CoachinThe basicsChapter 2 of 2⏱ 7 min
The prompt formula.
One-line questions get generic answers. Four parts get you an answer you can use on the first try.
✓A formula for any task✓Before vs after✓3 habits
1
Context
Who are you? Who is it for?
I'm a first-semester economics student.
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Your prompt so far
I'm a first-semester economics student.
✓ ContextTaskFormatCheck
2
Task
What should Claude make?
Explain inflation using prices in Malaysia (nasi lemak, petrol, room rent).
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Your prompt so far
I'm a first-semester economics student. Explain inflation using prices in Malaysia (nasi lemak, petrol, room rent).
✓ Context✓ TaskFormatCheck
3
Format
How long? What shape?
Format: 3 short paragraphs + 1 analogy.
9:41●●●
Your prompt so far
I'm a first-semester economics student. Explain inflation using prices in Malaysia (nasi lemak, petrol, room rent). Format: 3 short paragraphs + 1 analogy.
✓ Context✓ Task✓ FormatCheck
4
Check
How will you know it worked?
Then ask me 1 question to test if I understood.
9:41●●●
Your prompt so far
I'm a first-semester economics student. Explain inflation using prices in Malaysia (nasi lemak, petrol, room rent). Format: 3 short paragraphs + 1 analogy. Then ask me 1 question to test if I understood.
✓ Context✓ Task✓ Format✓ Check
Same question, two prompts
Before vs after.
Before
9:41●●●
what is inflation
Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, reducing purchasing power. It is usually measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI)…
+Reply to Claude…↑
Correct. Generic. Not for you.
After
9:41●●●
I'm a first-semester economics student. Explain inflation using prices in Malaysia (nasi lemak, petrol, room rent). Format: 3 short paragraphs + 1 analogy. Then ask me 1 question to test if I understood.
Think about your nasi lemak. A few years ago it cost less than it does today. That's inflation: the same plate, more ringgit…
Quick check: if your room rent goes up 10% but your allowance stays the same, what happens?
Quick check: if your room rent goes up 10% but your allowance stays the same, what happens?
+Reply to Claude…↑
Your level. Your examples. A quiz at the end.
Small habits, big results
3 habits.
1
Reply, don't restart
Not quite right? Say "too technical, simplify" or "give another example".
2
Let it ask you
Add: "If anything is missing, ask me first."
3
Paste your own stuff
Notes, syllabus, emails. Claude works from your material instead of guessing.
You finished the basics 🎉
Now pick your path.
Claude screens are illustrations. The app may look slightly different.