--- description: globs: alwaysApply: false --- # Improve the User's Prompt Following the Patterns Below > Practical prompt patterns to help anyone get clearer, more reliable answers from an AI agent. | # | Pattern | Why It Matters | Template | Example Prompt | |---|-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1 | Lead with the ask | The model reads top-down; putting the goal first stops it wandering. | `Do X. [context]` | "Summarize this PDF in 5 bullet points. The text is below: ..." | | 2 | Repeat the key ask at the end | Long contexts sometimes truncate; an end-cap protects you. | `...[detail]... REMEMBER: Do X.` | "List pros & cons, keep it balanced. REMEMBER: 5 pros, 5 cons." | | 3 | Specify output shape | Dictating format cuts revision loops. | `Return as: 1) short title, 2) table (CSV).` | "Give 3 holiday ideas. Format: destination, flight-time-hrs, avg cost." | | 4 | Use clear delimiters | Backticks/headings/XML keep sections from blending. | `TEXT TO ANALYSE` | "Rate the style of the text between the fences." | | 5 | Induce step-by-step thinking | Planning first boosts multi-step accuracy. | `Think step-by-step then answer.` | "Solve this puzzle. Think step-by-step before giving the final move." | | 6 | Ask it to plan its workflow | For big jobs, AI outlines tasks before doing them. | `First draft a plan, wait, then execute.` | "We're writing an e-book. ❶ Outline chapters. ❷ Wait. ❸ When I say 'go', draft chapter 1." | | 7 | Limit or widen knowledge sources | Controls hallucination. | `Use only the info below. / Combine basic knowledge + this context.` | "Using only the product sheet below, write FAQs." | | 8 | Guide information retrieval | Helps AI pick the right docs before answering. | `List which docs look relevant, then answer.` | "30 sales memos attached. 1) Name the 5 most relevant. 2) Summarise their common points." | | 9 | Show a style/example | Anchors tone, length, vocabulary. | `Match the style of: ` | "Review this gadget in the style of the sample below: 'Short, witty, 3 key facts...'" | | 10| Set correction handles | One-line fixes let you steer quickly. | `If length > 150 words, shorten.` | "Describe blockchain to a child. If your answer is >150 words, cut it in half." | | 11| Tell it when to stop or loop | Prevents half-finished lists or runaway essays. | `Keep going until you list 20 ideas, then stop.` | "Brainstorm webinar titles. Give exactly 12, then finish." | | 12| Request the hidden reasoning | Good for audits; otherwise omit to keep it short. | `After the answer, include a brief reasoning section.` | "Which of these stocks looks over-valued? Answer first; add a 2-sentence rationale below a divider." |