This article is a part of our Transforming Assessment for Modern Learning Spaces series.
Author: Tim Palmer, instructional design specialist
Recent breakthroughs in natural language processing and AI models have transformed human-computer interaction, enabling users to communicate with AI systems through natural, conversational language. Much like speaking with a knowledgeable assistant, anyone can engage AI by asking questions or issuing commands and receive useful responses. While this conversational ease lowers barriers to access, using a focused and structured approach to prompting consistently produces more precise, relevant, and efficient results. Clear and deliberate communication with AI minimizes ambiguity and accelerates achievement of desired outcomes.
Article Contents
The CAP Model for Effective Prompting and Writing
The CAP Model for Effective Prompting and Writing
When using AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot, the quality of the AI output depends on how clearly you ask for what you need. The CAP Model helps you write more effective prompts by focusing on three key elements:
- Context – What background information does the AI need?
- Audience – Who will use or read the result?
- Purpose – What are you trying to achieve?
By including these three elements in your prompt, you help the AI generate responses that are accurate, relevant, and useful.
How the CAP Model Works
The CAP Model supports clear, purposeful writing by focusing on three core elements: context, audience, and purpose. This model applies across academic and professional tasks. Use it when generating content with AI, writing discussion responses, or completing course assignments. Practicing this structure improves both your thinking and your communication.
1. Context
Tell the AI what it needs to know to understand the situation. This includes any background information, specific instructions, or materials you want it to consider.
You can also attach a file or paste content into your prompt. If you do, make sure to reference that content clearly.
Examples:
- “I’ve attached a draft of my resume. Please review it and suggest improvements.”
- “Use the text I pasted below from my course outline to help design a quiz.”
- “This is a summary of a client meeting. Based on this, help me write follow-up notes.”
Prompting Tip:
If you’re attaching a file or pasting text, be specific about how you want the AI to use it:
“Please read the attached lesson plan and suggest 2 discussion questions appropriate for adult learners.”
“Based on the policy text I’ve pasted below, help me draft a plain-language summary.”
2. Audience
Clarify who the response is for. Think about their background, interests, and level of understanding.
Examples:
- “The audience is first-year business students.”
- “The audience is non-technical staff.”
- “The audience is my supervisor who needs a summary.”
3. Purpose
Explain what you want the AI to do. Be specific about the goal or output format.
Examples:
- “Help me draft an email apologizing for the error.”
- “Summarize this article in three bullet points.”
- “Suggest ideas for an interactive group activity.”
CAP Prompt Example
You can combine these into a single prompt like this:
“I’m creating training materials for a customer service course (Context). I’ve attached the existing slide deck—please suggest edits to make it more interactive. The audience is new hires with no customer service experience (Audience). I want to update the content to better support active learning (Purpose).”
Template Prompt
Copy and paste the template below and add details relevant to your needs.
“I’m working on ___________ (Context). The audience is ___________ (Audience). I want help with ___________ (Purpose).”
Tips for Success
- Be specific. More detail helps the AI generate better results.
- Have a conversation. Ask the AI to guide you or ask you questions to see the bigger picture so that you get a better outcome.
- If you are using a file or pasting content, explain how it the AI should use it.
- If the first output is not exactly what you are looking for, revise your prompt by clarifying the context, audience, or purpose.
- You can always add "Don't do XYZ," "Don't include XYZ," "Don't write/type XYZ" in your iterative prompts to improve outputs.
- Ask the AI to explain its reasoning if you are unsure about its suggestions.
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Disclaimer: This article was partially drafted with AI assistance (ChatGPT). Final content has been reviewed and refined by Instructor Excellence to ensure accuracy and quality.