LibGuides: Artificial Intelligence (AI): Why craft good prompts?

Why Write Good Prompts?

A prompt is the input or instruction you give to an AI tool. In the context of research, it's usually a question, a topic, or a specific request. So why does it matter how you write your prompt?

Better Prompts = Better Results
A well-written prompt helps the AI understand exactly what you're asking for. This leads to more accurate, relevant, and useful responses. Poorly worded prompts can result in vague or unrelated answers that waste your time and steer your research in the wrong direction.
Good Prompts Save Time and Money
Many AI tools use a pay-per-task model, where each search or query uses up credits or costs money. A strong prompt helps you get what you need in fewer tries—saving both time and money.

The CLEAR Framework for Writing Better Prompts

Using the CLEAR Framework to Write Better AI Prompts

Develop Clearer, More Effective Prompts for Academic Use at IOU

The CLEAR framework, developed by Dr. Leo Lo (University of New Mexico), helps IOU students write better prompts when using generative AI tools. A well-crafted prompt produces clearer, more relevant, and more accurate results—especially in academic contexts.

What Does CLEAR Stand For?

Each letter in CLEAR represents a quality that strengthens your prompt. Applying these five principles improves your interactions with tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini.

C – Concise (and Clear)

Focus on the main idea. Use keywords and avoid extra wording that might confuse the AI.

Good Prompt: List the top reasons students choose IOU University for their studies.
Needs Improvement: I’m wondering if IOU is the right university for me—what do you think?

Why it matters: The second example is too vague. The AI doesn’t know your goals—or even which IOU you’re referring to.

L – Logical

Arrange your ideas in a clear and logical order. AI tools respond more accurately to well-structured questions.

Good Prompt: Summarize the key challenges of online learning in higher education.
Needs Improvement: Is online education too hard for everyone?

Why it matters: "Too hard" is unclear—too hard for whom? And in what context?

E – Explicit

Be specific about what you want. Indicate the format or type of answer (e.g., a list, summary, explanation).

Good Prompt: Give a brief summary of the advantages and disadvantages of studying at IOU University.
Needs Improvement: What is IOU like?

Why it matters: The second example is too broad. Are you asking about student life, academics, or something else?

A – Adaptive

Refine your prompt based on what the AI gives you. Use the AI’s response to sharpen your next question.

Prompt 1: Why is IOU only an online university?
Prompt 2: What are the academic and technical reasons IOU chose to operate fully online?

Why it matters: The second prompt is more focused and leads to a deeper, more informative answer.

R – Reflective

After receiving the AI’s response, take time to evaluate it. Ask yourself: Does this make sense? Is it accurate? Does it address different perspectives?

Prompt 1: Summarize the strengths and weaknesses of IOU’s online learning platform.
Prompt 2: Summarize the strengths and weaknesses of IOU’s online platform from the perspective of a working adult student.

Why it matters: Reflecting helps ensure your academic work is thoughtful, relevant, and complete.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Why craft good prompts?