CONTEXT Framework Cheat Sheet
The 6-element framework for writing AI prompts that work first time.
Who are you? What is the situation? What background does the AI need?
What exactly should the AI produce? Be specific about the deliverable.
What constraints, edge cases, or subtleties should the AI consider?
How should the output sound? What voice or style?
Show the AI what good output looks like. Even one example helps.
What format, length, and structure? Remove all ambiguity.
- 1.More context = better output. When in doubt, add more.
- 2.Be specific about the deliverable, not vague about the topic.
- 3.One example is worth 100 words of instruction.
- 4.If the output is wrong, diagnose which element is missing.
- 5.The framework works with every AI tool: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and beyond.
You do not need the full framework for simple questions like 'What is the capital of France?' Reserve CONTEXT for prompts where the output quality actually matters.
Keep it to 2-3 sentences. The AI needs enough background to be relevant, not your entire life story.
Examples are the single most impactful element. One good example does more than 100 words of instruction. Always include at least one.
Specify word count, format, structure, and number of items. 'Write a summary' is vague. 'Write 3 bullet points, each under 25 words' is clear.
This is where constraints and 'what NOT to do' live. Without Nuance, the AI makes assumptions you did not want. Tell it what to avoid, include, and prioritise.
Keep the CONTEXT Framework™ cheat sheet on your desk or share it with your team.