AI prompt-writing checklist

One prompt, fixed one check at a time

Here is the checklist in use. Each version fixes one more check. The score next to each version is what the free Prompt Analyzer gives it: copy any version, paste it into the analyzer and you will get the same number.

1. StartThe vague version12/100

   A topic, but no result, reader, shape or rules. The AI has to guess everything.

   vague prompt

   Write something about saving money.

   Clear task 12Context 0Output format 0Limits 0Concrete details 0

2. Step 1Fix: Clear task20/100

   Names the result: a blog post.

   version 2

   Write a blog post about saving money.

   Clear task 20Context 0Output format 0Limits 0Concrete details 0

3. Step 2Fix: Context46/100

   Adds a role, the reader and the reason it is being written.

   version 3

   Act as a personal finance writer. Write a blog post about saving money for students in their first year of college. I'm writing it for my college's student newsletter, because most of us run out of pocket money before the month ends.

   Clear task 20Context 20Output format 0Limits 0Concrete details 6

4. Step 3Fix: Output format76/100

   Adds the layout, a length and a tone.

   version 4

   Act as a personal finance writer. Write a blog post about saving money for students in their first year of college. I'm writing it for my college's student newsletter, because most of us run out of pocket money before the month ends. Use 5 numbered tips, each with a short heading, in under 600 words. Friendly, plain tone.

   Clear task 20Context 20Output format 20Limits 5Concrete details 11

5. Step 4Fix: Limits91/100

   Adds what to leave out and a guard against made-up numbers.

   version 5

   Act as a personal finance writer. Write a blog post about saving money for students in their first year of college. I'm writing it for my college's student newsletter, because most of us run out of pocket money before the month ends. Use 5 numbered tips, each with a short heading, in under 600 words. Friendly, plain tone. Do not recommend credit cards, loans or investing. Avoid jargon. Do not invent statistics; if you need a number, ask me.

   Clear task 20Context 20Output format 20Limits 20Concrete details 11

6. Step 5Fix: Concrete details100/100

   Adds real examples and a blank for the one fact only you know.

   version 6

   Act as a personal finance writer. Write a blog post about saving money for students in their first year of college. I'm writing it for my college's student newsletter, because most of us run out of pocket money before the month ends. Our hostel allowance is [MONTHLY AMOUNT]. Use 5 numbered tips, each with a short heading and one real example, such as splitting a $10 streaming plan with 3 roommates or cooking 2 dinners a week instead of ordering in. Keep it under 600 words. Friendly, plain tone. Do not recommend credit cards, loans or investing. Avoid jargon. Do not invent statistics; if you need a number, ask me.

   Clear task 20Context 20Output format 20Limits 20Concrete details 20

The last version is longer, but every line gives the AI something it would otherwise guess: who the post is for, how long it should be, what to leave out and real examples to build on. Want the AI to do this for you? Paste a short prompt into the Prompt Optimizer and it adds the missing parts, or let Prompt Doctor explain what is weak.

What the checklist cannot tell you

• Whether the answer is right. The checks look at your prompt, not the AI's answer. Check names, numbers and claims before you use them.
• Whether you need every check. A quick question works fine on its own. Use the full list when the answer matters.
• How one app reads your words. ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude follow the same prompt a little differently. If a result is off, change one line and try again.

Use it in a class, workshop or newsletter

The checklist and the PDF are free to print, copy and share with students, teams and readers. No sign-up and no email needed. Please link back to this page, so people always get the latest version.

<a href="https://usepromptup.com/prompt-writing-checklist/">AI prompt-writing checklist (free PDF) from PromptUp</a>

Teaching the longer version? The how to write AI prompts guide explains each part with before-and-after examples for text, photos, images and video.