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  • AI Prompts for Lesson Planning: 8 Ready-to-Use Examples for Teachers

    Planning lessons takes hours. AI can draft a lesson, a quiz or an activity in a minute, but you know your students best. Use these 8 prompts as a starting point and always review the result. Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

    What to tell the AI

    For better lesson plans, include:

    • The grade or age of your students.
    • The subject and topic.
    • How much time you have.
    • The learning objective, and any resources you have (or do not have).

    8 prompts for teachers

    1. A full lesson plan

    You are an experienced [subject] teacher. Create a [number]-minute lesson plan for [grade] students on [topic]. Include a learning objective, a 5-minute starter, a main activity, a short check for understanding and a homework idea.

    2. Explain a topic simply

    Explain [topic] to students aged [age] using one everyday example and no jargon.

    3. A quiz with answers

    Write 10 quiz questions on [topic] for [grade]: 5 multiple choice, 3 short answer and 2 that need an explanation. Give an answer key.

    4. Group activities

    Suggest 3 group activities for [topic] that need no special equipment and fit in [number] minutes.

    5. Different levels

    Rewrite this worksheet for three levels: beginner, standard and challenge: [paste worksheet]

    6. Feedback comments

    Write a kind, specific feedback comment for a student who [situation]. Keep it under 40 words and end with one next step.

    7. A simple rubric

    Create a 4-level marking rubric for [assignment] with 4 criteria and a short description for each level.

    8. A revision sheet

    Create a one-page revision sheet for [topic] with key terms, 5 key facts and 3 common mistakes.

    Check accuracy

    AI can get dates, formulas and facts wrong. Compare every lesson and answer key with your textbook or curriculum before you use it in class.

    Protect student privacy

    Never put student names, grades or personal details into an AI tool. Describe the situation in general terms instead.

    Next steps

    Create your own prompts with our free Prompt Builder. You may also like 10 AI Prompts for Students and How to Write Better Prompts.

  • How to Summarize a Long Document with AI (Step by Step)

    Long reports, articles and meeting notes take time to read. AI can give you a quick summary, but a poor prompt gives a vague one. Here is a simple 5-step method that works with ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.

    First, protect private information

    Do not paste confidential documents, such as client data, contracts or ID details, into a public AI tool unless you are sure it is allowed. When in doubt, remove names and sensitive details first.

    Step 1: Decide what the summary is for

    A summary for a busy manager is different from a summary for studying. Know your goal and your audience before you start.

    Step 2: Give the AI the text

    Paste the text, or upload the file if your tool supports it. Very long documents may not fit in one go. If that happens, split the text into sections and summarize each one.

    Step 3: Use a clear prompt

    Summarize the text below for [audience] in 5 bullet points. Then list any numbers, dates or deadlines it mentions. Text: [paste]

    Step 4: Ask for a useful structure

    Instead of one block of text, ask for parts you can use:

    Give me: (1) a 2-sentence summary, (2) the 5 key points, (3) any decisions or actions required, and (4) anything that is unclear in the text.

    Step 5: Check the summary

    AI can leave out important details or get a number wrong. Ask it to show its evidence, then compare with the original yourself:

    For each key point, quote the part of the text that supports it.

    Pay special attention to names, numbers and dates. For more on checking, read How to Fact-Check AI Answers.

    Summarizing a very long document

    Work in stages. Summarize each chapter or section first, then combine the short summaries and ask for a final summary:

    Here are summaries of each section of a report: [paste]. Combine them into one summary of 8 bullet points.

    Common mistakes

    • Asking for a “summary” with no audience or length.
    • Trusting the summary without checking the original.
    • Pasting private information into an AI tool.

    When not to rely on an AI summary

    For legal, medical or financial documents, read the original and ask a qualified professional. A summary can miss the one detail that matters.

    Next steps

    Use our free Prompt Builder to create a summary prompt in seconds, and read How to Write Better Prompts for the basics.

  • AI Prompts for Product Descriptions: 6 Examples for Online Sellers

    A good product description helps a customer decide to buy. Writing dozens of them is slow, and that is where AI helps. Here are 6 prompts for online sellers. Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

    What to prepare first

    The AI cannot know your product, so give it the facts:

    • The product name and who buys it.
    • 3 to 5 real features (size, material, colour, what is included).
    • What makes it different from similar products.

    Only include claims that are true. Do not let AI add words like “waterproof” or “original” unless they apply to your product.

    6 prompts for product descriptions

    1. A basic description

    You are an ecommerce copywriter. Write a product description for [product] for [type of buyer]. Features: [list features]. Keep it under 80 words, use a friendly tone and avoid exaggerated claims.

    2. Turn features into benefits

    Turn these product features into customer benefits. For each feature, finish the sentence “so you can…”: [list features]

    3. Bullet points for a listing

    Write 5 short bullet points for a product listing. Product: [product]. Start each bullet with a benefit and keep each under 12 words.

    4. Clear product titles

    Give me 5 clear product titles under 70 characters for [product]. Include the keyword “[keyword]” and do not use all capital letters.

    5. Rewrite for another platform

    Rewrite this description for [Instagram post, marketplace listing or my own website]. Keep all the facts the same: [paste description]

    6. Answer customer questions

    Write 5 questions a customer might ask about [product], with short, honest answers based only on this information: [paste facts].

    Check before you publish

    • Is every claim true? Size, material and delivery details must match reality.
    • No invented reviews, statistics or awards.
    • The details buyers need (size, colour, care instructions) are included.
    • The tone matches the rest of your shop.

    Save your best prompt

    Once a prompt gives you good results, save it as a template and only change the product details each time. That is how you write many descriptions quickly and keep them consistent.

    Next steps

    Build prompts for any product with our free Prompt Builder. For more ideas, see 10 AI Prompts for Small Business Owners and How to Write Better Prompts.

  • AI Prompts for Cover Letters: 7 Ready-to-Use Examples

    A cover letter is hard to start because the page is empty. AI can give you a first draft in seconds, but only if you give it your real details. Use the prompts below, then rewrite the result in your own words. Replace anything in [brackets] with your own information.

    Before you start: gather your facts

    AI can only work with what you give it. Collect these first:

    • The job title and company name.
    • The 3 or 4 main requirements from the job ad.
    • 2 or 3 real achievements, with numbers if you have them.

    Never let AI invent experience. Employers notice, and you may be asked about it in the interview.

    7 prompts for cover letters

    1. Write a first draft

    You are an experienced career coach. Write a 200-word cover letter for the role of [job title] at [company]. My background: [2 or 3 lines]. Use a confident but friendly tone. Do not invent any experience I have not given you.

    2. Match the job ad

    Here is a job ad: [paste ad]. List the 5 most important skills they want. Then tell me which of my skills below match: [paste your skills].

    3. Find a strong opening line

    Give me 5 different opening sentences for a cover letter for [job title]. Avoid cliches such as “I am writing to apply.”

    4. Turn duties into achievements

    Rewrite these job duties as achievements. Use only the facts and numbers I give you: [paste duties].

    5. Make it shorter

    Cut this cover letter to 150 words without losing the main points: [paste letter]

    6. Check the tone

    Read this cover letter and tell me if any part sounds arrogant, vague or too generic. Suggest fixes: [paste letter]

    7. Explain a career change

    I am moving from [old field] to [new field]. Help me explain in 3 sentences why my experience is useful. My experience: [paste].

    Make it sound like you

    • Read the letter aloud and remove phrases you would never say.
    • Add one specific detail about the company that shows you did your research.
    • Check names, dates and spelling yourself.

    Keep your information safe

    Do not paste private details such as ID numbers, your home address or your phone number into an AI tool.

    Next steps

    Use our free Prompt Builder to create your own prompts. If your results feel generic, read 5 Common AI Prompt Mistakes and How to Fix Them and How to Write Better Prompts.

  • How to Write With AI Without Losing Your Voice

    Many writers are afraid that AI will make all their work sound the same. That can happen if you ask it to write everything. But if you use AI as an assistant and keep control of the ideas, you can work faster and still sound like yourself. Here is a simple 5-step workflow.

    1. Start with your own idea

    Begin with your own notes: the point you want to make, a story, an example. AI is much better at organizing your ideas than inventing good ones.

    2. Teach it your voice

    Paste two or three paragraphs you wrote and ask the AI to describe your style.

    Here is a sample of my writing: [paste]. Describe my style in 5 bullet points: tone, sentence length, vocabulary and what I usually avoid.

    Save the description. You can paste it at the start of future prompts.

    3. Ask for an outline first

    Using my notes below, create an outline for an article on [topic] with 5 sections. Do not write the article yet. Notes: [paste]

    Change the outline until it matches what you want to say.

    4. Write a rough draft

    You can write it yourself, or ask for a rough draft and then rewrite it in your own words.

    Using this style description and these notes, write a rough first draft. Keep sentences short and avoid cliches. Style: [paste]. Notes: [paste]

    5. Use AI as an editor

    Edit the text below. Fix mistakes and tighten sentences, but do not change my word choice or add new ideas. [paste text]

    Before you publish

    • Add your own examples, numbers and experience. This is what AI cannot provide.
    • Check every fact and every name.
    • Read it aloud. If it does not sound like you, change it.
    • Follow the rules of your client or platform on AI use.

    Common mistakes

    • Publishing the first draft from AI without editing.
    • Using the same phrases every time, which makes writing sound generic.
    • Letting AI decide the main idea.

    Get better results

    Our free Prompt Builder helps you write prompts with a role, tone and format. For the basics, read How to Write Better Prompts: 5 Simple Steps.

  • 5 Common AI Prompt Mistakes and How to Fix Them

    If your AI answers feel weak, generic or wrong, the problem is usually not the tool. It is the prompt. Here are 5 common prompt mistakes and a simple fix for each.

    1. Being too vague

    A vague request gets a vague answer.

    Weak: Write about marketing.

    Better: Write a 150-word introduction to email marketing for small shop owners who have never tried it.

    Fix: say the topic, the audience and the length.

    2. Giving no context

    The AI does not know your situation unless you tell it.

    Weak: Give me business ideas.

    Better: I have a small budget, 2 hours a day and I live in a city. Suggest 5 online business ideas I can start with a laptop.

    Fix: include your goal, your limits and what you have already tried.

    3. Asking for too much at once

    One long request with many tasks usually gives a messy answer.

    Fix: break the job into steps. First ask for an outline, then for each section, then for edits.

    4. Not saying how you want the answer

    If you do not choose a format, the AI picks one for you.

    Answer in 5 bullet points, each under 15 words. Use simple language.

    Fix: state the format, the tone and the length.

    5. Accepting the first answer

    The first answer is a draft, not the final result.

    • “Make it shorter and more direct.”
    • “Give me two other versions.”
    • “What is missing from this answer?”

    Fix: ask follow-up questions until the answer is what you need.

    Bonus mistake: trusting without checking

    AI can sound confident and still be wrong. Check names, numbers, dates and anything that matters before you share it.

    Practice

    Take one of your recent weak prompts and rewrite it using the fixes above. You can use our free Prompt Builder to do it step by step. For a full guide, read How to Write Better Prompts: 5 Simple Steps.

  • 10 AI Prompts for Small Business Owners

    Running a small business means doing a hundred jobs at once. AI cannot run your business, but it can write first drafts of replies, posts and plans in seconds. Here are 10 prompts to save you time. Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

    Before you use them

    Always read what AI writes before you send or publish it. Check prices, dates and promises. And do not paste private customer information such as phone numbers or addresses into an AI tool.

    Prompts for customers

    1. Reply to a customer message

    You are a polite customer support person for a [type of business]. Write a short, friendly reply to this message: [paste message]. Offer a solution and keep it under 100 words.

    2. Handle a complaint

    A customer is upset about [problem]. Write a calm reply that apologizes, explains what we will do and thanks them for their patience.

    3. Answer common questions

    Write 8 frequently asked questions with short answers for my website about [business]. Cover delivery, returns and payment.

    Prompts for marketing

    4. Marketing ideas

    My business is [business] in [city] and my customers are [audience]. Give me 10 low-cost marketing ideas I can try this month.

    5. Social media posts

    Write 5 social media posts for [business] about [offer]. Use a friendly tone, one line each, with a clear call to action.

    6. Product description

    Write a product description for [product] for [customer type]. Mention [3 features]. Keep it under 80 words and avoid exaggeration.

    7. Email to customers

    Write a short email to existing customers announcing [news or offer]. Include a subject line and a call to action.

    Prompts for running the business

    8. Offer ideas for a slow month

    Suggest 5 simple offers or bundles for [business] to increase sales in a slow month, without cutting prices too much.

    9. Learn from reviews

    Here are 10 customer reviews: [paste reviews]. Summarize what customers like, what they complain about, and 3 changes I should consider.

    10. Weekly plan

    I run [business] with [number] people. Here are my tasks this week: [list tasks]. Organize them into a day-by-day plan, with the most important first.

    Keep your own brand voice

    Paste a short sample of your own writing and add: “Write in this same tone.” This stops the text from sounding generic.

    Next steps

    Use our free Prompt Builder to build custom prompts for your business. If your results feel weak, read 5 Common Prompt Mistakes (and How to Fix Them).

  • 10 AI Prompts for Students (Notes, Exams, Research)

    AI can be a very good study partner, as long as you use it to understand things and not to copy answers. Below are 10 copy-and-paste prompts for notes, exams and research. Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

    Before you start

    Check your school or university rules on AI, and always write your final answers yourself. AI can make mistakes, so confirm facts in your textbook or class notes.

    Prompts for understanding a topic

    1. Explain it simply

    Explain [topic] as if I am 12 years old. Then explain it again at university level. Use one everyday example.

    2. Key points

    Summarize [topic] in 5 key points. Then list 3 things students often misunderstand about it.

    3. Quiz me

    Ask me 5 questions about [topic], one at a time. Wait for my answer before asking the next one. After each answer, tell me what I got right and what I missed.

    4. Find the gaps in my notes

    Here are my notes on [topic]: [paste notes]. What important points are missing or unclear?

    Prompts for exam preparation

    5. Study plan

    My [subject] exam is in [number] days and I can study [hours] hours a day. Create a day-by-day study plan with short breaks and one revision day at the end.

    6. Flashcards

    Turn these notes into 15 flashcards, with a question on one side and a short answer on the other: [paste notes]

    7. Learn from mistakes

    I keep getting questions about [topic] wrong. Explain the common reasons students make these mistakes, then give me 3 practice questions.

    Prompts for research and writing

    8. Essay outline

    I am writing an essay on [topic]. Suggest an outline with an introduction, 3 main points and a conclusion. Do not write the essay.

    9. Feedback without rewriting

    Read my paragraph and tell me where the argument is unclear. Do not rewrite it. Give me 3 suggestions I can apply myself: [paste paragraph]

    10. Finding good sources

    What kinds of sources (books, journals, official reports) would be reliable for a paper on [topic]? Suggest search terms I can use in a library or on Google Scholar.

    One warning: AI can invent sources that do not exist. Never cite a book or article you have not opened and read yourself.

    Habits that make these prompts work

    • Tell the AI your subject and level (for example, high school biology).
    • Ask for one thing at a time.
    • Ask follow-up questions when something is unclear.
    • Check facts in your textbook.

    Make your own prompts

    Our free Prompt Builder helps you create a prompt for any subject. If you are new to prompts, start with How to Write Better Prompts: 5 Simple Steps.

  • How to Write Better Prompts: 5 Simple Steps

    AI answers are often weak because the question is incomplete. AI cannot read your mind; it only has what you write. These 5 steps will improve your prompts right away, whether you use ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.

    1. Give it a role

    Start by telling the AI who it should be. A role sets the level and the style of the answer.

    You are an experienced marketing consultant.

    2. State the task clearly

    A clear task is the biggest single improvement you can make.

    Weak: Write me an email.

    Better: Write a 100-word apology email to a customer for a late delivery.

    3. Add context

    Say who the audience is, what the goal is and what has already happened. More context means a better answer, because the AI stops guessing.

    4. Specify the format and tone

    Do you want bullet points or a paragraph? Formal or friendly? How long? Spell it out, for example: “Use a friendly tone, short sentences and no more than 120 words.”

    5. Refine the result

    Do not stop at the first answer. Treat it as a first draft and keep talking to the AI.

    • “Make it shorter.”
    • “Give me a more practical example.”
    • “Rewrite this for a beginner.”

    Putting it all together

    You are a business coach. Give me 5 Instagram post ideas for a small bakery owner. The audience is local families. Keep the tone friendly and write each idea in one line.

    Notice how the role, task, audience, tone and format are all there. That is what a strong prompt looks like.

    Check the answer

    Even a great prompt does not make AI perfect. Always double-check names, numbers, dates and anything important before you use it.

    Where to go next

    Fill in the fields of our free Prompt Builder and it will build a prompt like this for you. If your results are still weak, read 5 Common Prompt Mistakes (and How to Fix Them). Not sure which tool to use? See our ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini comparison.

  • ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini: Which AI Should You Use?

    ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini: Which AI Should You Use?

    If you are trying to choose between ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, you are not alone. All three are popular AI assistants, and all three can write, explain, brainstorm and answer questions. The real difference is in what each one does best.

    This guide compares ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini in plain language, so you can pick the right tool for your work.

    The short answer

    There is no single winner. Each tool has strengths, and the best choice depends on what you do most often. Many people use two of them together.

    • Choose ChatGPT if you want a flexible all-round assistant.
    • Choose Claude if you write a lot or work with long documents.
    • Choose Gemini if you live inside Google apps like Gmail, Docs and Drive.

    ChatGPT

    ChatGPT is made by OpenAI and is probably the best-known AI assistant. It is a general-purpose tool that handles everyday tasks well: drafting emails, brainstorming ideas, explaining topics, helping with code and more.

    Good for: beginners, everyday tasks, brainstorming, and people who want one tool for many jobs.

    Keep in mind: the features you get depend on the plan you use, and they change often.

    Claude

    Claude is made by Anthropic. Many users like it for writing that sounds natural, and for reading and summarizing long documents.

    Good for: writers, researchers, and anyone who works with long text such as reports, contracts or articles.

    Keep in mind: like every AI tool, it can make mistakes, so important facts should always be checked.

    Gemini

    Gemini is made by Google. Its biggest advantage is how closely it connects with Google’s own products.

    Good for: people who already use Gmail, Google Docs, Drive and other Google tools every day.

    Keep in mind: how useful it is depends on how much of your work already happens in Google apps.

    Which one is best for your work?

    • Students: any of the three can help you understand topics and plan your study. Use them to learn, not to copy.
    • Writers and content creators: try Claude and ChatGPT side by side and see which matches your style better.
    • Business owners: ChatGPT is a good starting point for emails, marketing ideas and customer replies.
    • People who use Google Workspace: Gemini is worth testing first.

    How to test them yourself

    The best way to choose is to give all three the same prompt and compare the answers. Try this one:

    “You are an experienced marketing consultant. Give me 5 Instagram post ideas for a small bakery. Keep the tone friendly and each idea to one line.”

    Then ask yourself:

    • Which answer was the most useful?
    • Which one sounded the most natural?
    • Which one needed the least editing?

    The tool that gives you the best answer on your own tasks is the right one for you.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is the free version enough?
    For many everyday tasks, yes. The free versions are a good place to start, but their limits differ and change over time.

    Can I use more than one?
    Yes. Many people keep one main tool and use a second one for specific jobs.

    Can I trust the answers?
    Not blindly. All AI tools can get facts wrong. Always double-check names, numbers, dates and anything important.

    Final thoughts

    The best AI is the one that fits how you work. Start with one tool, test it on a real task, and compare it with another. Whichever you choose, the quality of your prompt matters more than the tool. If you want to improve your prompts, try our free Prompt Builder on the PenwiseAI homepage.

    AI tools change quickly. Features and plans may be different by the time you read this.