How to use these tips:
ChatGPT works best when you are clear, iterative, and reflective. Use these tips together—start specific, review responses carefully, and refine prompts as your thinking evolves.
🧠 Phase 1: Prompting Basics
1. Be Specific
Clear, focused prompts produce better results.
“Summarize this article in 5 bullet points for a first-year college student.”
2. Provide Context
Background information improves relevance.
“I’m writing a discussion post for a sociology class.”
3. Ask for Structured Output
Structure improves readability and reuse.
“Present the answer as a table with pros and cons.”
4. Break Tasks into Steps
Smaller requests reduce errors.
“First outline the argument, then expand the introduction.”
5. Iterate and Refine
AI improves through feedback.
“Rewrite this to be clearer and more concise.”
⚙️ Phase 2: Getting Better Answers
6. Assign a Role
Roles shape tone and depth.
“Act as a writing tutor reviewing my draft.”
7. Provide Examples
Examples clarify expectations.
“Here’s a strong paragraph—write another like it.”
8. Focus on One Goal per Prompt
Single goals produce cleaner outputs.
“Only explain the theory, not applications.”
9. Ask for Explanations
Explanations reveal reasoning.
“Explain your reasoning step by step.”
10. Compare Options
AI excels at structured comparisons.
“Compare qualitative and quantitative research methods.”
🧪 Phase 3: Responsible & Effective Use
11. Verify Facts
AI can make mistakes.
“Which claims here need verification?”
12. Protect Sensitive Information
Avoid sharing private data.
“Remove names before summarizing this case.”
13. Be Transparent
Disclose AI use when required.
“Note that AI was used for brainstorming.”
14. Own the Final Work
Your judgment matters.
“Rewrite this section in my own voice.”
15. Watch for Bias
Seek balance and perspective.
“Identify possible bias in this response.”
🛡️ Phase 4: Workflow & Productivity
16. Create Prompt Templates
Reusable prompts save time.
“Save this prompt for future essays.”
17. Combine AI with Other Tools
AI works best alongside your materials.
“Analyze these lecture notes and summarize key themes.”
18. Use AI as a Tutor
AI can support learning.
“Quiz me on this chapter’s key concepts.”
19. Timebox Your AI Use
Set limits to avoid overuse.
“Give one final revision only.”
20. Treat AI as a Starting Point
AI supports—does not replace—thinking.
“Review, revise, and personalize the output.”
Written by ChatGPT.
Prepared for the AI Library and LibGuides use.
Edited by Peter Z. McKay.
Prepared for the AI Library and LibGuides use.
Edited by Peter Z. McKay.