The CLEAR path: A framework for enhancing information literacy through prompt engineering
Learn about Copilot prompts from Microsoft
This guide shares strategies and tactics for getting better results from large language models (sometimes referred to as GPT models) like GPT-4o. - by OpenAI
A comprehensive prompt design guide on various generative AI tools and prompt engineering
In ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers course, you will learn how to use a large language model (LLM) to quickly build new and powerful applications.
Develop prompts to create lesson plans and complete administrative tasks
Tim Self's rewrites Prompts chat bot
AI tools are only as good as what you ask them. That’s where prompt design comes in—figuring out the best way to ask your AI tool for help.
| Step | What It Means | Example Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| Context | Give background or a scenario | “You are a tutor helping a college student…” |
| Length | Be specific about how much to write | “…Write a 150-word paragraph…” |
| Examples | Provide a style or sample if you can | “…in the style of a news article or blog post.” |
| Assignment | State the goal or purpose | “This is for a summary of a research article.” |
| Requirements | Add formatting or citations | “Use MLA format and cite one real source.” |
❌ Meh Prompt:
“Write something about climate change.”
✅ Better Prompt:
“You are a science writer creating a blog post for high school students. Write 3 short paragraphs explaining the impact of climate change on ocean life. Make it easy to understand, and include a metaphor.”
Think of AI as your brainstorming buddy—not your ghostwriter.
“Design an assignment or test for [Subject Area] that emphasizes practical work skills and minimizes reliance on AI tools. The task should simulate a real-world scenario relevant to [Industry/Profession] and require students to apply critical thinking, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving.”
For example, create an assignment where students must design a [Deliverable: Resume, Report, Proposal, Presentation, etc.] for [Job Title/Industry Context] that aligns with [Specific Skills/Responsibilities]. Provide students with a detailed scenario or job description, requiring them to incorporate the following:
The assignment should include a reflection component where students discuss their process, challenges, and the skills they developed. Additionally, outline clear criteria for assessment, such as:
“Write a step-by-step guide on how to start saving money, even with a tight budget. Include practical tips on budgeting, tracking expenses, setting realistic savings goals, and automating savings. Provide suggestions for small lifestyle changes or habits that can help me set aside extra money each month. Make sure to include advice on creating an emergency fund and tips on how to stay motivated over the long term. Please ask me questions before you start so that you can give me the best advice.”
“Provide a detailed list of creative ways to find extra money that I can put toward savings. This can include ideas such as cutting unnecessary expenses, negotiating bills, selling unused items, side gigs, or optimizing my tax refund. Offer strategies for identifying and eliminating ‘money leaks’ in my spending, as well as ways to increase my income without requiring significant additional time or effort. Please ask me questions before you start so that you can give me the best advice.”
“Write a professional cover letter for [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Use the following job description to tailor the letter to the role: [Insert Job Description]. My key qualifications include [List Relevant Skills or Experience]. Be sure to highlight my enthusiasm for the position, my relevant experience, and how I can contribute to the company's success. Keep the tone professional, yet enthusiastic, and ensure the letter is concise, well-structured, and polite.”
“Create a professional resume for [Job Title] that is optimized for [Company Name] and reflects the responsibilities outlined in this job description: [Insert Job Description]. My relevant experience includes [List Key Roles, Achievements, and Skills]. Ensure the resume is clear, well-organized, and emphasizes my qualifications for the role. Include sections for contact information, a professional summary, work experience, skills, education, and certifications, and format it in a clean and modern style.”
“I’m studying [subject/topic], and I’d like to generate some quiz questions to help me review the material. Can you help me create 5–10 multiple-choice or short-answer questions based on [specific chapter/topic/lecture notes]? I want these questions to focus on [key concepts, dates, terms, or problem-solving skills].”
“I'm studying [subject/topic] and would like to make sure I understand the key points. Can you summarize the main ideas of [specific chapter/lesson] and then create some questions to test my understanding? I’d like a mix of multiple-choice, true/false, and short-answer questions to practice.”
“I’m preparing for a test in [subject], specifically on [topic/chapter]. Could you create some practice problems or questions for me to work through? I’m particularly struggling with [specific area or concept], so I’d like questions that focus on this aspect.”
“I'm trying to grocery shop on a tight budget but still want to buy healthy and nutritious foods. Can you recommend affordable meal ideas or a grocery list that balances low cost with nutritional value? I'm especially looking for ingredients that are versatile and can be used in multiple meals throughout the week.”
“I'm shopping for someone with [diabetes/another medical condition] and need to stay within a budget. Could you provide a grocery list or meal suggestions that are both budget-friendly and suitable for managing blood sugar levels (or other dietary restrictions)? I’d like options that are low in [e.g., sugar or sodium] but still provide balanced nutrition.”
“I'm focused on tracking my macros and micros for [weight loss or muscle gain]. Can you help me create a grocery list that fits my fitness goals, focusing on high-protein, nutrient-dense foods while also including good sources of healthy fats and carbs? I'd like suggestions that are relatively budget-friendly but align with my workout plan.”
“I'm looking for a book similar to [Book Title] that has [specific elements you enjoyed] (e.g., ‘a strong, complex protagonist,’ ‘a rich world with deep lore,’ or ‘intense character development and emotional growth’). I really enjoyed [key aspect of the book], like ‘the way the characters grow’ or ‘the balance of action and introspection.’ Can you recommend a book with similar themes or narrative style?”
“I'm looking for a movie similar to [Movie Title], particularly in terms of [key aspect you liked] (e.g., ‘character dynamics,’ ‘blend of action and emotional depth,’ or ‘atmospheric world-building’). I liked how the film handled [specific element] like ‘complex relationships,’ ‘gritty realism,’ or ‘moral ambiguity.’ Could you recommend a movie with a similar tone or themes?”
“I'm looking for music similar to [Band/Artist/Song Title]. I love the way their sound blends [specific genres or elements], like ‘upbeat ska with punk,’ ‘emotional depth with energetic rhythms,’ or ‘powerful vocals with atmospheric instrumentals.’ Can you suggest artists or songs with a similar vibe or musical style?”
