“One area of desirable skills rapidly emerging in the workforce is the capacity to work effectively through prompting: the ability to direct AI systems to generate useful outputs from effective inputs. This is an emerging new literacy that builds on WAB learners’ strong competencies in making connections between subjects, naming and noticing ideas and being able to articulately describe their intentions. The literacy of prompting combines domain-specific knowledge and vocabulary with creative and computational thinking.”
Western Academy of Beijing

Some of the best and most specific prompts are those that provide clear context and ask specific questions. For example, a prompt like “Can you explain the process of photosynthesis in plants?” is somewhat clear with specific question that can be responded to with a thorough explanation. However, prompts for ChatGPT need to be even more specific. Try using TANO Prompts:

Other common types of prompts where the structure might be used in ChatGPT and their acronyms can be seen below. These, however, might not be as powerful for ChatGPT as Tano. See what parts you might use:

1. SOAPSTone – This acronym stands for Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, and Tone. This type of prompt is often used in literary analysis to help students understand the context and purpose of a particular text.

Example prompt: “Using the SOAPSTone method, analyze the tone of Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and explain how it contributes to the overall purpose of the speech.” – OR:

2. PASTA – This acronym stands for Purpose, Audience, Situation, Tone, and Appeals. PASTA prompts are often used in persuasive writing to help students consider the different elements of an argument and how they can be used to persuade an audience.

Example prompt: “Using the PASTA method, write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the use of standardized testing in schools.” – OR:

3. RAFT – This acronym stands for Role, Audience, Format, and Topic. RAFT prompts are often used in creative writing to help students imagine themselves in a particular role and write from that perspective.

Example prompt: “Using the RAFT method, write a letter from the perspective of a soldier in World War II to their family back home.” – OR:

4. KWL – This acronym stands for Know, Want to Know, and Learned. KWL prompts are often used in research and inquiry-based learning to help students organize their thoughts and identify areas where they need more information.

Example prompt: “Using the KWL method, create a research plan to investigate the causes and effects of climate change.” – OR: