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Effective prompting

GenAI tools are powerful, but only if you know how to craft the right prompts. Good prompts lead to useful, accurate, and relevant responses for your study tasks. Use the tips below to make GenAI your smartest study partner (and not a confused mind-reader).

Learn how to design clear, effective prompts.

How to improve your prompts

Spell out exactly what you want. Vague prompts lead to vague answers. Tell GenAI exactly what you need it to do, including the topic, focus, and any limits (e.g., word count).

Unclear prompt

"Explain academic integrity."

Clear and specific prompt

"Explain what academic integrity means at university in simple language, in 3–4 sentences, focusing on why it is important for students."

Another example

"List three effective ways to manage study stress during busy weeks, using simple language."

Specify the audience or purpose. GenAI responds better when it understands why you need the information.

No context

"Help me understand referencing."

With context

"I'm new to university and I've never used APA referencing before. Give me a simple overview of how in-text citations work."

Another example

"Explain the concept of 'cautious language' for someone practising academic writing for the first time."

Ask for bullet points, tables, or summaries. Tell GenAI exactly how you want the answer presented. This makes it easier to read, revise, or use in your notes.

No format

“Tell me about effective reading skills.”

With format

“Give me five reading strategies in bullet points, each with a short explanation suitable for first-year students.”

Example asking for a table

“Create a table comparing skimming, scanning and detailed reading. Include columns for purpose, when to use it, and one technique for each.”

Example asking for a summary

“Summarise the key ideas from this paragraph in three dot points, without adding new information.”

Break complex tasks into smaller steps. Complex tasks can be overwhelming for GenAI. Breaking them down into smaller steps improves accuracy. This works well when practising a skill or learning a process.

General prompt

“Help me improve my note-taking.”

Step-by-step prompt

“Help me practise note-taking.
Step 1: Ask me to paste a short paragraph of text (not from my assignment).
Step 2: Show me an example of effective dot-point notes based on that paragraph.
Step 3: Ask me to try rewriting the notes in my own words.”

Another example

“Guide me through the steps of planning my weekly study schedule. Start by asking me what subjects I’m taking.”

Treat GenAI as a conversation. Try requesting changes, simplifications, or expansions to help you understand information better.

Initial prompt

“Give me a paragraph explaining why time management matters for university students.”

Refine

“Now simplify this paragraph for someone whose first language isn’t English.”

“Shorten it to 3 sentences.”

“Give me two different ways I could explain this concept to a friend.”

Example of an iterative conversation

  1. “Explain the difference between descriptive and analytical writing.”
  2. “Give me two everyday examples that show the difference.”
  3. “Now rewrite the explanation using more formal language.”

"I’m learning how to write clearer topic sentences. Please:

  • Explain what makes a strong topic sentence in simple terms.
  • Give me three general examples on unrelated topics (not for assessment use).
  • Use student-friendly language.

After that, ask me two questions to help me practise identifying strong topic sentences in my own writing."

Remember what GenAI can and can't do. GenAI is a powerful tool, but it has limitations. It may produce inaccurate information, struggle with highly specialised topics, or misinterpret unclear prompts.

  • Always fact-check critical information.
  • Use GenAI as a starting point, not the final answer.
  • Avoid relying on it for legal, medical, or financial advice.