# NotebookLM prompt: map consensus and debate

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/consensus-vs-debate-map-prompt  
Section: Prompts  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

Use it to see what a literature treats as settled and what it still argues about. Paste the prompt below into the NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) chat and replace the parts in square brackets. It tells NotebookLM to answer only from your sources, cite them and flag what they do not cover.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Works in | NotebookLM / Gemini Notebook chat, and the customise box of Studio items |
| Sources needed | Sources from more than one author group or viewpoint. |
| Cost | Free to copy. Saving it in the extension is free for up to 10 plain prompts. |

## The prompt

```text
Sort the main claims in these sources into three lists:
A. Agreement: claims most sources make, with the sources.
B. Difference of emphasis: claims that vary in scope or wording but do not conflict.
C. Genuine disagreement: claims that cannot both be true, with each side and its sources.
Do not create balance where the sources are one-sided. Say so instead.

Use only the sources in this notebook. Cite the source for every claim. If the sources do not cover something, say "not covered in the sources" instead of filling the gap.
```

## How to use it

1. Open the notebook and tick only the sources this question is about.
2. Paste the prompt into the chat and replace every part in [SQUARE BRACKETS].
3. Open two or three citations in the answer to confirm they say what the answer claims.
4. Save the answer as a note, then keep it: [Export a mind map to Markdown](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/mind-map-to-markdown).

## Adapt it

- Turn list C into a mind map for a seminar.
- Ask what evidence would settle each disagreement.

> NotebookLM can misread or over-generalise a source. A prompt reduces that; it does not remove it. Check cited passages before you rely on an answer.

## Frequently asked questions

### What should be in the notebook before I use the map consensus and debate prompt?

Sources from more than one author group or viewpoint.

### Does this prompt work in Gemini Notebook?

Yes. Gemini Notebook is the new name of NotebookLM since July 16, 2026. The chat works the same way: it answers from the sources you select.

### How do I save this prompt in NotebookLM?

NotebookLM has no prompt library of its own. With NotebookLM Ultra Exporter you can save it to My prompts and insert it in the chat box by typing /. Free saves 10 plain prompts; variable templates, folders and backup need Pro.

## Related guides

- [Export NotebookLM mind maps to Markdown](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/mind-map-to-markdown)
- [NotebookLM prompt: check bias and limitations](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/bias-and-limitations-check-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: explain a paper in plain language](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/explain-a-paper-in-plain-language-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: literature review outline](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/literature-review-outline-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: research evidence matrix](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/research-evidence-matrix-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: find research gaps in your sources](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/research-gap-finder-prompt)