To interact with a language model like ChatGPT, you need to give it a prompt. A prompt is an instruction or question (input) that helps generate the desired answer (output).
The CLEAR path for creating prompts:
- Concise: brevity and clarity
- Logical: structured and coherent
- Explicit: Clear output instructions
- Adaptive: flexibility and customization
- Reflective: continuous evaluation and improvement of prompts
"The CLEAR path: A framework for enhancing information literacy through prompt engineering" Lo, Leo S. Journal of Academic Librarianship 49(4): July 2023. Article outlines 5 core principles of prompt engineering: Concise, Logical, Explicit, Adaptive, and Reflective.
Examples of prompts generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2023):
- "Explain the process of photosynthesis"
- "Translate the following English text into Spanish: 'Hello, how are you?'"
- "Generate a JavaScript function for validating an email address."
- "Explain the theory of relativity in simple terms."
- "Invent a fictional character and describe their background and personality."
- "Provide steps for troubleshooting a network connectivity issue."
- "Suggest some effective study techniques for exam preparation."