A simple starter method for writing effective prompts.
Getting started with prompt writing can feel overwhelming when you see all the advice out there. The Ask → Review → Revise method is a simple way to begin. Think of it as your “training wheels” — a starter approach that you’ll build on as you become more knowledgeable and confident.
Begin by asking your question or giving an instruction as clearly as possible. Don’t overthink it — just state what you want the AI to do.
Look at the response you received. Does it meet your needs? Is it clear, useful, and on target? This step is about evaluating the output with a critical eye.
If the answer isn’t quite right, refine your prompt. Add context, request specific details, or clarify what you want. Then ask again.
Initial Prompt (Ask):
"Tell me about marketing."
AI Response (Review):
Too general — just a definition of marketing with little depth. Not very useful.
Revised Prompt (Revise):
"I’m preparing a presentation for a college business class. Give me a clear, 3-point overview of current digital marketing trends with short examples."
Improved Response:
The AI now gives structured, focused content tailored to your class presentation.
Initial Prompt (Ask):
"What are sources on climate change?"
AI Response (Review):
The list is broad and mixed quality — not clearly focused on scholarly sources.
Revised Prompt (Revise):
"I’m writing a research paper on climate change economics. Suggest 5 peer-reviewed journal articles or reliable academic databases where I can find credible sources."
Improved Response:
The AI highlights scholarly databases (e.g., JSTOR, ScienceDirect) and journal recommendations — directly useful for research.
Initial Prompt (Ask):
"Write a story about a dragon."
AI Response (Review):
The story is short, generic, and lacks the style or tone you may want.
Revised Prompt (Revise):
"Write a 300-word fantasy story about a dragon who secretly protects a village. Use a mysterious tone and vivid imagery."
Improved Response:
The AI now creates a richer, more descriptive narrative aligned with your creative goals.
As you gain more experience, you’ll add techniques like personas, step-by-step reasoning, and style adjustments. For now, start simple: Ask → Review → Revise.
✍️ Authored by ChatGPT