Claude prompt guide

How to prompt Claude

1. Be explicit about scope and ambition: ask for 'fully featured' or 'go beyond the basics' if you want more than the minimum.
2. Explain why each important constraint exists; Claude generalises from the reason.
3. Wrap distinct parts in XML tags such as <context>, <instructions>, <document>, <examples>.
4. Put long pasted documents at the top and the question or task at the end.
5. For document tasks, ask it to quote the relevant passages first, then answer.
6. Describe the desired format positively ('flowing prose paragraphs') rather than banning things.
7. Say 'do X' rather than 'suggest X' when you want it to produce the change, not advice.
8. Give 1-3 short examples inside <example> tags when tone or format must match.
9. Specify length and density; ask explicitly for concision on long-running models.
10. Use calm, normal language; avoid shouting in CAPS or 'CRITICAL' since current models already follow instructions closely.
11. Give it a role only when domain expertise or tone matters, in one sentence.
12. Ask it to check its answer against named criteria only for high-stakes outputs.

The shape of a good prompt

[One-line role, optional]
<context>[background, audience, why it matters]</context>
<document>[pasted material, if long]</document>
<instructions>[the task, as numbered steps if order matters]</instructions>
<format>[length, structure, tone, described positively]</format>
<examples><example>[optional sample]</example></examples>

Avoid

• Vague requests that rely on Claude guessing how ambitious to be
• Unexplained bare rules ('NEVER do X') and all-caps emphasis
• Negative-only formatting instructions ('no markdown') instead of describing the target
• Putting the question above a long document
• Asking it to 'suggest' when you want it to actually do the work

Example

Request explain inflation to my 12 year old

<context>
I want to explain inflation to my 12-year-old, who is curious and reads well but has no economics background. The goal is for them to understand why prices go up over time and why it matters for pocket money and savings.
</context>

<instructions>
Explain inflation in plain language using one everyday example (such as the price of a favourite snack over several years). Then explain one cause of inflation and one effect on savings. Finish with two questions I can ask them to check they understood.
</instructions>

<format>
Write 200-250 words in short, friendly paragraphs suitable to read aloud. Avoid jargon; if you must use a term, define it in the same sentence.
</format>