In this short course, you learn to write prompts that give useful answers. You work with the messy notes of a fictional community event. Step by step, you turn these notes into an invitation and an FAQ for attendees.
Each lesson shows a vague prompt next to a better prompt. You see both full prompts, an example answer for each, and exactly what changed. Then you try it yourself. We wrote the example answers for teaching. A real AI model may answer in a different way.
Your 25-minute route
| Chapter | What you practice | Lesson time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Define the task | Say what to make, who reads it, and how to check it | 4 minutes |
| 2. Supply the right context | Separate confirmed facts, rough ideas, and missing facts | 5 minutes |
| 3. Shape the answer | Choose a format and use examples carefully | 5 minutes |
| 4. Evaluate and improve | Find a mistake, fix it, and test again | 4 minutes |
Plan about 18 minutes for the lessons and exercises, 4 minutes for the chapter checks, and 3 minutes for the final test. These times are estimates. Take more time if you need it.
Each chapter has one lesson and two questions. The final test has four new questions, one for each chapter. To pass a chapter check or the final test, you must answer every question correctly. After you submit, you see an explanation for each question. For multiple-choice questions, select all correct answers.
How to practice
You do not need any setup or paid tools. You can do the exercises on paper. If you want, you can also try the prompts in an AI tool that you are allowed to use. This is optional, and it can take extra time. Some prompts end with a note like (followed by the notes above). In that case, paste the notes after the prompt.
Generative AI Essentials is a good introduction, but you do not need to take it first. This course is about writing prompts. It does not cover coding, connecting tools, or advanced model settings. Remember: a clear prompt improves your request. You still need to check the answer.
What you will learn
- Turn a vague request into a clear task with a target reader and results that you can check
- Keep instructions and source notes apart, and handle missing facts honestly
- Use examples and output formats without copying the wrong facts
- Check facts and format separately, then test an improved prompt
Before you start
- You know how to use everyday web applications
- You do not need programming experience, an AI account, or paid tools
Course modules
Define the task
Turn a vague request into a clear task with a target reader and results that you can check.
Supply the right context
Keep instructions and source notes apart, use the right facts, and handle missing facts without guessing.
Shape the answer
Use examples and clear format rules without copying the wrong facts. A correct format does not mean correct facts.
Evaluate and improve
Find the exact problem, change the right instruction, and test the change with more than one case.