Writing clear prompts
Writing clear prompts helps you get better, more accurate responses from GenAI tools.
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What is a prompt?
Writing clear prompts helps you get better, more accurate responses from GenAI tools. Whichever tool you're using, a well-written prompt gets you further, faster.
A prompt is the input or question you give a GenAI tool to generate a response. The clearer and more specific your prompt, the more useful the response is likely to be.
Examples of effective prompts:
- “Summarise this article about social media and mental health in under 150 words. What are the main ethical issues it talks about?”
- “What are three ways people criticise fast fashion and its impact on the environment?”
- “What are five better words I could use instead of 'inclusive' in an essay about equality in education?”
Tip: create your own prompt library of tasks you use regularly — it saves time and improves results.
Prompts and your data
Whatever you're prompting, follow guiding principle 2: only enter sensitive information into University-approved tools, and even then, do so with caution. Never enter your own work, anyone else's work, personal data, or unpublished research into tools that aren't University-approved. Avoid including content that's sensitive, personal, confidential, or copyrighted.
The PREP/EDIT framework
The simple PREP/EDIT model can help you structure and then refine your prompts.
PREP - structuring your prompt
- Prompt – Define exactly what you're asking for.
- Role – Specify who or what the GenAI should 'be'.
- Explicit – Provide detailed instructions.
- Parameters – Set any limits (for example, word count, style, format).
EDIT - refining your prompt
- Evaluate – Is the prompt clear and relevant?
- Determine – Is the request accurate and appropriate?
- Identify – Could the prompt introduce bias or errors?
- Transform – How could the prompt be improved?
This model helps make your prompts not only clear but also ethical, inclusive, and well-targeted.
A good prompt is only half the job
However well you prompt, the response still needs your judgement. Check GenAI content for accuracy and relevance, verify any factual claims against original sources, and remember that any use of GenAI in assessed work must follow your assessment guidance document.