Use a prompt framework
Build a request with Goal → Context → Inputs → Constraints → Output format → Checks.
Lesson 1 of 4 · Learn it by trying itWatch: Writing useful prompts
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Use a prompt framework. Build a request with Goal → Context → Inputs → Constraints → Output format → Checks.
Specify constraints. Constraints describe limits such as length, tone, budget and excluded material.
Choose an output format. Tables, bullet points and structured JSON serve different purposes.
Define checks. Ask for checks against visible criteria, not claims of hidden reasoning.
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Build a request with Goal → Context → Inputs → Constraints → Output format → Checks. Not every task needs a long prompt. Include what makes success clear and leave out unnecessary personal detail.
Put the desired result first: “Draft a polite reply declining a fictional invitation.” Add the audience and the reason the reply is needed. This gives the model a task to optimise for. Avoid treating a persona such as “world expert” as proof of expertise. A role can guide tone, but it does not supply missing evidence, professional qualifications or permission to act. Decide how you will judge the result before sending the prompt.