📖Introduction to Prompting
Welcome to the Guidebook on Prompting for Language Learning. This section will include a brief introduction of the guidebook and its purpose as well as an introduction to prompting, LLMs, and ChatGPT. Enjoy!
📊What is a Large Language Model (LLM)?
A Large Language Model (LLM) is a trained artificial intelligence program that can mimic human conversation and intelligence by using statistical models to analyze vast amounts of data and the connections between each of the data points. A popular example of a Large Language Model is ChatGPT, developed by the company OpenAI.
🤖What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT (GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is an artificial intelligence chatbot that, when prompted, delivers extensive responses satisfying the conditions of the prompt.
🤔What is Prompting?
Prompting is the act of cultivating, modifying, and then delivering a task or question to an LLM so that the LLM can produce a more desirable response. The same question, when worded differently or when supplemented with extra information, can produce a drastically different output. The more details you supply to the chatbot, the better the response will be given your particular question.

For example, take a look at the prompts below, and how each one produces a different output in ChatGPT solely based on the wording and added details. This difference in output is why writing accurate and precise prompts is so important.
Prompt
I am someone with zero physics background. Explain general relativity to me in very simple terms. Limit your word count to 100 words total.
ChatGPT Example Output
General relativity is a theory that explains how gravity works. Imagine a stretched-out sheet where objects sit. When a heavy object is placed on the sheet, it creates a dip, causing smaller objects to roll toward it. This is similar to how planets move around the Sun. In reality, it's the mass of an object that curves spacetime, making objects move in certain ways. General relativity helps us understand how things move in the presence of gravity, like why Earth orbits the Sun or why light bends around massive objects like stars.
Prompt
Explain general relativity to me. Limit your word count to 100 words total.
ChatGPT Example Output
General relativity is a theory of gravity proposed by Albert Einstein. It describes gravity as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. In this theory, objects with mass or energy create curves in spacetime, and other objects move along these curves. It explains phenomena like the bending of light by gravity and the expansion of the universe. General relativity also suggests that time can be affected by gravity, causing it to pass more slowly near massive objects. Overall, it provides a framework for understanding gravity as the geometry of the universe in a concise mathematical formulation.
Same Prompt, Different Output
Even with the same exact prompt, ChatGPT's output can differ. For example, take a look at the following outputs below. Even though both outputs were generated from the same prompt, the outputs are still drastically different. However, they are not different to the point where ChatGPT is no longer performing the required task; they differ only in details, which can create a large variety in the content that students can study from. As you explore this website and view different prompts, please note that these are example outputs, and ChatGPT may generate an entirely different output from the same exact prompt.
Prompt
Write me a story of about 100 words in length about butterflies.
ChatGPT Example Output
In a serene meadow, colorful butterflies danced gracefully under the warm sun. Among them was Bella, a curious butterfly eager to explore the world. She fluttered from flower to flower, savoring sweet nectar. One day, she met a wise butterfly named Oliver, who shared tales of distant lands. Intrigued, Bella embarked on an adventure with Oliver, witnessing breathtaking landscapes and meeting new friends. But as winter approached, they returned to the meadow. Bella realized that home was where her heart belonged. She bid farewell to Oliver, cherishing memories of their journey. And so, she spent her days, a content butterfly, inspiring others with her stories.
Prompt
Write me a story of about 100 words in length about butterflies.
ChatGPT Example Output
In a magical forest, a kaleidoscope of butterflies brought life to every corner. Among them was Luna, a tiny butterfly with shimmering blue wings. Luna dreamed of exploring beyond the forest's edge. One day, she gathered courage and soared into the unknown. Along her journey, she encountered diverse creatures and breathtaking landscapes. Luna's bravery inspired others she met along the way. As seasons changed, she finally returned home, carrying tales of her adventures. The forest celebrated her return, and Luna realized that the most extraordinary journey was the one that led her back to where she belonged - among friends and family.