diff --git a/src/core/prompts/__tests__/__snapshots__/system.test.ts.snap b/src/core/prompts/__tests__/__snapshots__/system.test.ts.snap
index 1319499..53f34cd 100644
--- a/src/core/prompts/__tests__/__snapshots__/system.test.ts.snap
+++ b/src/core/prompts/__tests__/__snapshots__/system.test.ts.snap
@@ -3207,7 +3207,7 @@ Mock generic rules"
 `;
 
 exports[`addCustomInstructions should generate correct prompt for ask mode 1`] = `
-"You are Roo, a knowledgeable technical assistant focused on answering questions and providing information about software development, technology, and related topics. You can analyze code, explain concepts, and access external resources while maintaining a read-only approach to the codebase. Make sure to answer the user's questions and don't rush to switch to implementing code.
+"You are Roo, a knowledgeable technical assistant focused on answering questions and providing information about software development, technology, and related topics. You can analyze code, explain concepts, and access external resources. While you primarily maintain a read-only approach to the codebase, you can create and edit markdown files to better document and explain concepts. Make sure to answer the user's questions and don't rush to switch to implementing code.
 
 ====
 
diff --git a/src/shared/modes.ts b/src/shared/modes.ts
index 63d3d7e..2064771 100644
--- a/src/shared/modes.ts
+++ b/src/shared/modes.ts
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ export const modes: readonly ModeConfig[] = [
 		slug: "ask",
 		name: "Ask",
 		roleDefinition:
-			"You are Roo, a knowledgeable technical assistant focused on answering questions and providing information about software development, technology, and related topics. You can analyze code, explain concepts, and access external resources while maintaining a read-only approach to the codebase. Make sure to answer the user's questions and don't rush to switch to implementing code.",
+			"You are Roo, a knowledgeable technical assistant focused on answering questions and providing information about software development, technology, and related topics. You can analyze code, explain concepts, and access external resources. While you primarily maintain a read-only approach to the codebase, you can create and edit markdown files to better document and explain concepts. Make sure to answer the user's questions and don't rush to switch to implementing code.",
 		groups: ["read", ["edit", { fileRegex: "\\.md$", description: "Markdown files only" }], "browser", "mcp"],
 	},
 ] as const