diff --git a/.gitlab/merge_request_templates/Default.md b/.gitlab/merge_request_templates/Default.md
index b8d2db77ba1b40e3e88a23713eb47d3a1e44296f..ddda018c11cd4093b675bfb0a8cc129eaff14667 100644
--- a/.gitlab/merge_request_templates/Default.md
+++ b/.gitlab/merge_request_templates/Default.md
@@ -1,35 +1,18 @@
 ## What does this MR do and why?
 
-<!--
-Describe in detail what your merge request does and why.
-
-Please keep this description updated with any discussion that takes place so
-that reviewers can understand your intent. Keeping the description updated is
-especially important if they didn't participate in the discussion.
--->
-
 %{first_multiline_commit}
 
 ## References
 
-**Please include [cross links](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/communication/#start-with-a-merge-request:~:text=Cross%20link%20issues,alternate%20if%20duplicate.) to any resources that are relevant to this MR**.
-This will give reviewers and future readers helpful context to give an efficient review of the changes introduced.
-
-- 
-
-## MR acceptance checklist
-
-**Please evaluate this MR against the [MR acceptance checklist](https://docs.gitlab.com/development/code_review/#acceptance-checklist).**
-It helps you analyze changes to reduce risks in quality, performance, reliability, security, and maintainability.
+<!--
+Include [links](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/communication/#start-with-a-merge-request:~:text=Cross%20link%20issues,alternate%20if%20duplicate.) to any resources that are relevant to this MR.
+This will give reviewers and future readers helpful context.
+-->
 
 ## Screenshots or screen recordings
 
-_Screenshots are required for UI changes, and strongly recommended for all other merge requests._
-
-<!--
-Please include any relevant screenshots or screen recordings that will assist
-reviewers and future readers. If you need help visually verifying the change,
-please leave a comment and ping a GitLab reviewer, maintainer, or MR coach.
+<!---
+Screenshots are required for UI changes, and strongly recommended for all other merge requests.
 -->
 
 | Before | After  |
@@ -37,9 +20,8 @@ please leave a comment and ping a GitLab reviewer, maintainer, or MR coach.
 |        |        |
 
 <!--
-OPTIONAL:
-Use this table when providing screenshots at relevant viewport sizes.
-Delete table rows that are not relevant to your changes.
+OPTIONAL: For responsive UI changes, you can use the viewport size table below.
+Delete this table if not needed or delete rows that are not relevant to your changes.
 
 | Viewport size   | Before     | After      |
 | ----------------| ---------- | ---------- |
@@ -52,12 +34,12 @@ Delete table rows that are not relevant to your changes.
 
 ## How to set up and validate locally
 
-_Numbered steps to set up and validate the change are strongly suggested._
-
 <!--
-Example below:
+Numbered steps to set up and validate the change are strongly suggested.
 
-1. In rails console enable the experiment fully
+Example:
+
+1. In rails console enable the feature flag
    ```ruby
    Feature.enable(:member_areas_of_focus)
    ```
@@ -65,6 +47,9 @@ Example below:
 1. Click the `invite members` button.
 -->
 
-<!-- template sourced from https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/blob/master/.gitlab/merge_request_templates/Default.md -->
+## MR acceptance checklist
+
+Evaluate this MR against the [MR acceptance checklist](https://docs.gitlab.com/development/code_review/#acceptance-checklist).
+It helps you analyze changes to reduce risks in quality, performance, reliability, security, and maintainability.
 
 /assign me