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Online Study Skills Hub: Using prompts & generating feedback

Competencies essential for academic and professional success

Using prompts & generating feedback

Whatever you are using AI, to get the most out of it, you have to enter the right prompt. It may take a while to get a hang of the best prompts to use. When you first start, play around with the options you try, but in general you need to be as specific as you can be to get the outcome you’re looking for. Below are some options you may want to consider.

Clear framework

You can use the Clear framework to help shape the prompts you use.

Concise 

  • Use clear, concise, and specific language in your prompts.
  • Remove unnecessary language to allow AI to focus on the most important aspects of the prompt.

Logical

  • Provide a logical flow and order of ideas in your prompt – ensure your prompt details the progression of steps you would like AI to follow.
  • Structure information in order of importance in your prompts.

Explicit

  • Explicit prompts with precise instructions will help the AI tool produce relevant, helpful results. 

Adaptive

  • Be flexible and adjust your prompts to improve results.
  • Think strategically about how your prompts could be improved and experiment with adjusting them.
  • Do not be discouraged if a prompt does not produce useful results; rephrase it and ask AI again.

Reflective

  • Critically evaluate AI-generated responses and reflect on them in relation to your expectations.

Prompts to get you started

  • Be flexible and adjust your prompts to improve results.
  • Take time to think about how your prompts could be improved and experiment with adjusting them.
  • Do not be discouraged if a prompt does not produce useful results; rephrase it and ask again.

When looking for a different perspective

You are an expert in [xxx], please summarise XXX

You are an English Language tutor, please provide feedback on XXX.

You are communicating to a non-specialist audience, please describe XXX.

You are writing for an academic audience, please explain XXX.

You are an academic tutor on a university [subject] course, please give feedback on XXX.

When summarising

Provide a bullet point list on XXX.

Provide a numbered list in priority order of XXX.

Provide a summary in no more than 500 words.

Provide an output in prose form in no more than five paragraphs.

Present an output in the form of a series of questions and answers.

Avoid using the first person.

When undertaking research

Trace the historical development of [concept/idea] and examine its contemporary significance.

Compare and contrast [two or more theories/models] in [subject], highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

Explore the impact of [significant innovation or discovery] on [industry/field], considering both short-term and long-term effects.

Analyse the social and cultural implications of [specific [event/development] and its influence on society.

Examine the intersection of [subject] and [another subject], exploring how insights from one field can inform the other.

Conduct a detailed analysis of [work of literature, art, film, etc.], exploring themes, symbolism, and artistic techniques.

Explore recent innovations and breakthroughs in [industry/field], discussing their impact and potential implications for the future.

When needing critical review

Provide a range of critical perspectives on the following claim: [claim or argument]

Identify and critically discuss the weaknesses or limitations of [insert theory or argument], considering alternative perspectives.

Identify real-world applications of the [theories/models] in [subject], and assess their effectiveness.

Investigate controversies associated with [innovation/discovery] and explore their implications for potential future developments in the field.

Provide a range of cultural perspectives on [event/development], considering regional and local variations in attitudes, values, and beliefs.

Explore case studies or examples where the intersection of [subject] and [another discipline] has led to innovative solutions or advancements.

Investigate the potential challenges and obstacles hindering the widespread adoption of [the identified innovations] in [industry/field].

Provide critical counterpoints to [argument/idea] and explore how they have contributed to current thinking.

When understanding theories and concepts

Break down the fundamental concepts of [insert theory ] in a way that someone without a background in the field can understand.

Provide a summary of [insert theory] identifying five key points that I need to be aware of and why.

Use a common analogy or metaphor to explain the concept of [insert theory] and its significance.

Provide a step-by-step breakdown of the key components of [insert theory] to guide a beginner through understanding the concept.

Describe a real-world scenario or application where [insert theory] can be observed or applied, using plain language.

Compare [insert theory] to a well-known concept in a different field to highlight similarities and differences.

Break down the cause-and-effect relationships within [insert theory] to illustrate how certain factors lead to specific outcomes.

Identify common misconceptions about [insert theory] and clarify them in simple terms, ensuring a better understanding of the concept.

When gaining insight

Where can I find more data on [specific topic]?

Expand on the [third] point with more specific detail. 

Provide some case studies to illustrate these points.

Provide some specific examples to illustrate these points.

Provide some recent published academic sources for each of these points.

Provide counter arguments for each of these points.

Identify which views may not be as fully represented in this response and why.

When asking for feedback 

Evaluate the clarity of the overall structure and organization of the following extract. Are the main ideas presented in a logical and coherent manner?: [insert extract of your work]

Assess the strength and clarity of the following introduction and thesis statement: [insert extract of your work]

Is the main argument [insert argument] effectively supported throughout the essay?: [insert extract of your work]

Examine the use of evidence to support key points in the following extract. Are the sources credible, relevant, and well-integrated into the argument?: [insert extract of your work]

Evaluate the  quality of the conclusion in terms of its effectiveness in summarizing and synthesising the main points and provoking further reflection on the topic: [insert extract of your work]

Assess the clarity of language and expression. Are concepts and ideas communicated in a way that is easily understandable?: [insert extract of your work]

Evaluate the academic style and tone of the writing and provide constructive feedback on areas for possible improvement: [insert extract of your work]

Review the paper for grammatical and punctuation errors. Are there issues with spelling, grammar, or syntax that need attention?: : [insert extract of your work]

Provide feedback on the synthesis of literature within the following piece of writing?: [insert extract of your work]

Evaluate the depth of engagement with existing literature in the following piece of writng?:[insert extract of your work] 

Does the author demonstrate awareness of relevant research and theoretical frameworks in the following piece of writing?: [insert extract of your work]

Are claims and arguments properly supported by evidence in the following piece of writing?: [insert extract of your work]

Identify any gaps or limitations in the use of sources in the following piece of writing: [insert extract of your work]

When needed help with English skills & linguistics

 a) ‘Is ‘.........’ correct in English?’,

b) can you say ‘........’ in English?’

c) Does ‘.......’ sound natural in English?’.

a) What are the most common phrases used in academic writing in this text? [paste in text]

b) What are some useful collocations in this text?

C) Can you give me a synonym for ‘----------------------'?

d) Explain the word/phrase ‘-------------------' and give me a variety of examples of when it can be used

e) Explain the difference in meaning between xxx and xxx  and give me examples of each word in use.

a) Give me a multiple choice test to check my understanding of the following words: assessment, analysis, research, divergence. Do not give me the answers until I have submitted my guesses

b) create a gap fill activity testing my knowledge of the verb collocations that come before these nouns: analysis, argument, research, discussion, assessment. Do not give me the answers until I have submitted my guesses.

 a) Look at the following text and identify the most common types of grammatical errors. Do not correct them, but give me explanations for those grammatical structures 

b) Look at this extract from my essay and identify common grammatical and vocabulary errors. Do not correct them, but suggest general improvements I need to make my language clearer.