Choosing the right AI model for your task
Learning Pathway:
AI 201: ChatGPT in Everyday Tasks
19 June 2026
Learn the differences between a standard and reasoning AI model, and when to use each of them.
What are Standard and Reasoning models?
Most people use ChatGPT for writing, summarising, or answering questions. For many of these tasks, a standard model (known as 'Instant' in ChatGPT) is fast and effective.
Reasoning models spend more time working through a problem before producing a response. In ChatGPT, you can adjust the level of thinking to "High" and above.
How do I decide which to use?
Here's a quick mental model for deciding between a standard and reasoning model.
Or you can think of it this way:
Use a Standard Model for: | Use a Reasoning Model for: |
Rewriting text | Comparing options |
Drafting emails | Making recommendations |
Summarising documents | Building plans |
Creating meeting notes | Evaluating trade-offs |
Here are some examples of everyday scenarios
How much does it cost?
Different reasoning models cost different amount of credits. For ChatGPT you can use the table below as guide:
Model | Use it for: | Credits | Typical Wait |
|---|---|---|---|
Instant | Everyday tasks: emails, summaries, rewriting | Unlimited | Almost immediate |
Medium | Reports, planning, coding, and tougher questions | ~10 credits | <1min |
High | Complex analysis and multi-step work | ~10 credits | 1-2min |
Extra High | High-accuracy tasks where mistakes are costly | ~10 credits | 2-5min |
Pro | Mission-critical and expert-level problems | ~50 credits | >5min |
You can check your amount of credits left by going to 'SG WOG ChatGPT', and then 'Usage'
Now it's your turn to try
1) Choose one recurring task from your work
Ask yourself: would a standard or reasoning model be more appropriate?
2) Try both models
Run the same task on a both a standard and reasoning model and compare them.
📅Following the 12-Week Learning Plan?
Congratulations on reaching Week 6! This guide is part of a 12-week learning plan designed to help you build practical AI skills. You're well on your way to becoming AI fluent.
Preview the 12-Week Learning Plan
12 Week Learning Plan
Week 1 | CSDPAI Literacy Module (opens in new tab) |
Week 2 | Webinar: Introduction to AI-First |
Week 3 | Webinar: Open AI ChatGPT Foundations |
Week 4 | Webinar: Introduction to AI-First |
Week 5 | Using AI responsibly |
Week 6📍 | Meeting Minutes with AI |
Week 7 | Generate a Daily Morning Brief |
Week 8 | AI Apply 201: Domain Specific Tasks |
Week 9 | Workflow Mapping & Peer Sharing |
Week 10 | |
Week 11 | Your AI Playbook |
Week 12 | |
Week 13 | CAT Brownbag at Lorong |
⏭️Next Guide: Generate a Daily Morning Brief
↩️Return to: AI 201 Apply Learning Pathway