Prompting fundamentals

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OpenAI Blog2026年4月10日

Prompting fundamentals

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TL;DR · AI 摘要

OpenAI 提供编写有效提示词的三步法：明确任务、提供上下文、描述理想输出，并强调迭代优化的重要性。

核心要点

清晰指令是获得高质量 AI 响应的关键
有效提示需包含任务目标、上下文和输出格式要求
将复杂任务拆解并迭代优化可显著提升结果

#Prompt Engineering#ChatGPT#AI#OpenAI

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Prompting fundamentals | OpenAI

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April 10, 2026

OpenAI Academy

Prompting fundamentals

Learn how to write clear prompts to get better, more useful responses.

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Prompt engineering is the process of designing and refining your input in a way that helps ChatGPT give the best possible answer. It’s about figuring out how to ask so you get the result you want—whether that’s a clear summary, comprehensive report, or detailed analysis.ChatGPT works best when you give it clear instructions.

There’s no single “perfect” way to write a prompt. Think of it as a conversation with a colleague, where you might need to adjust your phrasing or tone to help them understand what you need. Experimentation and iteration are the best ways to discover how AI can be most useful to you.

Simple steps for writing a good prompt

#### 1. Outline the task

Be clear about what you need ChatGPT to do. Outline what you want, who it’s for, and why it matters. _Tip: Use an action verb, like “plan” or “draft” or “research.”_

_Help me plan a trip itinerary for Prague in September 2026._
_Summarize last quarter’s sales results and suggest marketing strategies for next quarter._

#### 2. Give helpful context

Add any background or documentation that will help, including external sources like files, images, or documents. Learn more about working with files or apps.

_I’m traveling with my 2-year-old, who loves trains, and we want to use public transportation as much as possible._
_Use data from our attached Q2 sales report._

#### 3. Describe your ideal output

Tell ChatGPT how you want the response. Include details like tone, format, length, audience, and any constraints so the output matches your needs.

_Create a table with activities for 7 days, ensuring time for transportation between each activity._
_Write it as a formal executive summary._

Try it on your own

Open ChatGPT⁠(opens in a new window) and try out the three prompts below. Notice how the model responds, then try again by tweaking your prompt to add more context or guidance.

OkayBetterBest Explain machine learning.Explain how machine learning works using a simple everyday analogy.

Requirements:

Keep the explanation under 120 words
Avoid technical jargon
Make it understandable for someone who has never studied computer science Explain how machine learning works using a simple everyday analogy.

Requirements:

Use an analogy about learning a skill (like cooking, sports, or playing music)
Keep it under 100 words
Avoid technical terms
Write in 3 short paragraphs: the analogy, how the analogy maps to machine learning, and one sentence summarizing the core idea

#### More helpful tips for writing prompts

Break big tasks into smaller steps:If your request has multiple parts, try splitting it up. This makes it easier for ChatGPT to give clear, focused answers.
Be specific, but keep it simple:More detail can improve the response, but focus on what matters most. Too much extra information can sometimes make the answer less helpful.
Ask for options:If you want choices, say so. _Example: “Suggest two different ways to present this report.”_
Set priorities:Let ChatGPT know what matters most to you—accuracy, creativity, speed, or something else.