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Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI Prompt Writing

This guide helps Missouri Valley College students, faculty, and staff explore generative AI. It covers popular AI tools, prompt crafting tips, ethical academic considerations, and basic citation guidelines.

Why are AI prompts important?

AI prompts play a crucial role in using AI by directing it to generate accurate and relevant responses. A well-crafted prompt provides clear instructions, context, or details, helping the AI understand the user's request. Precise prompts lead to better and more useful answers, while unclear or vague prompts can result in less accurate or off-topic responses. Essentially, prompts function as questions or commands that shape the AI's output, making them essential for achieving the best results.

Prompt Writing Tips

  1. Be Specific
    Clearly define your request to avoid vague or irrelevant responses.
    Example: “List and explain three historical causes of World War II.”
    Avoid: “Tell me about history.”

  2. Know Your Audience
    Specify who the content is for to get a more relevant response.
    Example: “Explain 3D printing benefits in libraries for college students.”

  3. Set Length, Format, Style, and Tone
    Define output details to match your needs.
    Example: “Explain Newton’s Laws in a concise, beginner-friendly paragraph.”

  4. Break Down Complex Tasks
    Request information in smaller parts for clearer responses.
    Example: “Summarize the main causes of climate change.”
    Example: “Explain the economic impacts of climate change.”

  5. Provide Examples
    Guide AI with examples for better accuracy.
    Example: “Suggest three healthy meals under 30 minutes, including ingredients.”

  6. Proofread Your Prompt
    Ensure clarity and correct grammar for better results.
    Example: “List five fun outdoor games for college students, with instructions.”
    Avoid: “Lis 5 fun outdr games studnts play includ instrctns.”

  7. Refine Your Prompt
    If the response isn’t useful, tweak the wording or ask follow-up questions.

    1. Initial Prompt: “Explain photosynthesis.” → General overview.

    2. Refined Prompt: “Explain photosynthesis for a 5th grader with an analogy.” → More engaging response.

  8. Use Step-by-Step Instructions
    For structured answers, outline the response format.
    Example: “List three benefits of exercise, with explanations and supporting studies.”

  9. Reword for Better Results
    Try different phrasing to guide AI’s focus.
    Example: “Give a step-by-step guide for creating a budget in a spreadsheet.”

  10. Use AI to Improve Your Prompt
    You can ask AI to refine your prompt for better results.
    Example: “How can I rephrase this prompt for a more detailed response?”

Text generated by ChatGPT, February 4, 2025 OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com/chat.

Prompt Writing Resources