Prompts
A prompt is the instruction, question or direction given to an AI system. It tells the system what to produce, how to structure the response and what level or context to consider.
Prompts can range from a simple question to a highly structured set of instructions. The clarity, precision and detail within a prompt directly influence the quality of the output.
AI systems do not interpret intention — they respond to what is written. The more clearly a task is defined, the more useful the response will be.
Creative Prompting with Adobe Express
Writing effective prompts
Good prompts are:
- Clear and specific
- Focused on a defined outcome
- Appropriate for the learner or audience
- Structured with enough context
- Reviewed and refined after the first response
Small changes to wording can significantly improve the quality of AI outputs.
Using the acronym GCSE can helps users write clearer and more effective AI prompts.
- Goal – What do you want the AI to do?
- Context – Who or what is the task for?
- Source – What information should the AI use?
- Expectations – What should the final response look like?
A clear prompt helps improve the accuracy, relevance and quality of AI-generated responses.
Examples
Example 1 – Primary 3 (Science)
G: Explain the water cycle.
C: For Primary 3 learners.
S: Use basic knowledge of the water cycle and everyday examples.
E: Around 80–100 words, simple vocabulary, short sentences, include one everyday example and finish with one question to check understanding.
Example 2 – P7 Literacy
G: Create a persuasive writing model.
C: For Primary 7 learners.
S: Use persuasive writing techniques appropriate for this stage.
E: Around 200 words, clear paragraph structure, persuasive connectives and emotive language.
Example 3 – S2 Humanities
G: Provide two contrasting viewpoints on renewable energy.
C: Suitable for S2 learners.
S: Use balanced information about the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy.
E: Two short paragraphs of 100–120 words, include one limitation for each viewpoint and use neutral language.
Example 4 – S3 Science Revision
G: Generate retrieval practice questions on acids and alkalis.
C: Suitable for S3 learners revising science.
S: Use knowledge from the S3 science course.
E: Five questions, mix of short-answer and multiple-choice, include brief answers beneath each question.
Example 5 – Higher Biology
G: Generate Higher-level practice questions on DNA replication.
C: For learners studying Higher Biology.
S: Based on Higher Biology course content and assessment style.
E: Five questions using national qualification command words with brief marking guidance for each answer.
Creative Prompting with Adobe Express
When using Adobe Express, prompts often focus on visual generation, design concepts or creative direction.
Adobe provides structured guidance on writing effective creative prompts, including:
- Describing style and mood
- Specifying colour palettes
- Defining audience and purpose
- Refining outputs iteratively
Staff should refer to Adobe’s official education resources and creative prompt guidance when using AI-powered design tools within Adobe Express.
Adobe Express: Prompt Guidance for generating AI images
INSPIRE Prompt Libraries
To help staff and students quickly create resources and learn how to write good prompts we have created a library of useful prompts based on feedback from staff and students.
