Module 2 • Lesson 1

Prompt Structure: Instruction, Context, Format

Master the three pillars of every effective prompt — clear instructions, relevant context, and specified output format.

Prompt Structure: Instruction, Context, Format

Every high-quality prompt contains three fundamental pillars. Understanding and consistently applying these pillars transforms vague requests into precise, reliable AI outputs.

The Three Pillars

  • Instruction: What you want the AI to DO. This is the core task — summarize, classify, generate, translate, analyze, etc.

    • Every high-quality prompt contains three fundamental pillars. Understanding and consistently applying these pillars transforms vague requests into precise, reliable AI outputs.

    The Three Pillars

  • Instruction: What you want the AI to DO. This is the core task — summarize, classify, generate, translate, analyze, etc.
  • Context: The background information the AI needs to perform the task well. This includes relevant data, constraints, domain knowledge, and user requirements.
  • Format: How you want the output structured — JSON, bullet points, table, paragraph, code, etc.

    • Framework: The ICF Model

    PillarQuestion It AnswersExample
    InstructionWhat should the AI do?"Summarize the following article"
    ContextWhat does the AI need to know?"The article is about quantum computing for a non-technical audience"
    FormatHow should the output look?"Provide a 3-bullet summary, each under 20 words"

    Good vs Bad Prompts

    ❌ Bad Prompt:

    "Tell me about machine learning"

    ✅ Good Prompt:

    "[Instruction] Explain the three main types of machine learning (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement).

    [Context] The audience is business executives with no technical background. Use analogies from everyday business operations.

    [Format] Use a table with columns: Type | How It Works | Business Example | When to Use It"

    The Specificity Spectrum

    LevelExampleQuality
    Vague"Write about dogs"❌ Unpredictable
    Moderate"Write a blog post about dog training"⚠️ Decent but generic
    Specific"Write a 500-word blog post about positive reinforcement dog training for first-time puppy owners, in a friendly conversational tone, with 3 actionable tips"✅ Precise, reliable

    Practical Tips

  • Always start with a clear verb (Summarize, Analyze, Generate, Compare, Classify)
  • Provide context BEFORE the instruction when dealing with long contexts
  • Specify output format explicitly — never assume the AI will guess correctly
  • Include negative constraints ("Do NOT include..." or "Avoid...")
  • Test with edge cases to ensure your structure handles exceptions

    • Common Mistakes

  • Writing prompts as if talking to a human ("Hey, could you maybe...") — be direct
  • Omitting format specification and getting inconsistent structures
  • Providing too much context that obscures the actual instruction
  • Not specifying the target audience, leading to wrong complexity level

    • Read to the end of the lesson to mark it as read.