Why This Matters

GPT-5 is more sensitive than past models to how you ask.
The way you write the prompt — tone, structure, and clarity — can make or break the quality of the answer.

1. Core Rules for Better Prompts

Be Clear and Direct

• Tell GPT-5 exactly what you want — style, tone, format.

• Keep formatting consistent.

• Define the boundaries: what’s allowed and what’s not.

Plan Before Execution

• Ask GPT-5 to:

  1. Break your request into smaller parts.

  2. Point out unclear parts.

  3. Make a step-by-step plan.

  4. Confirm it understood before doing the work.

2. Structured Prompt Technique

Use the “Spec” format:

<task_spec>
  Definition: What needs to be done
  When Required: When to use this behavior
  Format & Style: How it should look
  Sequence: Steps in order
  Prohibited: What NOT to do
  Handling Ambiguity: What to do if unclear
</task_spec>

3. Reasoning & Validation Steps

For complex tasks, add:

• Understanding Check – “Explain your understanding first.”

• Plan Phase – “List all subtasks before starting.”

• Checkpoints – “After each big step, verify it meets the rules.”

• Final Review – “Confirm everything is done before ending.”

4. Agent-like Behavior

For multi-step tasks:

• Break the query into all subtasks.

• Fully finish each before moving on.

• Don’t stop until everything is done.

• Be ready for follow-up questions.

For explanations:

• Only explain actions when important.

• Before big actions, briefly explain why.

For parallel tasks:

• GPT-5 can handle multiple independent things at once (e.g., researching two topics at the same time).

• Avoid this if the tasks depend on each other.

5. Best Practices by Use Case

Research & Analysis

1. Plan the research steps first.

2. Collect all data before analyzing.

3. Present in clear sections.

4. Add a quick summary.

Creative Writing

1. Set tone, style, and voice early.

2. Make an outline.

3. Keep tone consistent.

4. Review for flow before finishing.

Problem-Solving

1. State the problem + constraints clearly.

2. Suggest multiple solutions.

3. Compare pros/cons.

4. Recommend the best with reasons.

Educational Content

1. Know the audience’s skill level.

2. Start from basics → move to advanced.

3. Use examples and analogies.

4. Add small understanding checks.

6. Advanced Tricks

TODO List Tracking

Example:

- [ ] Main goal
- [ ] Step 1
- [ ] Step 2
- [ ] Validation
- [ ] Final check

Error Prevention

Before finishing, ask GPT-5 to:

1. Check all requirements are met.

2. Ensure no contradictions.

3. Match the required format.

4. Avoid prohibited items.

7. Example Prompt Template

<request>
Explain the basics of quantum computing for beginners.
</request>

<instructions>
1. First, make a short plan.
2. Explain why this plan works.
3. Write the explanation step-by-step.
4. Check each section for clarity.
5. End with a summary.
</instructions>

<constraints>
- Verbosity: medium
- Style: casual
- Format: bullet points
</constraints>