Write clear, goal-oriented prompts
Use Microsoft Copilot to set precise tasks, audiences, and output formats for every study session.
Prompt essentials
- Task: state exactly what you want (summarise, compare, list, explain).
- Context: mention the topic and the learner (for example, “explain to a new service desk analyst”).
- Format: request the output style (bullet list, table, short paragraph, checklist).
- Constraints: set length, tone, or sources so Copilot knows what to include or avoid.
Build a reusable template
Use this scaffold whenever you start a new Copilot request. Fill in the brackets with the details of your task.
Prompt template
Task: “[What do you need Copilot to do]”
Context: “[Who is the explanation for and what do they already know?]”
Format: “[How should Copilot present the answer?]”
Constraints: “[Any limits, sources, or tools to include or avoid?]”
The upcoming lessons (2.2–2.6) cover zero-shot, one-shot, few-shot, chain-of-thought, and role-based techniques so you can extend this template to advanced scenarios.
Practice it now
- Pick a CompTIA topic you’re revising—say mobile device security or network troubleshooting.
- Fill in each part of the template so Copilot knows the task, learner, and preferred output.
- Run the prompt, then highlight what worked. Could the format or constraints be sharper?
- Save the successful prompt to reuse or tweak in the technique-specific lessons that follow.
Next steps
Ready to iterate? Continue to 2.2 to learn how to refine and steer Copilot responses.
Continue to 2.2