11 examples of good prompt

Introduction.

When you talk to an AI chatbot, how you ask your question really matters. A thoughtful, well-written prompt leads to better answers. But a sloppy, confusing prompt gives you useless or silly replies.

I made this blog to showcase prompts done right and done wrong across many examples. Comparing good and bad prompts teaches how to talk to chatbots the best way.

1. Topic: Bedtime story

   - Good Prompt: "Write a child-friendly 150 word bedtime story about a mouse who learns to share."

   - Bad Prompt: "Write a bedtime story."

2. Topic: Application resume and cover letter

   - Good Prompt: "I'm applying for a software developer role. Write a cover letter no longer than 300 words highlighting my 5 years of relevant experience."

   - Bad Prompt: "Write my cover letter."

3. Topic: Summarising academic paper

   - Good Prompt: "Summarise this 1500 word psychology research paper in a 300 word abstract for an academic audience preserving key findings."

   - Bad Prompt: "Summarise this."

4. Topic: Grading student essay

   - Good Prompt: "As a teacher, gently critique this 120 word student essay in 3 constructive paragraphs focused on improving their writing skills."

   - Bad Prompt: "Grade this essay."

5. Topic: Translation

   - Good Prompt: "Translate this 300 word French blog post on art history into conversational English preserving key relevant factual details."

   - Bad Prompt: "Translate this to English."

6. Topic: Nutrition advice

   - Good Prompt: "You are a nutritionist. Recommend a healthy, balanced, plant-based diet for a 50 year old looking to lose weight in 300 words or less."

   - Bad Prompt: "Prescribe me a diet."

7. Topic: Explaining complex topics

   - Good Prompt: "Explain the key points of this scientific paper on solar cells in simple terms accessible to a high school student without losing factual details."

   - Bad Prompt: "Explain this to a kid."

8. Topic: Family and Relationships Personal Essay

   - Good Prompt: "Compose a personal essay reflecting on the challenges and rewards of maintaining a work-life balance while navigating the responsibilities of parenthood." - Bad Prompt: "Write about work-life balance."

9. Vagueness Vortex: ️

   - Good Prompt: "Script a child-friendly 150 word museum audio tour introducing Dinosaur Hall using interactive questions and age-appropriate facts." - Bad: "Write something creative." (Gives the AI no direction)

10. Information Overload:

    -Good Prompt: "You are a historian. Write a 300-word essay examining the political system of Ancient Rome during the time of Julius Caesar's rule."

    - Bad: "Write a detailed historical essay about the Roman Empire, including its political structure, economic system, and cultural achievements, with specific reference to the reign of Julius Caesar and the Punic Wars." (Too much information for one prompt)

11. Technical Trap: 🪤

    - Good Prompt: "Write 20 lines of starter Python code for a basic self-driving RC car that drives forward a set distance avoiding obstacles."

    - Bad Prompt: "Generate me 10,000 lines of Python code to build a self-driving car." (Unrealistic expectations for AI capability)