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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, destructiveHint=false and openWorldHint=false, so the safety profile is fully covered by structured data. The description adds two genuinely new facts beyond that: only published courses are returned, and each record includes level, length, pass mark and certificate validity. It does not mention ordering or what happens at the limit boundary, so it adds context without being rich.

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?

One sentence, front-loaded with the verb and scoped resource, then the returned fields. Every clause earns its place and there is no redundant restatement of the name.

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?

For a two-parameter, zero-required read tool with complete annotations, the definition covers scope (published only) and return fields, which matters because no output schema exists. The remaining gap is result ordering and whether the 50-item cap implies truncation, which an agent might want to know before listing.

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%, with the level enum and limit bounds (1-50, default 50) fully documented in the schema. The description's mention of 'level' marginally reinforces the filter but adds no syntax, default, or pagination semantics beyond the schema, so the baseline 3 applies.

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?

States a specific verb (List) and a precisely scoped resource (published academy courses), plus the fields each result carries. It is clearly distinguishable from get_course (single item) and the unrelated list_* siblings, though no sibling is named explicitly.

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?

Usage is only implied: the agent can infer this is the browse-all path as opposed to get_course for a single course, and that the optional level parameter narrows results. There is no explicit 'use this when' or exclusion statement, and nothing about what to do if no courses match.

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