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1.4: Examples of input-output prompts (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL·E)

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    How Prompts Shape AI Responses

    At the heart of AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL·E is something surprisingly simple: the prompt. A prompt is what you type in or say to the AI to get it started. It’s the question, instruction, or idea you give—and it strongly influences the kind of output you get back.

    The quality of the response depends a lot on how you phrase your input. Small changes in wording can lead to very different results. That’s why experimenting with prompts is part of learning how to use AI effectively.

    🤖 Text-Based Example: ChatGPT

    Prompt 1 (broad and vague):

    “Tell me about photosynthesis.”

    Output:

    A general definition: "Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen..."

    Prompt 2 (specific and contextualized):

    “In one paragraph, explain photosynthesis for a community college biology class using simple language and a real-world analogy.”

    Output:

    A more tailored response with clarity and relevance:
    "Photosynthesis is like a solar-powered kitchen inside plant leaves. Plants take sunlight, water, and air and turn them into food (sugar) and oxygen. It’s how they feed themselves and give us the air we breathe."

    🎨 Image-Based Example: DALL·E

    Prompt 1:

    “A tree in autumn.”

    Output:

    A generic image of a tree with orange leaves.

    Prompt 2:

    “A realistic digital painting of an old oak tree in autumn, with golden leaves, next to a red cabin and a calm lake at sunset.”

    Output:

    A more detailed, atmospheric image based on richer description.

    🎓 Try It Yourself: Discipline-Based Prompts

    • English: “Generate a discussion prompt based on Frankenstein that explores the ethics of scientific discovery.”
    • History: “Summarize the causes of the American Civil War in three bullet points using student-friendly language.”
    • STEM: “Create a multiple-choice quiz question about Newton’s Second Law with an answer key.”
    • Social Sciences: “Explain confirmation bias with a real-world example for an intro psychology course.”
    • Art: “Generate an image of a Cubist-style still life with musical instruments and abstract shapes.”

    🛠️ Prompting Tips for Instructors

    • Be specific about tone, format, and audience (e.g., “for first-year students”).
    • Include context: what the AI should assume or focus on.
    • Test and revise: small tweaks can improve relevance and clarity.

    Key takeaway: You don’t need to be an expert to write good prompts—just be curious, clear, and willing to experiment.

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    This page titled 1.4: Examples of input-output prompts (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL·E) is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by .

    This page titled 1.4: Examples of input-output prompts (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL·E) is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Pamela Huntington.