aieveryday.

Free sample / Lesson 02

Write prompts that give direction

Build a reusable prompt with a task, context, constraints, and output format.

A useful prompt tells the assistant what to do and what a successful result looks like. You do not need special words or a long role description. Start with the task, add the background the assistant needs, state the limits, and specify a useful format. This course uses a simple brief: task, context, inputs, constraints, and output.

Compare "Help with my business" with "Draft a 100-word product description for a reusable notebook using the supplied features. Write for university students. Do not claim environmental certifications. End with one question." The second request makes success easier to judge.

Use delimiters such as INPUT START and INPUT END to separate source material from your instruction. This improves readability, but it is not a security guarantee. Never assume a long prompt can force perfect behavior. If important information is missing, invite the assistant to ask a small number of questions before drafting.

Try it step by step

  1. Write your desired output in one sentence. Choose one audience and one purpose.
  2. Add only the facts needed for the task. Include a short example if you want a particular style.
  3. Specify length, structure, and boundaries. Submit, then check whether all instructions were met.

Copy this prompt

Draft a product description for beginner students. INPUT START: A downloadable weekly planner; seven daily sections; a priorities box; printable A4 format. INPUT END. Use only these features. Write 80 to 110 words in plain English with three benefits and one short call to action. Do not invent testimonials, discounts, or guaranteed results.

Paste it into your preferred AI assistant. This lesson does not run AI or send your text anywhere.

What a useful answer does

A strong response connects the seven daily sections to planning the week and the priorities box to choosing important tasks. It does not claim the planner improves grades or has thousands of customers.

Your turn

Rewrite "Make me a social post" as a complete brief for the planner. State the audience, platform, supplied facts, word limit, and intended action.

Check your work

If the draft is generic, add a specific audience problem. If it invents facts, narrow the permitted source material. If it is too long, state the target length again.

Does asking an assistant to act as an expert make its answer reliable?

No. A role can guide tone or perspective; evidence and human checks are still needed.

Further reading: OpenAI’s prompting guide. Course example and exercise are original.

Try six more AI prompts for everyday work ↗

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