Part 1 - The Basics
2. Your First Script: Just Ask
Goal: Send a working prompt and get a useful answer with the least possible effort.
You do not need magic words. The simplest script is a plain request written the way you would ask a knowledgeable friend. Start here every time, then improve only if the answer is not good enough.
A useful first prompt names the TASK (what to do) and the TOPIC (what it is about). That alone already beats a vague one-word message.
The Script (Template)
[Do this task] about [this topic].
Worked Example
You write
Explain how a rainbow forms, for someone with no science background.
AI replies (sample)
Sunlight looks white but is actually made of many colours mixed together. When sunlight passes into a raindrop, the drop bends the light and splits it into its colours, then reflects them back to you. Millions of drops doing this at once form the arc of colours you see as a rainbow.
Why it works
'Explain' is the task, 'how a rainbow forms' is the topic, and 'no science background' tells the AI the right level. Three small choices, a clear answer.
Do & Avoid
Tips
- Start with a verb: explain, summarise, list, write, compare, translate, fix.
- If the first answer is close but not perfect, do not restart - just refine it (Chapter 12).
Common Mistakes
- One-word prompts like 'rainbows' - the AI has to guess what you want.
- Asking for five things in one breath before you have the basics.
Practice
- Write a one-line prompt using a strong verb + a topic, and run it.
- Take a boring one-word prompt and rewrite it as a proper task + topic request.
Teacher Notes Suggested: 15 min
Learning objectives
- Students can write a minimal but complete prompt (task + topic).
- Students build the habit of starting simple.
Talking points
- Show a one-word prompt vs a task+topic prompt live; contrast the answers.
- Introduce the 'strong verb' idea; keep a class list of useful verbs on the board.
Answer key / what good looks like
- Any prompt with a clear action verb and a specific topic is correct.
- Rewrites should remove ambiguity, not add length for its own sake.
Discussion questions
- Why does starting simple save time compared with over-engineering the first try?