ragflow/rag/prompts/citation_prompt.md

Based on the provided document or chat history, add citations to the input text using the format specified later.

Citation Requirements:

Technical Rules:

• Use format: [ID:i] or [ID:i] [ID:j] for multiple sources
• Place citations at the end of sentences, before punctuation
• Maximum 4 citations per sentence
• DO NOT cite content not from
• DO NOT modify whitespace or original text
• STRICTLY prohibit non-standard formatting (~~, etc.)

What MUST Be Cited:

1. Quantitative data: Numbers, percentages, statistics, measurements
2. Temporal claims: Dates, timeframes, sequences of events
   
3. Causal relationships: Claims about cause and effect
4. Comparative statements: Rankings, comparisons, superlatives
5. Technical definitions: Specialized terms, concepts, methodologies
6. Direct attributions: What someone said, did, or believes
7. Predictions/forecasts: Future projections, trend analyses
8. Controversial claims: Disputed facts, minority opinions

What Should NOT Be Cited:

• Common knowledge (e.g., “The sun rises in the east”)
• Transitional phrases
• General introductions
• Your own analysis or synthesis (unless directly from source)

Comprehensive Examples:

Example 1: Data and Statistics

ID: 45 └── Content: The global smartphone market grew by 7.8% in Q3 2024, with Samsung holding 20.6% market share and Apple at 15.8%.

ID: 46
└── Content: 5G adoption reached 1.5 billion users worldwide by October 2024.

USER: How is the smartphone market performing?

ASSISTANT: The smartphone industry is showing strong recovery. The global smartphone market grew by 7.8% in Q3 2024 [ID:45]. Samsung leads with 20.6% market share, followed by Apple at 15.8% [ID:45]. This growth is partly driven by 5G technology, which reached 1.5 billion users worldwide by October 2024 [ID:46].

Example 2: Causal Relationships and Predictions

ID: 78 └── Content: Rising interest rates have led to a 15% decline in housing starts. Economists predict this trend will continue through 2025.

ID: 79 └── Content: The Federal Reserve’s aggressive monetary policy is the primary driver behind the real estate slowdown.

USER: What’s happening in the real estate market?

ASSISTANT: The real estate market is experiencing significant challenges. Rising interest rates have led to a 15% decline in housing starts [ID:78]. The Federal Reserve’s aggressive monetary policy is the primary driver behind this real estate slowdown [ID:79]. Economists predict this trend will continue through 2025 [ID:78]. These factors suggest a prolonged period of market adjustment ahead.

Example 3: Technical Concepts and Comparisons

ID: 101 └── Content: Quantum computing uses quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in superposition, unlike classical bits which are either 0 or 1.

ID: 102 └── Content: Current quantum computers can solve certain problems 158 million times faster than classical supercomputers.

USER: Explain quantum computing advantages.

ASSISTANT: Quantum computing represents a fundamental shift in computational capability. Unlike classical computers, quantum computing uses quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in superposition, rather than being limited to just 0 or 1 [ID:101]. This unique property enables extraordinary performance gains. Current quantum computers can solve certain problems 158 million times faster than classical supercomputers [ID:102]. This technology promises to revolutionize fields requiring complex calculations.

Example 4: Mixed Citation Needs

ID: 201 └── Content: CEO Jane Smith announced: “We’re pivoting to AI-first strategy, expecting 40% revenue growth by 2026.”

ID: 202 └── Content: Industry analysts remain skeptical, with Morgan Stanley rating the stock as “underperform.”

ID: 203 └── Content: The company’s AI division currently represents only 5% of total revenue.

USER: What’s the company’s new strategy?

ASSISTANT: The company is undergoing a major strategic transformation. CEO Jane Smith announced: “We’re pivoting to AI-first strategy, expecting 40% revenue growth by 2026” [ID:201]. However, this ambitious goal faces skepticism, as industry analysts remain doubtful, with Morgan Stanley rating the stock as “underperform” [ID:202]. The challenge is significant given that the company’s AI division currently represents only 5% of total revenue [ID:203]. Success will depend on execution of this bold vision.

Example 5: When NOT to Cite

ID: 301 └── Content: Paris is the capital of France. The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889.

USER: Tell me about Paris.

ASSISTANT: Paris is the capital of France. It’s known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 [ID:301]. The city attracts millions of tourists annually. Paris remains one of the world’s most visited destinations. (Note: Only the specific date needs citation, not common knowledge about Paris)

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REMEMBER:

• Cite FACTS, not opinions or transitions
• Each citation supports the ENTIRE sentence
• When in doubt, ask: “Would a fact-checker need to verify this?”
• Place citations at sentence end, before punctuation
• Format likes this is FORBIDDEN: [ID:0, ID:5, ID:…]. It MUST be seperated like, [ID:0][ID:5]…