How to Write a Good Prompt – in 5 Steps
1. State clearly what you want
• Define the task clearly: what should the result be?
• Avoid vague instructions such as “write something about...”.
2. Add context
• Say who the text is for.
• Explain what the output will be used for.
3. Specify the output format
• State whether you want bullet points, a paragraph, an email, a table, or an
outline.
• A clear format helps produce a more useful answer.
4. Set the style and length
• Specify the tone: formal, informal, academic, or simple.
• State the language and approximate length.
5. Add requirements and limitations
• Say what the answer should include.
• Also say what should not be included.
Template
Write [what], for [whom], in the form of [what format], in a [what kind of]
style, with a length of [how much], and include [what exactly].
Write a short formal email in English to a
university colleague asking to move tomorrow’s
meeting to next week. Keep the tone polite and
professional, and limit the email to 80–100 words.
1. Write a short formal email in English
- it is clear what should be written, in which language, and in what style.
2. to a university colleague
- this defines the recipient and therefore also the appropriate level of
formality.
3. asking to move tomorrow’s meeting to next week
- this states the exact purpose of the email.
4. Keep the tone polite and professional
- this sets the tone of the text.
5. limit the email to 80–100 words
- this defines the length, so the output will be brief and practical.