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AI (Artificial Intelligence): Mastering Prompts

Responsible and Effective Use of Artificial Intelligence in Academic Research and Writing

How to Use This Section

This Prompt Engineering section is designed to help you learn how to write better prompts for AI tools in academic settings. Use the drop-down menu at the top of the page to explore the following subpages:

  • Prompt Design Framework: Learn the key elements that make a good AI prompt.

  • CLEAR Prompt Framework: A simple formula to help you structure clear and effective prompts.

  • Advanced Prompting Techniques: Explore more advanced methods.

  • Prompt Template: Use or adapt a ready-made template to create your own prompts.

  • Prompt Assessment Quiz: Test your understanding with a short, interactive quiz.

You can come back to any section at any time.

We recommend starting at the top and working your way down, or jump to the section that best fits your needs!

What is Prompt Engineering?

AI tools can be thought of as digital assistants that respond based on the instructions provided.  They need very clear and specific instructions to ensure that the help they give is actually useful.  Giving AI the right instructions is essential when using it. The instructions will determine the answers you receive. We call these instructions prompts, and knowing how to write better prompts will ensure that AI gives you better results.

Why you should learn to write better prompts

Knowing how to write clear prompts will assist you with:

  • Improved Research skills: it will help you get better results from AI tools when using them for writing assistance, studying or solving a problem
  • Time-Saving: A good prompt will also ensure that you do not need a lot of repeated prompts, which reduces time spent on repeated queries and promotes more efficient use of AI tools. 
  • Better Critical Thinking: Developing a clear prompt encourages critical reflection on your specific information needs and how best to articulate them.

 

Example:

Let's say you are reading an article and struggling to identify the main points. Compare these two prompts:

Less effective prompt: More effective prompt:
''Analyse this article.'' “Summarize the main argument of this article and give me key takeways.”
Explanation: This prompt lacks specificity regarding the type of analysis required. Explanation: Clear and focused. The AI knows exactly what to do.

By practicing better prompt writing, you’ll get more useful, relevant, and efficient results.

Acknowledging

You should always acknowledge if you used AI prompts in your work.

Tips for Good Prompts.

Infographic titled "Tips for Prompting." It displays nine square blocks with icons and short instructions for writing effective AI prompts: Be specific and clear (checkmark and magnifying glass icon). Provide context (document and lightbulb icon). Adopt a persona (family and graduation cap icon). Set the tone/response style (formal and casual speech bubbles). Specify desired output format (formal, casual, academic labels). Break it down/use step-by-step instructions (flowchart icon). Provide examples (prompt and sample output cards). Focus on "do" instead of "don't" (checkmark icon). Specify length (ruler icon).

Library Resources on Prompts

Prompt writing is a rapidly evolving field. Click on the links below for an updated list of Unisa Library articles and electronic books on the subject:

 Articles:

Academic articles on prompt engineering

E-books:

Electronic books on prompt engineering