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Prompt Structures

Learn the fundamental structures for writing effective prompts.

Basic Prompt Structures

A well-structured prompt sets the stage for a great AI response. Understanding different prompt structures helps you communicate your intent clearly and get the results you want. Here are some common structures, with tips and expanded examples:

1. Instruction

Use direct instructions to tell the AI exactly what you want it to do.

Summarize the following article.

Expanded Example:

Summarize the following article in 3 sentences, focusing on the main arguments and key data points.

2. Question

Ask a specific question to get a focused answer.

What are the benefits of prompt engineering?

Expanded Example:

What are the top three benefits of learning prompt engineering for someone working in education?

3. Input + Instruction

Combine input data with a clear instruction for more complex tasks.

Text: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Task: Summarize the text above in one sentence.

Expanded Example:

Text: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Task: Rewrite the text above as a question suitable for a language learning exercise.

Best Practices for Prompt Structures

  • Start with a simple structure, then iterate as needed.
  • Be explicit about the format you want (e.g., list, paragraph, table).
  • Use examples to show the desired output style.
  • Break complex tasks into smaller, structured prompts.

Further Reading