Unit ID: PAW-M01-U02 Estimated active time: 20-25 minutes
The four-part view
A useful prompt design has four main parts:
- Task.
- Context.
- Output.
- Review.
You can remember it as:
> What should be done? What does the tool need to know? What should the answer look like? How will I check it?
Let us look at each part.
1. Task
The task is the job you want help with.
Examples:
- draft a follow-up email;
- create a meeting agenda;
- explain a topic in simple English;
- compare three options;
- make a checklist;
- turn rough notes into an outline;
- review a message for tone.
A task should be specific enough that the AI tool knows what kind of help you want.
Weak:
> Help me with planning.
Better:
> Help me create a checklist for preparing a 45-minute beginner workshop.
2. Context
Context is the safe background information the tool needs.
Context may include:
- audience;
- purpose;
- tone;
- known facts;
- constraints;
- deadline;
- what has already been decided;
- what must not be included.
Context should be safe. Do not include private or confidential information unless your organisation has approved that tool and use case.
Weak:
> Write a reply.
Better:
> Write a polite reply to a fictional customer asking for an update. The reply should say we are checking the issue and will respond by Friday. Do not promise a refund.
3. Output
Output means the shape of the answer.
You can ask for:
- a list;
- a table;
- an outline;
- a short email;
- a memo;
- a script;
- a checklist;
- options with pros and cons;
- questions to ask before deciding.
When the format is clear, review becomes easier.
Weak:
> Give me ideas.
Better:
> Give me five ideas in a table with columns for idea, audience, effort, risk, and why it may work.
4. Review
Review is how you will judge the output.
Review criteria may include:
- is it accurate?
- is anything invented?
- does it fit the audience?
- is the tone right?
- are important risks mentioned?
- does it follow the requested format?
- is anything private or unsafe included?
- what still needs human checking?
Weak:
> Make it good.
Better:
> After drafting, add a short review note listing any assumptions, missing details, and facts I should verify.
Put the four parts together
Here is a stronger prompt:
> Help me create a checklist for preparing a 45-minute beginner workshop on safe AI use. The audience is college students. Keep the language simple. The checklist should have three sections: before the session, during the session, and after the session. Do not include paid-tool requirements. After the checklist, list any assumptions and risks I should review.
Now label the parts:
- Task: create a checklist.
- Context: 45-minute beginner workshop, college students, safe AI use.
- Output: three-section checklist.
- Review: assumptions and risks to review.
Mini practice
Take this vague request:
> Help me make notes.
Rewrite it using the four parts:
- task;
- context;
- output;
- review.
Keep your rewritten version. It can become one of your activity examples.