news_search

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

Adds real context beyond the annotations: fixed top-10 result count, return shape ('JSON with keyword, results'), a SANDBOX mode with dummy data and no payment, and an explicit prompt-injection warning about third-party headlines and snippets. What is missing is the live-mode cost/payment behavior and any rate limits, which the 'no payment' phrasing only implies.

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?

Front-loaded with the core capability and field list, then usage routing, then returns, then environment and safety notes. Efficient, though the parenthetical provider name and stacked clauses make it denser than strictly necessary.

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 three-parameter, no-output-schema search tool this covers purpose, alternative, return keys, environment caveat and content-safety handling. The only gap an agent might want is live-mode cost or quota behavior, which is left implicit.

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 keyword, language_code and location_code are already fully documented in the schema, including search-operator limitations and default location. The description adds no parameter-level meaning beyond 'for a keyword', 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 and resource ('Top 10 Google News results for a keyword') and enumerates the returned fields (headline, source, URL, snippet, publish time). It explicitly distinguishes itself from the sibling google_serp, so an agent can route between the two 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 an explicit when-to-use ('current coverage of a topic') paired with a named alternative and its condition ('use google_serp for regular web results'). The sandbox note further clarifies the environment in which the tool should be exercised.

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