# Build a clear prompt

AI Content Creation | Module 03: Write prompts you can improve

## Your goal

Combine task, context, source facts, and output format.

A useful prompt says what you want and what information the assistant can use. Include the task, reader, facts, constraints, and output shape. Do not rely on an expert role title to supply missing context.

Put the source material in its own labelled section. Ask the assistant to flag missing details instead of filling them in. This helps you compare its draft with the original brief.

Start with a small output, such as two short announcements. Inspect it before asking for a whole campaign. A prompt is a starting instruction, not a guarantee of correct output.

## Source pack

FICTIONAL PRACTICE BRIEF: Green Bench is a student repair club. It runs a free notebook-cover repair workshop on Saturday, 14:00 to 16:00, in Room B. There are 12 places. Learners bring one worn notebook; tools and scrap card are provided. Register using the club form. No date, form URL, access arrangements, impact figures, or testimonials have been supplied. Ask the organiser about missing details before publishing. This is a creative exercise, not a real event.

## Worked example

Write a reusable announcement prompt with source facts and a review instruction.

### Task and reader

Draft two friendly announcements for first-year students who want to repair a worn notebook cover.

### Context and constraints

Use only the supplied Green Bench brief. Keep each announcement below eighty words and do not invent a date or link.

### Output and review

Return each announcement followed by a list of missing details. Check that both versions state what learners should bring.

## Your work

Write a reusable announcement prompt with source facts and a review instruction.

### Task and reader

Write at least 8 words.


### Context and constraints

Write at least 8 words.


### Output and review

Write at least 8 words.

## Review your work

- [ ] The task and audience are explicit.
- [ ] The prompt limits factual claims to supplied material.
- [ ] The requested output is easy to compare.

Completeness checks do not assess creative quality or factual accuracy. Review the actual work yourself or with a mentor.

## Quiz

1. Which instruction reduces unsupported detail?
   A. Make it sound authoritative.
   B. Add any details that seem likely.
   C. Use the supplied facts and list missing details.

2. A prompt asks for a warm tone but gives no facts. What should you add?
   A. A request to fill gaps creatively.
   B. The approved brief and a missing-information rule.
   C. More role titles.

## Quiz explanations

1. C: A clear source boundary makes unsupported additions easier to spot.

2. B: Tone does not supply source evidence.

## Further reading

[Anthropic: prompt engineering overview](https://platform.claude.com/docs/en/build-with-claude/prompt-engineering/overview)