How to use ChatGPT for free in 2026: we tested the free model vs the paid one on 5 everyday tasks

Context: [WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT'S GOING ON, IN ONE OR TWO LINES]
Goal: [WHAT YOU WANT AT THE END]
Example: [ONE LINE THAT LOOKS LIKE A GOOD ANSWER]
Rules: [WHAT IT MUST KEEP, WHAT IT MUST NOT ADD, HOW LONG]

[PASTE YOUR NOTES, EMAIL OR LETTER HERE]

Turn my notes into a to-do list:

dentist moved to thurs nov 5, 3:40. library books back by tue nov 3. mia's science fair nov 12, she needs poster board before. call grandma sunday. winter tires mon nov 9 8am, bring the wheel lock key. pick up dry cleaning whenever

Context: My cousin Sam asked me to host a family dinner for 14 people. My apartment is too small.
Goal: Say no kindly but clearly, and offer to bring dessert and help set up.
Example of my tone: "Love this idea!"
Rules: Under 80 words. No made-up excuses. Apologize once at most. Sign it Alex.

Sam's email:
Hi! Grandpa turns 80 and we want to do a family dinner on Saturday, November 14. Could you host it at your place? We'd be about 14 people. Let me know by Friday! - Sam

Make me a quiz from my notes.

Riverton has two bridges. The East Bridge opened in 1980. The West Bridge is only for people on foot. The library is north of the river. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Context: I'm studying these notes for a geography quiz tomorrow.
Goal: Make a 5-question practice quiz so I can test myself.
Example: Q1. When did the East Bridge open?
Rules: Use only my notes. Put all the answers at the end, below a line, so I can't see them while I answer. For each answer, quote the sentence from my notes it comes from. Don't add any fact that isn't in my notes.

My notes:
Riverton has two bridges. The East Bridge opened in 1980. The West Bridge is only for people on foot. The library is north of the river. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Make a 3-slide presentation for our family trip: Friday train at 9:10, Saturday museum at 2 pm, Sunday train home at 5:30 pm.

Context: I'm showing my family our weekend trip plan on the TV on Thursday night.
Goal: The text for a 3-slide presentation, one day per slide.
Example: Slide 1 - Friday: Train leaves at 9:10 a.m.
Rules: Use only these facts: Friday train at 9:10 a.m., Saturday museum at 2 p.m., Sunday train home at 5:30 p.m. Add no places, prices, bookings or activities I didn't give you. Three bullets per slide at most.

Turn my notes into a to-do list:

dentist moved to thurs nov 5, 3:40. library books back by tue nov 3. mia's science fair nov 12, she needs poster board before. call grandma sunday. winter tires mon nov 9 8am, bring the wheel lock key. pick up dry cleaning whenever

Context: These are my quick notes for the next two weeks.
Goal: A to-do list I can follow, in date order.
Example: Tue Nov 3 - Return the library books
Rules: Keep every date and time exactly as I wrote it. Don't guess a date I didn't give: put those items under "No date yet". Don't add tasks or details.

My notes:
dentist moved to thurs nov 5, 3:40. library books back by tue nov 3. mia's science fair nov 12, she needs poster board before. call grandma sunday. winter tires mon nov 9 8am, bring the wheel lock key. pick up dry cleaning whenever

Explain this letter simply:

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS - Maplewood Court
Please be advised that, in order to facilitate scheduled maintenance of the domestic water riser, a temporary interruption of the potable water supply will be in effect on Tuesday, November 3, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Residents are advised to store an adequate quantity of water prior to the interruption and to refrain from operating dishwashers or washing machines during this period. Upon restoration of service, discoloured water may be observed; residents should run the cold-water tap for approximately two minutes until clear. For inquiries, contact the management office at extension 204.

Context: My 14-year-old will be home alone that morning and will read this.
Goal: Explain what this letter means for them, in plain words.
Example: On Tuesday morning there will be no water from 9 to 1.
Rules: Short sentences. Keep every date, time and instruction. Don't add anything the letter doesn't say.

The letter:
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS - Maplewood Court
Please be advised that, in order to facilitate scheduled maintenance of the domestic water riser, a temporary interruption of the potable water supply will be in effect on Tuesday, November 3, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Residents are advised to store an adequate quantity of water prior to the interruption and to refrain from operating dishwashers or washing machines during this period. Upon restoration of service, discoloured water may be observed; residents should run the cold-water tap for approximately two minutes until clear. For inquiries, contact the management office at extension 204.

Reply to this email and say I can't host:

Hi! Grandpa turns 80 and we want to do a family dinner on Saturday, November 14. Could you host it at your place? We'd be about 14 people. Let me know by Friday! - Sam

Context: My cousin Sam asked me to host a family dinner for 14 people. My apartment is too small.
Goal: Say no kindly but clearly, and offer to bring dessert and help set up.
Example of my tone: "Love this idea!"
Rules: Under 80 words. No made-up excuses. Apologize once at most. Sign it Alex.

Sam's email:
Hi! Grandpa turns 80 and we want to do a family dinner on Saturday, November 14. Could you host it at your place? We'd be about 14 people. Let me know by Friday! - Sam

Solve this: A rectangle's length is 3 cm more than twice its width. Its perimeter is 42 cm. Find the width and the length.

Be my tutor. Don't give me the answer. Ask me one question at a time so I can solve it myself.

A rectangle's length is 3 cm more than twice its width. Its perimeter is 42 cm. Find the width and the length.