get_grades_overview

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

The annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and openWorldHint=true, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds valuable behavioral context: it returns grades for every enrolled course in one call and only one summary grade per course. It does not need to explain return values because an output schema exists.

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 two sentences and front-loads the tool's purpose before giving the sibling-tool alternative. Every sentence contributes useful information without repetition or wasted detail.

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 zero parameters, existing read-only annotations, and an output schema, the description includes everything an agent needs to choose and call the tool correctly. It clearly states the summary scope and how it differs from get_grades. No material behavioral or usage gap remains.

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 takes zero parameters, so the baseline is 4. The description correctly implies no filtering or parameter selection is needed. There is no parameter detail to add or omit.

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 uses a specific verb and resource: getting the account's overall grade for every enrolled course. It explicitly distinguishes the tool from get_grades by stating that this tool returns only one summary grade per course. An agent can identify the tool's purpose without inspecting the schema or sibling tools.

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 gives explicit selection criteria: use this tool for an overall per-course summary, and use get_grades for individual grade items within one course. It names the alternative tool and the exact condition that should route the agent there. No inference is required.

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