Student Prompt Writing Guide
What is a Prompt?
A “prompt” is simply what you tell an AI to do. It’s like giving instructions. You type or say what you need, and the AI uses that information to help you. For example, if you ask AI to ‘help you write a report’, your question/request is the prompt!
What is AI? Read our introduction to AI.
Tips for Writing Prompts
In order to get the best output from an AI, it is important to provide as much information upfront as possible. You might not get exactly what you wanted first time, so don’t be afraid to provide follow-up prompts to fine-tune the response – it’s part of the process!
The basic anatomy of a prompt is outlined below:
Be Clear and Specific
Make sure your request is easy to understand and focused on what you need.
Include Important Details
Add any necessary information or context to help the AI understand better: subject & subtopic, course level, to use UK English, etc
Add additional information by pasting in text or uploading a file/image.
State the Desired Outcome
Let the AI know exactly what result you’re looking for (format/style/tone). For example:
- A summary
- A formal email
- 150 words or one paragraph
- A numbered list or bullet points
- A plan/structure
- Ideas/Brainstorm
- Feedback
Tone Examples: Formal, Casual, Enthusiastic, Empathetic, Concise, Inquisitive, Persuasive, Humorous, Inspirational, Descriptive, Technical or Reflective
Keep It Simple
Avoid overloading the prompt with too much information at once. Ask for one task at a time, rather than combining multiple tasks.
Risk Management
The data that the AI is trained on, could be incorrect or out-of-date, so fact check the data against what you already know and from third-party sources.
Investigate bias – An unbiased opinion is neutral, fair, and based on facts, without personal preferences, prejudices, or favouritism influencing judgment. It focuses on evidence rather than feelings or personal interests.
What can I use AI for?
Study Assistance
- Summarising textbooks or articles.
- Explaining complex topics in simple terms.
- Helping with study guides or key points for exams.
Ideation / Brainstorming Ideas
- Generating ideas for projects, assignments, or presentations.
- Offering suggestions for research topics.
Homework Help
- Explaining maths formulas.
- Assisting with science concepts and questions.
- Offering tips for improving written assignments.
- Creating images for presentations.
Time Management & Planning
- Creating study schedules or to-do lists.
- Offering productivity tips.
Career Advice and Support
- Offering guidance on career paths, courses, or internships.
- Giving advice on soft skills and personal development.
- Drafting or improving resumes and cover letters.
- Providing feedback on job applications or interview tips.
Improving your Prompt Writing Skills
If you’re not sure about a prompt, write what you think would be a good prompt and add the following prefix:
Act as a prompt engineer.
Review the following prompt for me.
Optimise it to make it better.
Explain the reasoning behind the changes you have made.
Ask me any questions you have before proceeding.
“[enter your prompt here]”
Answer any follow-up questions and pay attention to the detail within the answer you receive, so that you can apply the understanding to future prompts. Then ask it to action the prompt it gave you.
Note: The text in [square brackets] are where you make your amendments.
Example Prompts for Students
“Explain [topic] to me like I am 5 years old”
Follow-up: “Can you give me some examples of this?”
“I don’t understand this, can you explain it to me in a different way?”
[paste content]
“I am a Level 2 student based in the UK, studying Animal Care. I have to write an essay on [topic]. Can you give me a plan with headings, sub headings and some context for each?”
“I am studying for a level 3 exam. Can you give me one MCQ with four answers?
When I write the answer, tell me if I got it right, but if I got it wrong, tell me the answer.
Then immediately follow-up with another question.
The topics for my revision are: [topic list]”
“Can you summarise what this document is about? [upload PDF]”
Follow-up: “Can you provide more detail on this for me: [topic in PDF]”
Follow-up: “Are there any actions for me to complete?”
Follow-up: “Can you tell me more about this: [topic in PDF]”
“I don’t understand this equation, can you explain it to me and give me examples of how I would use it?”
[upload a cropped photo of your handwritten equation]
“I am falling behind with my college work. I have free time on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and all day on Sundays. I have the following assignments due, can you write a plan for me?”
[Paste a list of a assignments with an outline and deadlines or upload the worksheets]
“This is the Scheme of Work (SOW) for my course. As a student, what questions can I ask you for guidance, support and insight?” [upload SOW]
Follow-up: “What are the key tasks I need to complete each week to stay on track with my learning?”
Follow-up: “What resources are available to help me manage stress and balance personal wellbeing?”
Follow-up: “Who can I contact if I am struggling with the workload or need academic support?”
“I need an Excel formula that adds-up the prices in cells A1, B1 & C1, giving me the total in cell D1. I also want cell E1 to give me the pre-tax value (20%) of the total in D1.”
“Extract all the technical and scientific words from this document and create a glossary for me”
[upload document]
“Turn this list into bullets:
[paste comma separated list]”
“Summarise this into a numbered list:
[paste paragraphs]”
“Discuss the pros and cons of [topic]”
“What are the key strategies for effective note-taking in class?”
“I am bored of using flash cards and quizzes for revision. Suggest some proven alternative methods.”
You replied with US spelling. Please update that response in UK spelling and do the same for all future responses.