Module 8: Prompt Engineering for Different Tasks

Adapting your skills for creative writing, extraction, problem-solving, and code.

Introduction

Welcome to Module 8! You have the tools; now let's apply them. Different tasks benefit from different prompting approaches.

We'll explore tailoring prompts for creative writing, information extraction, problem-solving, and code generation, highlighting useful techniques for each.

Learning Objectives:

  • Adapt techniques for creative writing.
  • Structure prompts for information extraction.
  • Apply strategies for problem-solving.
  • Write basic prompts for code generation.
  • Recognize how task type influences prompt design.

How this Connects: This module applies everything learned so far to practical scenarios, preparing you for Module 9: Ethical Considerations.

Core Content: Tailoring Prompts by Task

1. Prompting for Creative Writing

For stories, poems, marketing copy, etc.

  • **Key Techniques:** Role-Playing (`Act as...`), Context (genre, mood, setting), Clear Instructions (format, length), Few-Shot (for style).

Example:

Act as a fantasy novelist. Write a short scene (around 200 words) where a young apprentice wizard accidentally casts a spell that makes teacups dance. The setting is a cluttered magical workshop. Keep the tone lighthearted and whimsical.

2. Prompting for Information Extraction

Pulling specific data (names, dates, findings) from text.

  • **Key Techniques:** Extreme Clarity/Specificity (what to extract), Context (source text), Explicit Formatting (list, table, JSON), Few-Shot (for pattern/format).

Example:

From the following paragraph, extract the company name, the product mentioned, and the release date. Format the output as JSON: [Paste paragraph here] {"company": "[Company Name]", "product": "[Product Name]", "release_date": "[Date]"}

3. Prompting for Problem-Solving

Brainstorming solutions, analyzing situations, working through problems.

  • **Key Techniques:** Clear Context (problem, constraints), Chain-of-Thought (`Let's think step-by-step...`), Task Decomposition, Role-Playing (expert persona).

Example:

My goal is to reduce my monthly electricity bill... What are some practical steps I can take? Let's break down the potential solutions step by step, considering cost and effort.

Reflection:

Which task type seems most challenging to prompt for, and why?

4. Prompting for Code Generation

Generating snippets, explaining code, debugging, translating languages.

  • **Key Techniques:** Clarity (language, logic, libraries), Context (existing code, purpose), Clear Formatting (comments, code blocks), Few-Shot (for style).

Example:

Write a Python function called 'calculate_area' that takes the length and width of a rectangle as arguments and returns the area. Include a docstring explaining what the function does. Use standard Python formatting.

Practical Examples: Task-Specific Prompts

Task: Creative Writing (Marketing Copy)

Act as a witty copywriter. Generate 3 short, catchy taglines for a new brand of plant-based energy drinks... Focus on natural energy...

Task: Information Extraction (Meeting Summary)

From the meeting transcript below, extract the key decisions made and the action items assigned... Format as two separate bulleted lists... [Paste transcript here]

Task: Code Generation (HTML/CSS)

Generate the HTML and Tailwind CSS code for a simple responsive card component... include an image placeholder, title, description, button. Add comments...

Key Insight:

Emphasis shifts: Creative tasks often need strong Role-Playing/Context; technical tasks demand high Clarity/Formatting.

Check Your Understanding

1. Task: Generating a poem in the style of Shakespeare. Which component is most crucial?

2. Task: Getting a list of all email addresses in a long document. Which technique is likely most helpful?

3. Task: Debugging complex code. Which approach might be useful besides providing the code?

4. Task: Figuring out steps to calculate compound interest. Which specialized technique is designed for this?

Hands-On Exercise: Prompting for Information Extraction

Scenario Text:

"The Q4 financial report for Innovate Corp, released on January 15th, 2024, showed a net profit of $1.2 million. The key product driving growth was the 'Synergy Hub'."

Goal: Extract Company Name, Report Date, Net Profit, Key Product.

Instructions:

  1. Craft a prompt to extract the four specific pieces of info.
  2. Specify output as a bulleted list.
  3. Include the scenario text in the prompt.
  4. Enter the full prompt below.

Expected Outcome:

Your prompt clearly states what to extract, provides the source text, and specifies the bulleted list format.

Prompt Grading Section

Evaluate the Information Extraction prompt you created.

Evaluation Criteria (Self-Check):

1. Clarity of Extraction Task: Is it clear *what* to extract?

2. Context Provided: Did you include the source text?

3. Formatting Instruction: Did you specify the output format (e.g., bulleted list)?

4. Overall Effectiveness: Is the AI likely to succeed?

Suggestion for Improvement:

For extraction, precision is key. Ensure you list *every* item needed and clearly define the output structure.

Module Summary

Great work applying your skills to different tasks!

Key Takeaways:

  • **Creative Writing:** Use Role-Playing, Context, Style.
  • **Info Extraction:** Focus on Clarity, Context, Formatting.
  • **Problem-Solving:** Use CoT, Decomposition, Context.
  • **Code Gen:** Need Clarity, Context, Formatting.

Next Steps: Let's consider the crucial topic of responsible AI use in Module 9: Ethical Considerations.