Use these short exercises to practice. For each: (1) try the initial prompt, (2) look at the "What's wrong" note, (3) try the improved prompt, (4) compare answers and reflect.
Exercise 1 — Printer problem
Initial prompt (vague): "My printer won't work. Help."
What's wrong: No model, no symptoms, no system details.
Improved prompt: "My HP DeskJet 2620 is not printing. The printer status shows 'paper jam' but I don't see any jammed paper. I'm using Windows 10. Give me 6 clear steps I can try at home without tools."
Reflection: Did the improved prompt get clearer steps and a checklist?
Exercise 2 — Simple recipe for dinner
Initial prompt: "What's for dinner?"
What's wrong: Too vague about diet, time, and equipment.
Improved prompt: "I want a 30‑minute vegetarian dinner for 2 people, no oven (stovetop only), ingredients under $10, using canned beans and rice if possible. Give a simple recipe with steps and a grocery list."
Reflection: Is the recipe doable with your pantry and time?
Exercise 3 — Travel plan
Initial prompt: "Plan a trip to Seattle."
What's wrong: No dates, interests, budget, or traveler type.
Improved prompt: "Create a 3-day Seattle plan for two adults who like coffee, short walks, and museums. Moderate budget, using public transit. Include one dinner recommendation and a 1-day rainy-day backup."
Reflection: Check how well the plan matches interests and time.
Exercise 4 — Health question (use caution)
Initial prompt: "My back hurts. What should I do?"
What's wrong: Too general; medical advice can be dangerous.
Improved prompt: "I have mild lower back pain that started after lifting a box yesterday with no numbness or weakness. I'm 45 and generally healthy. What home-care steps can I try, and which warning signs should make me see a doctor?"
Reflection: Did the AI include safety steps and when to seek a professional?
Exercise 5 — Learning a skill
Initial prompt: "Teach me to use Linux."
What's wrong: Too broad; Linux is a huge topic.
Improved prompt: "I have never used Linux. I want to learn basic file navigation and installing software on Ubuntu for simple daily tasks. Create a 5-lesson beginner plan, each lesson 30 minutes with objectives and one hands-on exercise."
Reflection: Can you try the first lesson now?
Exercise 6 — Resume help
Initial prompt: "Improve my resume."
What's wrong: No resume content or job target.
Improved prompt: "I’m applying for an entry-level system administrator job. Here are three bullets from my current resume: [paste]. Rewrite them to be concise with action words and results. Keep total length to one line per job."
Reflection: Are the rewritten bullets stronger and measurable?
Exercise 7 — Debugging an error
Initial prompt: "My computer gives error code 0x80070057. Fix it."
What's wrong: No OS or context.
Improved prompt: "On Windows 10, I get error 0x80070057 when trying to update Windows Update. I haven't changed system files. List 6 safe checks (non-destructive) I can try and how to do them step-by-step."
Reflection: Try the steps (or get a technician if unsure).
Exercise 8 — Ask for sources
Initial prompt: "Is intermittent fasting good?"
What's wrong: Broad health claim without context or sources.
Improved prompt: "Summarize research-based pros and cons of intermittent fasting for a generally healthy adult. Provide sources or cite where studies/reviews come from and when to see a doctor."
Reflection: Check cited sources or ask for links to original studies.
Tips while practicing
After each AI reply, ask "How do you know that?" or "Where did you get that?" to encourage sourcing.
Rate every AI answer: useful / somewhat useful / not useful. Try to identify missing details.
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