Prompting Frameworks
- High-quality prompts eliminate ambiguity - Clear context upfront gets better responses
- Use structured frameworks, e.g. the CLEAR framework, to ensure complete prompts
- Never share sensitive data - No personal records, confidential research, or security information
High-quality prompts that eliminate ambiguity are crucial for getting useful responses from Large Language Models. By providing comprehensive context upfront, you’re more likely to receive output that matches your requirements.
Scenario: You have been tasked with running a campaign to increase recruitment of European students for your University’s MSc Engineering programs.
You write the initial prompt:
Write something about recruiting students.
Problems with this prompt:
- No context about the university, program, or target audience
- Vague action (“write something”)
- No specifics about format, length, or communication channel
- No examples of desired output
- Unclear what type of recruitment content is needed
We can use some frameworks to standardize our queries and make sure they are complete and don’t forget any relevant details. There’s no right or wrong approach — different frameworks may work better for different AI tools and yourself, so use the one that works better for you.
The CLEAR Framework
The CLEAR framework offers a systematic approach to prompt construction that ensures comprehensive communication with AI models.
Context - Establish the situation and background
- Explain who you are and what you’re working on
- Provide relevant background information about your project or industry
- Include any important constraints or considerations
Length - Define output requirements
- Specify how much content you want (word count, number of items, etc.)
- Indicate format preferences (paragraphs, bullet points, sections)
- Include any structural requirements
Examples - Illustrate desired outcomes
- Show examples of the style or format you’re looking for
- Provide sample inputs or scenarios when relevant
- Include both positive examples (what you want) and negative examples (what to avoid)
Action - State the specific task
- Clearly articulate what you want the AI to do
- Use specific action verbs (create, analyze, summarize, compare)
- Be direct and avoid ambiguous language
- Focus on one primary task per prompt
Role - Define the AI’s perspective
- Specify what expertise or viewpoint the AI should adopt
- Indicate the audience the AI should write for
- Guide the AI’s approach and decision-making framework
A good prompt example using the CLEAR framework:
Context: I work at a UK university’s admissions office recruiting European students for MSc Engineering programs. Brexit has reduced EU applications by 30%. Our university offers excellent industry links, modern facilities, and 95% graduate employment rates within 6 months.
Length: Create a 250-350 word recruitment email with a compelling subject line and clear call-to-action.
Examples:
- Include brief testimonial format: “Maria from Spain: ‘Best decision for my career’”
- Avoid: overly academic jargon or bureaucratic language
Action: Write a digital marketing email to attract European students to apply for our MSc Engineering programs (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil).
Role: Act as an experienced international student recruitment specialist who understands European students’ concerns about studying in the UK post-Brexit. Emphasize our university’s unique value proposition while addressing practical benefits like industry connections, career prospects, and international community. Focus on inspiring confidence in their investment in UK engineering education.
Independently of the prompting framework that you are using, take extra care when using AI tools with:
⚠️ Personal data — student, staff or health information
⚠️ Confidential research — unpublished findings or applications
⚠️ Commercially sensitive information — agreements or financial information
⚠️ Legally privileged information — legal advice or disciplinary matters
⚠️ Security-sensitive information — system configurations or access information
Before using sensitive information, check University policies and guidance and make sure the AI tool is approved and appropriate for that data.
Also understand what files or connected services the AI tool can access. AI tools may be able to retrieve information beyond what you explicitly upload, creating a risk of unintended disclosure.
Never share passwords or access credentials with AI tools.
Exercise 3: Building Workplace Prompts
Scenario: You’re organizing a workshop on “Digital Skills for Academics” at the University of Bristol.
Task: Create a prompt to help design the workshop agenda.
Requirements:
- Use the CLEAR framework
- Include appropriate constraints
- Maintain academic integrity
Reflection Questions:
- How do your prompts ensure AI enhances rather than replaces your expertise?
- What verification steps would you take for each output?
- How would you attribute AI assistance appropriately?