AI @ UWE Bristol

Prompt writing

A prompt is simply the instruction that you give the AI tool to try and get it to do what you want.

There are many different approaches to writing an effective prompt, and lots of claims to the best ways of doing things – and we’ll expand our focus on prompts later, but really there are just a few things you need to remember for prompts to work.

Construction of a basic prompt:

We need to remember that these tools work with patterns and your prompt is essentially another pattern that it needs to interpret.

You will need to be clear when writing your prompt. That means not loading your instruction with unnecessary information. A good prompt might be broken down into these three components:

Provide context
Give an instruction
Describe how you want the output to appear

Then:

Refine your prompts
Try different phrasing

If you are unsure, you can always ask for help with a prompt.

A short example prompt

You can edit the following prompts by selecting and typing in the boxes below:

You are a lecturer teaching an introductory Environmental Science module to first‑year undergraduates at a UK university. Explain the concept of a carbon footprint in clear, non‑technical language suitable for students with no prior background.
Output: Present the explanation as a short paragraph followed by one real‑world example related to everyday student life. Keep the total length under 150 words and use an encouraging, accessible tone.

A longer example prompt

You are an experienced university lecturer teaching a first‑year undergraduate module at a large UK university.
The module introduces students to academic writing and critical thinking.
Students are new to university study and often struggle with understanding assessment criteria and expectations.

Create a short, student‑friendly explanation of what “critical analysis” means in an academic essay.
Use plain English, avoid jargon, and include one concrete example related to a social science subject.
The explanation should help students understand what they should actually do in their writing, not just define the term.

Start with a one‑sentence definition
Follow with a bullet‑point list of what critical analysis involves
End with a worked example (maximum 120 words)
Write in a supportive, encouraging tone suitable for first‑year undergraduates </span

Teaching with AI

Curriculum

Prompt writing

Construction of a basic prompt:

A short example prompt

A longer example prompt

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