Before you start: Always check if and how the use of generative artificial intelligence is permitted in the preparation of your assessment task. Unauthorised use of generative AI or paraphrasing tools can be a form of academic misconduct.
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Prompt engineering is the process of designing and refining the inputs (prompts) given to generative artificial intelligence models to elicit the best possible outputs. How a prompt is structured can significantly influence the quality, relevance, and accuracy of the AI output.
Writing a good prompt is crucial because the quality of your prompt determines the quality of AI responses. Think of it like giving clear instructions to a teammate. When your instructions are specific and well-structured, the results are accurate and useful. Good prompts save time by reducing the need for multiple queries and help you get precise information quickly. They also ensure the AI understands the context and tone you need, whether it is for a formal report or a casual conversation. In essence, mastering prompt engineering helps you leverage AI effectively, making it a powerful tool in your academic and professional toolkit.
The following section explores how a basic prompt of "benefits of exercise?" can be improved to be more effective. The changes are highlighted in bold.
| Key element | Desciption | Improved prompt |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity and specificity | Be clear and specific about what you need, avoiding vague language. | "Can you provide an overview of the benefits of regular cardiovascular exercise?" |
| Context and background | Provide relevant context or background to help the AI understand the scope and focus. | "I'm preparing a presentation on the benefits of exercise for office workers. Can you provide an overview of the work-related benefits of regular cardiovascular exercise?" |
| Structured format | Structure prompts clearly if they involve multiple parts. | "I'm preparing a presentation on the benefits of exercise for office workers. Can you provide an overview of the work-related benefits of regular cardiovascular exercise? List the benefits of regular exercise, then provide examples of basic, low-impact cardiovascular exercises, and finally describe a simple weekly workout plan." |
| Tone and style | Specify if you need the response in a particular tone or style. | "I'm preparing a presentation on the benefits of exercise for office workers. Can you provide an overview of the work-related benefits of regular cardiovascular exercise? List the benefits of regular exercise, then provide examples of basic, low-impact cardiovascular exercises, and finally describe a simple weekly workout plan, presented in a professional but conversational tone." |
| Limitations and constraints | Specify any limitations, such as word count or specific sources. | "I'm preparing a presentation on the benefits of exercise for office workers. Can you provide a 200-word overview of the work-related benefits of regular cardiovascular exercise? List the benefits of regular exercise, then provide examples of basic, low-impact cardiovascular exercises, and finally describe a simple weekly workout plan, presented in a professional but conversational tone." |
Examples and comparisons
Open-ended vs. close-ended prompts
