tool_get_travel_news

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the source (Google News RSS) and types of alerts, but it does not mention rate limits, return format, or potential side effects. For a read operation, this is adequate but incomplete.

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?

The description is concise with a clear header, a single informative sentence, and bullet-pointed parameter details. No redundant information; every part earns its place.

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?

Given three parameters and no output schema, the description covers input well but does not describe the output format (e.g., titles, links, snippets). It also lacks error handling or data freshness details beyond days_lookback. Still, it is mostly complete for a simple news retrieval tool.

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 coverage is 0%, but the description provides excellent parameter details: destination with examples, days_lookback with range (1-30) and default 7, max_results with default 10. This adds significant meaning beyond the schema.

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?

The description clearly states the tool retrieves recent travel news and disruption alerts for a destination. It specifies the data source (Google News RSS) and types of disruptions (strikes, airport closures, etc.), distinguishing it from sibling tools like tool_get_travel_advisory and tool_get_destination_info.

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?

The description mentions 'No API key required' as a usage note, but it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor does it provide conditions for when not to use it. The usage is implied but lacks direct guidance.

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