [key quote]
- Presentation: [slide reference]
### External Citations
- [Author]: "[quote]" - [source link]
Action: Copy-paste relevant sections from source files. Include line numbers or paragraph identifiers for traceability.
2.2 Content Extraction
Extract and organize the actual content:
## Raw Content Extraction
### Key Concepts
1. **[Concept Name]**
- Definition: [from source]
- Example: [from source]
- Source: [reference]
2. **[Concept Name]**
- Definition: [from source]
- Example: [from source]
- Source: [reference]
### Key Examples
1. **[Example Name]** (e.g., "Car seat selection")
- Context: [what the example demonstrates]
- Before: [bad approach]
- After: [good approach]
- Source: [reference]
### Key Quotes
1. "[Quote text]" - [Attribution]
- Use for: [where in chapter]
2. "[Quote text]" - [Attribution]
- Use for: [where in chapter]
### Statistics/Data
1. [Statistic] - Source: [reference]
2. [Data point] - Source: [reference]
Action: Don't paraphrase yet. Extract verbatim. Paraphrasing happens in chapter writing.
2.3 Gap Analysis
Identify what's missing:
## Gap Analysis
### Content Gaps
- [ ] Need more examples for [concept]
- [ ] Missing practical template for [topic]
- [ ] No external citation to validate [claim]
### Clarity Gaps
- [ ] [Concept X] is mentioned but not explained
- [ ] Contradiction between [source A] and [source B]
- [ ] [Term] used inconsistently
### Depth Gaps
- [ ] [Topic] covered superficially, needs expansion
- [ ] [Topic] too detailed, needs condensing
Action: Note gaps but don't solve them yet. Solving happens in Step 3.
2.4 Structure Proposal
Propose how this chapter should be structured:
## Proposed Chapter Structure
### Chapter X: [Title]
**Opening Hook:** [1-2 sentences that grab attention]
**Section X.1: [Title]**
- Main point: [summary]
- Content from: [sources]
- Include: [specific examples/quotes]
**Section X.2: [Title]**
- Main point: [summary]
- Content from: [sources]
- Include: [specific examples/quotes]
**Section X.3: [Title]**
- Main point: [summary]
- Content from: [sources]
- Include: [specific examples/quotes]
**Chapter Summary:** [Key takeaways - 3 bullet points max]
**Transition to Next Chapter:** [How this connects to what comes next]
2.5 Citation Formatting
Prepare citations in consistent format:
## Prepared Citations
### Internal (Your Content)
- [1] Article "Prompt Is Not Enough", Section 2
- [2] Interview Q&A, Question 15
- [3] Presentation, Slide 1.3
### External
- [K1] Karpathy, A. (2025). Twitter post on context engineering.
"Context engineering is the delicate art and science of filling
the context window with just the right information for the next step."
- [C1] Chroma Research (2025). "Context Rot" study.
Key finding: Performance degrades as input tokens increase.
- [L1] Lutke, T. (2025). Shopify memo on AI adoption.
Template: Topic Analysis Document
# Topic Analysis: [Chapter Title]
## Metadata
- Syllabus Reference: Chapter [X]
- Primary Sources: [list]
- Secondary Sources: [list]
- Analysis Date: [date]
- Status: Draft / Complete / Needs Review
---
## 1. Source Materials
### 1.1 Primary Sources
[Copy relevant content from main articles]
### 1.2 Secondary Sources
[Copy relevant content from supporting materials]
### 1.3 External Citations
[List all external quotes and references]
---
## 2. Content Extraction
### 2.1 Key Concepts
[List and define each concept]
### 2.2 Key Examples
[List each example with before/after if applicable]
### 2.3 Key Quotes
[Memorable quotes for potential inclusion]
### 2.4 Data/Statistics
[Any numbers, research findings]
---
## 3. Gap Analysis
### 3.1 Content Gaps
[What's missing?]
### 3.2 Clarity Issues
[What's unclear or contradictory?]
### 3.3 Depth Assessment
[Too shallow? Too deep?]
---
## 4. Structure Proposal
### 4.1 Chapter Outline
[Proposed sections and flow]
### 4.2 Opening Hook
[Suggested opening]
### 4.3 Key Takeaways
[3 things reader should remember]
### 4.4 Transition
[How to connect to next chapter]
---
## 5. Writing Notes
### 5.1 Tone/Voice
[Any specific tone requirements]
### 5.2 Audience Considerations
[Tech vs non-tech balance]
### 5.3 Potential Visuals
[Diagrams, tables, screenshots needed]
---
## 6. Prepared Citations
[Formatted citations ready for use]
---
## 7. Open Questions
[Questions to resolve before writing]
Quality Criteria for Each Analysis
| Criterion | Check | |-----------|-------| | All relevant sources identified | ☐ | | Content extracted verbatim (not paraphrased) | ☐ | | At least 2 concrete examples found | ☐ | | External citations identified where applicable | ☐ | | Gap analysis complete | ☐ | | Structure proposal makes sense | ☐ | | Transitions to adjacent chapters considered | ☐ |
Common Pitfalls
- Premature writing - This is analysis, not writing. Extract, don't compose.
- Missing sources - If you can't find source material, the topic might not belong in syllabus.
- Ignoring gaps - Gaps are valuable information. Don't skip this section.
- Over-extraction - Not everything from source belongs in guide. Be selective.
- Losing citations - Always note where content came from. You'll need this for credibility.
Time Estimate
Per chapter analysis:
- Source collection: 15-20 minutes
- Content extraction: 20-30 minutes
- Gap analysis: 10-15 minutes
- Structure proposal: 15-20 minutes
- Citation formatting: 10-15 minutes
Per chapter: 70-100 minutes Total (7 chapters): 8-12 hours
Note: Can be parallelized. Multiple chapters can be analyzed in same session.
Efficiency Tips
- Batch by source - Read Article 1 once and extract for all chapters it applies to
- Use search - Grep/search for keywords across all files
- Template first - Copy template, then fill in. Don't start from blank page.
- Mark done - Update status in each file as you complete sections
Next Step
→ Once all topic analysis files are complete, proceed to 03_topic_review_restructure.md