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Cheat sheet
The 1-page prompt cheat sheet
Everything a beginner needs to get better answers from ChatGPT and Claude, on one printable page. Free, no sign-up.
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1. The 5-part prompt formula
- Role: who should the AI act as?
- Task: what exactly do you want?
- Context: your situation, audience, and limits.
- Format: a list, a table, an email, three options.
- Tone: friendly, formal, short, simple.
More detail and examples in the 5-part prompt formula guide.
2. Before and after
Vague: "Write an email to my landlord about the heater."
Better: "Act as a polite but firm tenant. Write a short email to my landlord saying the heater has been broken since [date], I reported it on [date], and I'd like a repair date this week. Under 120 words, friendly but clear."
3. Phrases that make answers better
- "Ask me 3 questions first before you answer."
- "Think it through step by step." (why this works)
- "Give me 3 different options."
- "If you're not sure, say so. Don't guess." (see how to stop AI making things up)
- "Explain it like I'm new to this."
- "Put it in a table." or "Keep it under 100 words."
- "What am I missing?"
4. Didn't like the answer? Follow up
- "Make it shorter, friendlier, or more formal."
- "That's too generic. Here's more detail: [...]"
- "Give me a version for a [10-year-old / my boss]."
- "Which of these would you pick, and why?"
- "Check your answer for mistakes."
Your first prompt is a draft. More in follow-up prompts that fix weak answers.
5. Show an example
Paste something you like and say: "Match the style of this example, but for [new topic]." One example beats a paragraph of instructions. See examples-based prompting.
6. Stay safe
- Never paste passwords, Social Security, bank, or card numbers.
- Blank out names and account numbers on bills before pasting.
- Double-check facts, numbers, quotes, and links. AI can sound sure and still be wrong.
- Use AI to prepare for, not replace, a doctor, lawyer, or tax professional.
7. Everyday starters
- "Explain this bill or letter in plain English: [paste, with personal details removed]."
- "Plan 5 easy dinners for a family of [4] under $[60]." (meal planning prompts)
- "Help my child understand [topic] without giving the answer." (homework help for parents)
- "Turn these notes into a polite text to [person]."
Want 50 more?
Get the free 21-page PDF, 50 Prompts That Actually Work, or grab today's Top 5 prompts.