Prompting Basics for Students: Questions, Sources and Originality
A simple, repeatable approach to writing better prompts — with an emphasis on questioning, checking sources and keeping work original.
Good prompting is really good questioning. The aim is not clever tricks, but clear thinking that leads to useful, honest answers.
What a good prompt looks like
A strong prompt is specific, gives context, and says what kind of answer you want.
A simple structure: role, task, context
- Role: tell the AI what perspective to take.
- Task: say clearly what you want it to do.
- Context: add the details that matter for your situation.
Always check the sources
AI can sound confident and still be wrong. Verify important facts against reliable sources before trusting or sharing them.
Keep it original
Use AI to explore and draft, then add your own thinking. Cite where AI helped, and never submit AI output as your own unexamined work.
Practice with guidance
Prompting improves fastest with feedback. In a mentor-led program, students practise prompting on real projects and build durable habits.
Find the right program with our quick advisor, or explore courses to start practising.
Ready to learn by building?
Put these ideas into practice in a live, mentor-led program and earn a certificate.