Ask for the Smallest Useful Model Output
If your application needs a category and one reason, a page of explanation creates extra reading and processing work.
Define the output your next step can actually use. For a document-routing exercise, ask for an allowed category, a short supporting reason and an unresolved state when evidence is insufficient. Check that the reason refers to the supplied document rather than generic advice.
Compare the shorter contract with your previous prompt on the same test cases. Record correctness, response time and review effort. Do not remove evidence that a reviewer needs simply to reduce length. The target is enough information to make the next decision, with a clear path for cases that require further inspection.
