Artificial Intelligence (AI) · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 4: Using AI Tools Effectively · Lesson 1 of 3

Writing Good Prompts

Give AI assistants clear tasks, context and formats to get useful results.

In this lesson you will

  • Structure prompts with task, context, audience and format
  • Improve outputs by iterating

Key concepts

taskcontextformatiteration

The lesson

A good prompt says what to do, gives the background the assistant needs, names the audience and specifies the format: 'Write a 120-word notice for parents at a Juba primary school announcing a health check on 14 May. Use simple English and include what children should bring.'

If the first answer is not right, refine it: ask for a shorter version, a different tone or a table. Treat it as a conversation.

Do not paste personal or confidential information into AI tools unless your organisation has approved that tool for such data.

Step by step

  1. Write a vague prompt and a detailed one for the same task.
  2. Compare the outputs.
  3. Refine the better one twice.
  4. Save the final prompt for reuse.

Practice activity

Write and refine prompts for the three tasks in the practical activity.

Expected result: Prompts that produce usable outputs, with saved versions.

Check your understanding

  1. Name four parts of a good prompt.

    Show answer

    Task, context, audience and format.

  2. What should you never paste into an unapproved AI tool?

    Show answer

    Personal or confidential information.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.