Unit ID: PAW-M01-U05 Estimated active time: 20-25 minutes

Why this practice matters

Most weak prompts are weak because the task is vague.

The learner may know what they mean, but the AI tool does not.

Your job is to make the task visible.

In this practice, you will repair vague requests.

The repair method

Use this simple method:

1. Name the task.
2. Name the audience.
3. Explain the purpose.
4. Give safe context.
5. Choose an output format.
6. Add constraints.
7. Add review criteria.

You do not need every field for every small prompt. But for practice, use all seven.

Example 1

Vague request:

> Make this better.

Better task brief:

> Help me improve a short fictional announcement for students joining a beginner workshop. Make it clear, friendly, and under 120 words. Keep the meaning the same. Do not add dates, prices, or promises. After rewriting, list two things I should check before sending.

What improved?

• The task is clear: improve an announcement.
• The audience is clear: students.
• The tone is clear: friendly.
• The length is clear.
• The tool is told not to invent details.
• Review is included.

Example 2

Vague request:

> Summarise this.

Better task brief:

> Summarise the safe sample notes below into two sections: key points and open questions. Do not add facts that are not in the notes. If something is unclear, mark it as unclear instead of guessing.

What improved?

• The format is clear.
• The tool is told not to invent facts.
• Uncertainty is allowed.

Example 3

Vague request:

> Give me ideas.

Better task brief:

> Give me five low-cost ideas for a fictional student study group. Use a table with columns for idea, why it helps, effort level, and risk. Avoid ideas that require paid tools or sharing private student data.

What improved?

• The type of ideas is clear.
• The audience and setting are clear.
• The output format is clear.
• Risks and constraints are included.

Your practice

Rewrite these three vague requests:

1. Help me write this email.
2. Make a plan.
3. Explain this topic.

For each one, create a task brief with:

• task;
• audience;
• purpose;
• safe context;
• output format;
• constraints;
• review criteria.

Use fictional or safe examples only.

Check your work

After rewriting each request, ask:

• Would another person understand what I want?
• Did I avoid private or sensitive information?
• Did I choose a useful output format?
• Did I tell the AI tool what not to invent?
• Did I include how I will review the answer?

Save your output

Save your three task briefs. They are your completion evidence for this unit and will feed into the module activity.

Mark complete