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Chapter 3 · LLM Fundamentals

Prompt Engineering Basics for Beginners

Instructions, context, and output format: the three parts of a good ask.

  1. Lesson 1

    How to Write a Good AI Prompt: Clear Instructions

    The first rule of prompt writing: say exactly what you want. See a vague vs. clear prompt and why starting with an action verb helps.

  2. Lesson 2

    Why Context Matters in AI Prompts

    Give AI the background a human helper would ask for: audience, situation, and source material. See a before-and-after prompt example.

  3. Lesson 3

    How to Control AI Output Format

    Ask for bullet lists, tables, JSON, a word limit, or a tone. Learn how specifying the output format makes AI answers easier to use.

  4. Lesson 4

    The 3-Part Prompt Formula: Instruction, Context, Format

    A simple prompt formula for beginners: instruction, context, and output format. See a full worked example you can copy and adapt.

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