diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index dd8f3808..75c5a361 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -4,12 +4,15 @@
   Required. Trace your reasoning from the top of the project down to this
   specific change. Start with what Paperclip is, then narrow through the
   subsystem, the problem, and why this PR exists. Use blockquote style.
-  See CONTRIBUTING.md for full examples.
+  Aim for 5–8 steps. See CONTRIBUTING.md for full examples.
 -->
 
 > - Paperclip orchestrates AI agents for zero-human companies
-> - ...
+> - [Which subsystem or capability is involved]
+> - [What problem or gap exists]
+> - [Why it needs to be addressed]
 > - This pull request ...
+> - The benefit is ...
 
 ## What Changed