Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare the full safety profile (readOnly, idempotent, non-destructive, not open-world), so the bar is lower. The description adds ordering behavior ('most recent first') that is neither in the annotations nor the schema, which genuinely helps the agent reason about results. Pagination beyond limit is not described, keeping it from a 5.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Three tight sentences: what it does first, then why/when to use it, then a docs pointer. No filler and the payload is front-loaded.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With an output schema handling return values, annotations covering the safety profile, and full schema coverage on both parameters, the description only needs purpose, ordering, and usage – all of which it supplies. Nothing an agent needs to call it correctly is missing.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so both status_page_id and limit are fully documented in the schema. The description adds no syntax, format, or default detail beyond what the schema already provides, matching the baseline 3.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

State a specific verb (list) and a precise resource (incident updates posted on a status page), plus ordering ('most recent first'). An agent can distinguish this from the sibling list_status_pages (which lists pages, not their updates) without opening either schema.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Gives two concrete selection conditions: inspecting what visitors are currently being told, and finding an update ID to edit. Clear context for when to reach for this tool, though it does not name a when-not case or an explicit alternative.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.