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Tunxis Campus Library

Tunxis Artificial Intelligence (AI)

An evolving guide about Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impacts on higher education, teaching, research, and assignments.

How To Write Prompts in AI Tools

Try using the CLEAR framework:

  • Concise
  • Logical 
  • Explicit
  • Adaptive 
  • Reflective
CONCISE: Use clear simple language. Prioritize critical information. Be succinct. 
LOGICAL: Structure information in order. Establish context and relationships. Ensure logical flow. 
EXPLICIT: Define instructions and format. Specify length, sources terminology. Provide examples. 
ADAPTIVE: Rephrase and restructure. Adjust settings and parameters. Try different approaches. 
REFLECTIVE: Carefully evaluate AI responses. 

Lo, Leo S. "CLEARer Dialogues with AI:Unpacking Prompt Engineering for Librarians." Choice360. 25 Jan. 2024, https://www.choice360.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Choice-LTI-Webinar_CLEARer-Dialogues-with-AI_Slides.pdf 

Quick Visual Guide

 

Quick Guide for AI Prompts

By Jeri Hurd, Branksome Hall Asia/ Source: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFg-Tms_Z0/view 

Additional Sources

  • Six Strategies for Getting Better Results (OpenAI)
    • Write clear instructions.
    • Provide Reference text.
    • Split complex tasks into simpler subtasks.
    • Give the model time to "think".
    • Use external tools.
    • Test changes systematically. 
  • How to Craft Prompts (Texas A&M University Libraries)
    • Ask ChatGPT to act as an expert.
    • Use plain English and BE SPECIFIC.
    • Be mindful of word limits (~800 words for ChatGPT 3.5)
  • Get the Best from ChatGPT With These Golden Prompts (NY Times)
    • "Act as if"; "Act as if you are a tutor for the SATs"; "Act as if you are a personal trainer"
    • "Tell me what else you need to do this"
    • Thread your chatbot conversations; avoid treating AI as a web search engine. 
  • Generative AI Is Only as Good as the Prompt You Give It  (Inside Higher Ed)
    • Define ChatGPT’s role: Linux terminal, philosopher, tea taster or Bible translator—ChatGPT can play all these roles and many more.
    • Define target group and communication channel: To avoid tedious rewriting, either manually or through another prompt, you should give ChatGPT as much information as possible.
    • Chained prompting: A central aspect of getting ChatGPT to do what you want it to do is chained prompting.
    • Modify output: Even if you have followed all of the previous advice, you may want to prepare the same content for different channels, such as LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.