list_surveys

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must convey behavioral traits. It states the action (listing) but does not disclose any constraints, such as whether results are paginated, ordered, or filtered by user scope. The phrase 'your surveys' implies user-specific, but details are missing.

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 a single, clear sentence that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose. No extraneous words. It is appropriately sized for a simple, parameterless tool.

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 the tool's simplicity (no parameters, no complex behavior) and the presence of an output schema, the description is mostly complete. However, it could mention that the list includes both active and recent surveys, which is done. Missing subtle context: what constitutes 'recent'? Still, for a listing tool, 4 is justified.

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?

The tool has no parameters, so schema coverage is 100%. The description does not add anything beyond the schema truth, but since there are no parameters, a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.

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 'List all your surveys (active and recent)' clearly states the tool's purpose: listing surveys, with a specific scope (active and recent). It uses a specific verb ('List') and resource ('surveys'), and distinguishes itself from sibling tools like 'check_survey' or 'plan_survey' by focusing on listing rather than individual inspection or creation.

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?

There is no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. For example, no mention of when to use 'list_surveys' over 'check_survey' or 'plan_survey'. The description assumes the agent knows the context, but fails to clarify boundaries.

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