Module 4: Providing Context and Background

Introduction

Welcome to Module 4! We've learned about prompt components and patterns. Now, we focus on **Context** – the essential background information that guides the AI.

We'll explore *why* context is vital, *how* to include it effectively, and how to strike the right balance.

Learning Objectives:

Explain why context is essential for relevance.
Identify different types of context (background, constraints, audience, purpose).
Apply techniques for adding context effectively.
Recognize the importance of balancing context.

How this Connects: This module deepens the "Context" component (Module 2) and applies it across patterns (Module 3). It prepares us for Module 5: Output Formatting.

Core Content: The Power of Context

1. Why Does Context Matter So Much?

Without context, the AI guesses, leading to generic or irrelevant responses. Context helps the AI:

Understand Your Goal
Narrow Down Possibilities
Tailor the Response (tone, style, complexity)
Avoid Misunderstandings

Quick Thought:

Think of a recent time you asked someone for help. What background info did you give them first?

2. Types of Context to Include

Common types of useful background information include:

Background Info: Facts, history, details about the subject.
Purpose/Goal: Why you need the output.
Audience: Who the response is for.
Constraints: Rules, limits (length, budget, style).
Previous Info: Referring to earlier parts of the conversation.

3. How to Add Context Effectively

Be Explicit: State context clearly.
Place it Logically: Often early in the prompt.
Use Keywords: "Audience is...", "Constraint: ...", "Goal is...".
Provide Examples (Few-Shot): Show, don't just tell (more in Module 7).
Don't Overload: Provide *relevant* context only. Balance is key.

Practical Examples: Context in Action

Goal: Summarize a book.

Less Context: Summarize "Moby Dick".

More Context: Summarize the plot of Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" (Background) focusing on the theme of obsession (Clarity). The summary should be about 200 words (Constraint) and suitable for a high school literature class (Audience/Purpose).

Goal: Draft an email response.

Less Context: Write an email saying no.

More Context: Draft a polite but firm email (Instruction) responding to a client request for a discount (Background). Explain that we cannot offer a discount... (Context/Reason), but offer an alternative... (Instruction). The client's name is John Smith (Context).

Common Mistake: Context Balance

Avoid giving too little context (generic answers) or too much *irrelevant* context (confusing answers). Focus on what's necessary.

Check Your Understanding

1. Why is adding context like "for a beginner audience" important in a prompt asking for an explanation?

a) It makes the prompt longer.

b) It tells the AI to use simpler language and avoid jargon.

c) It tells the AI the answer should be short.

d) It provides irrelevant information.

2. Which of these is an example of a "constraint" used as context?

a) "Act as a historian."

b) "The purpose is to inform."

c) "Keep the summary under 150 words."

d) "Explain it like I'm five."

3. What is a potential downside of providing *too much* irrelevant context?

a) The AI always asks for clarification.

b) The AI might get confused or produce a less focused response.

c) The AI will refuse to answer.

d) The AI's response will always be more creative.

4. Adding "My company sells eco-friendly cleaning supplies" to a prompt for marketing slogans primarily provides which type of context?

a) Audience

b) Constraint

c) Background Information / Subject Matter

d) Purpose

Hands-On Exercise: Injecting Context

Let's enhance this basic prompt: Write a blog post about the benefits of exercise.

Instructions:

Think about context: Audience? Purpose? Specific benefits? Constraints?
Rewrite the prompt below, adding at least **two** relevant context types.

Rewrite the blog post prompt with added context here:

Expected Outcome:

Your rewritten prompt should be much more specific, guiding the AI effectively by including details like audience, purpose, length, or focus.

Prompt Grading Section

Evaluate the prompt you enhanced in the Hands-On Exercise.

Paste your context-rich "Blog Post" prompt here:

Evaluation Criteria (Self-Check):

1. Context Inclusion: Did you add at least two distinct types of context (e.g., Audience, Purpose, Constraints)? Yes

2. Context Relevance: Was the added context directly relevant to the blog post goal? Yes

3. Clarity Improvement (Rate 1-5): How much clearer is your prompt than the original?

1 (Slightly) 2 3 (Moderately) 4 5 (Much Clearer)

Suggestion for Improvement:

Before prompting, ask: "What background info does the AI *need* to know to do this well for my specific situation?"