⚠️ Remember: Generative AI is a tool, not a replacement for thinking or learning. Always double-check its responses, and don’t upload private or sensitive information.
What is a prompt?
A prompt is the text you input into the generative AI tool. Prompts are usually a question, a list of instructions, an image, or a descriptive statement. Good prompts will create better outputs from the generative AI tool.
| Ineffective prompt: | "What is photosynthesis?" |
| More effective prompt: | "Can you explain photosynthesis at a grade 9 level and include a diagram?" |
| Very effective prompt: | "I would like a two page explanation of what photosynthesis is for a teenager in Grade 9 in Alberta, Canada. Provide a glossary for any technical and complex scientific terms. Do not include any information or language that would be beyond a junior high level of understanding, like the specific chemical reactions and elements involved. An additional diagram showing the process as a whole would also be very helpful. I would like all of the output in a downloadable Word document so I can print it." |
Writing good prompts with the CLEAR Framework
CLEAR Framework (Lo, 2023)
Concise: Be brief and clear in your prompt, using precise language.
Logical: Structure prompts coherently to reveal relationships between concepts.
Explicit: Provide clear instructions and expectations of output, including format, scope, and content, to reduce irrelevant responses.
Adaptive: Be flexible and adjust the prompt as needed.
Reflective: Evaluate the performance of your AI prompts and adjust your approach if necessary.
Hansen, D. (2024, Sep. 28). The CLEAR framework for prompt engineering [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SECEXzfzV-I
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