Free AI foundations · Lesson 5 of 12
Give clear instructions and improve the result
Write a reusable request and revise it based on a specific weakness.
Understand
A useful prompt tells the tool what to produce, who it is for, which information to use and which limits matter. Add a format when it helps: three bullets, a short email or a two-column table. Supply relevant facts rather than a large pile of unrelated material. Separate your instructions from quoted source text so it is clear which is which.
An example can demonstrate the style or format you want, but it can also bias the result toward its mistakes. Asking a model to act like an expert does not give it expertise, credentials or access. Ask it to flag missing information and avoid inventing details. Clear instructions improve the request; they do not guarantee compliance.
When a draft disappoints you, name the defect. “Make it better” is vague. “Keep the three supplied facts, remove the promise of a date, and use shorter sentences” is testable. Change one important instruction at a time and compare versions. Keep the prompt that produced the most useful checked result, together with the conditions under which it worked.
Try it in your life or work
Personal practice
Write a prompt for tidying a desk in two short sessions. Add the time available and a no-purchase constraint. Use the personal demo if you wish, then revise one instruction after reviewing the output.
Business practice
Write a prompt for an appointment-preparation checklist using fictional notes. Specify who uses it, the format, and a rule that suggested additions must be labeled. Compare a first draft with a revision.
Keep: Your original prompt, revised prompt and one sentence explaining what improved.
Use fictional or non-sensitive information. Written practice does not require an AI account. The live demos are optional; other tools have their own terms and costs.
Show the answer and explanation
Remove unsupported promises and keep only the supplied facts.. A specific, observable correction is easier to test than praise, pressure or a role label.
This is a self-check, not a scored certification. Answers and exercise notes are not submitted to AstraCruz.