Introduction
Prompt engineering is rapidly becoming a must-have skill for anyone working with AI-powered tools, content generation, or effective instruction design. A well-crafted prompt can make the difference between a generic, unfocused output and an answer that’s impactful, concise, and tailored to your needs.
To master prompt engineering, it’s helpful to use prompting schemas—structured formats designed to organize your questions and requests. In this guide, you’ll learn the most valuable schemas, see practical examples, and discover when to use each one.
Essential Prompting Schemas & Formats
1. RTF (Role, Task, Format)
Structure:
- Role: Define who or what the responder is (e.g., expert, teacher, narrator).
- Task: Clearly state the main job or request.
- Format: Specify the desired output format (list, paragraph, table, etc.).
Example:
Role: You are a management consultant.
Task: Draft a one-paragraph executive summary for a business proposal to launch a new product.
Format: Write in formal business language.
2. BAB (Before, After, Bridge)
Structure:
- Before: Describe the starting state or problem.
- After: Describe the ideal or improved state.
- Bridge: Ask for the transformation or steps to connect before and after.
Example:
Before: The resume contains generic, vague statements and lacks impact.
After: The resume highlights concrete achievements with quantifiable results.
Bridge: Rewrite this bullet point to showcase specific accomplishments.
3. TAG (Task, Action, Goal)
Structure:
- Task: Describe the assignment.
- Action: Specify how to do it.
- Goal: Clarify what success or completion looks like.
Example:
Task: Explain how photosynthesis works.
Action: Use a simple analogy or story.
Goal: Make it understandable for a 6th-grade student.
4. PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link)
Ideal For: Structuring paragraphs in essays, reports, or analytical writing.
- Point: State your argument/main idea.
- Evidence: Support with facts, quotes, or examples.
- Explain: Elaborate on how your evidence proves the point.
- Link: Connect to the main argument or the next paragraph.
Example Prompt:
Using the PEEL method, write a paragraph on why renewable energy is essential for the future.
Outline:
- Point: Renewable energy is crucial for a sustainable future.
- Evidence: Studies show solar and wind energies reduce emissions.
- Explain: Less emissions combat global warming, aiding public health.
- Link: Thus, renewables are fundamental for environmental solutions.
5. SHARE (Situation, Hindrance, Action, Result, Evaluation)
Ideal For: Storytelling, interviews, or reflective writing.
- Situation: Context or background.
- Hindrance: The problem or challenge.
- Action: What was done.
- Result: What happened as a result.
- Evaluation: Personal reflection or broader lesson.
Example Prompt:
Tell me about a time you overcame a difficult project at work, using the SHARE format.
Outline:
- Situation: Tight deadline project at work.
- Hindrance: Two team members fell ill.
- Action: Restructured duties, added temp help.
- Result: Delivered project on time, exceeded expectations.
- Evaluation: Learned to be flexible under pressure.
6. START (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Takeaway)
Ideal For: Describing experiences and lessons learned, resumes, and interviews.
- Situation: The setting/background.
- Task: Your responsibility.
- Action: Steps you took.
- Result: What happened.
- Takeaway: What you learned.
Example Prompt:
Use the START method to share a key learning from a recent group project.
Outline:
- Situation: Marketing class mock campaign.
- Task: Coordinated the design team.
- Action: Organized meetings, clarified goals.
- Result: Best campaign in class.
- Takeaway: Teamwork and communication are key.
7. QQA (Question, Qualifier, Answer)
Ideal For: Educational settings, clear informative answers.
- Question: Restate the query.
- Qualifier: Add context or define terms.
- Answer: Give the final answer.
Example Prompt:
Using QQA, answer: “Why do we experience seasons on Earth?”
Outline:
- Question: Why do we experience seasons on Earth?
- Qualifier: Related to Earth’s orbit and tilt.
- Answer: We have seasons because the Earth’s axis is tilted during its orbit, causing sunlight to hit different regions variably.
8. PAIR (Paraphrase, Analyse, Interpret, Respond)
Ideal For: Literary analysis, article reviews, critical thinking.
- Paraphrase: Restate the main point.
- Analyse: Dissect key features.
- Interpret: Offer your insights or meaning.
- Respond: Share a personal reaction.
Example Prompt:
Apply the PAIR schema to this excerpt from Hamlet: “To be or not to be, that is the question.”
Outline:
- Paraphrase: Hamlet wonders if he should live or die.
- Analyse: Shows his inner struggle.
- Interpret: He’s overwhelmed, weighing action versus inaction.
- Respond: Relatable as it reflects universal doubt.
9. SCQA (Situation, Complication, Question, Answer)
Ideal For: Consulting, business documents, explaining reasoning.
- Situation: Describe the status quo.
- Complication: Identify the challenge or problem.
- Question: The key issue raised.
- Answer: Offer a solution or recommendation.
Example Prompt:
Use the SCQA method to explain the importance of cybersecurity for small businesses.
Outline:
- Situation: Small businesses use digital tools daily.
- Complication: Increased cyber threats, can harm the business.
- Question: How to protect and maintain trust?
- Answer: Prioritize cybersecurity—updates, training, and regular backups.
Quick Reference Table
| Schema | Best For | Key Components | Sample Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTF | Clarity in tasks | Role, Task, Format | Business memos, instructions |
| BAB | Transformation | Before, After, Bridge | Resume, copyediting, coaching |
| TAG | Clear goals | Task, Action, Goal | Teaching, customer support |
| PEEL | Essays/paragraphs | Point, Evidence, Explain, Link | Academic writing |
| SHARE | Storytelling | Situation, Hindrance, Action, Result, Evaluation | Interviews, reflection |
| START | Experience + lesson | Situation, Task, Action, Result, Takeaway | Resumes, reviews |
| QQA | Q&A | Question, Qualifier, Answer | Tutoring, knowledge checks |
| PAIR | Critical response | Paraphrase, Analyse, Interpret, Respond | Book/article reviews |
| SCQA | Consulting/logic | Situation, Complication, Question, Answer | Reports, proposals |
Conclusion
Prompt engineering isn’t just for programmers—it’s a universal skill for anyone who communicates ideas, teaches, or relies on clear instructions. By adopting these schemas, you can create prompts—and receive answers—that are focused, structured, and insightful.
Next Steps:
- Experiment with one or more of these schemas in your next interaction with an AI tool.
- Mix and match formats to fit your scenario: combine RTF with PEEL for structured expert analysis, or BAB with TAG for coaching and improvement prompts.
- Bookmark this guide and refer to it whenever you need to design a high-impact prompt!
Have questions or want personalized schema recommendations for your workflow or company? Leave a comment or reach out!
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