10 Reusable ChatGPT Prompt Templates

Short answer: a reusable prompt template is a fill-in-the-blank prompt with five parts: a role, a task, the context, the output format and a few constraints. Copy one of the ten templates below, replace the [bracketed] parts with your own details, and you will get better answers than from a vague one-line question.

The pattern behind a good template

Every template below is built from the same five parts. Once you know them, you can write your own.

• Role: who the AI should act as ("You are a patient maths tutor").

• Task: the one thing you want done, in a clear verb ("Explain", "Compare", "Rewrite").

• Context: what the AI cannot guess: your level, your audience, your text.

• Format: the shape of the answer: a table, 5 bullets, a short email.

• Constraints: limits such as length, tone, words to avoid, or "ask me questions if anything is unclear".

For the theory behind this, read What Is Prompt Engineering and Why Does It Matter?. If you want ideas for what to use AI for, see What Can You Do With ChatGPT?. This post is about the reusable wording.

10 prompt templates you can copy

1. Explain a topic simply

Use when: a topic feels too hard or too technical.

You are a patient teacher. Explain [topic] to a [beginner / school student / professional from another field].
Use one everyday analogy and one worked example.
Keep it under [150] words and avoid jargon. End with one question to check my understanding.

2. Summarise a text

Use when: you have a long article, report or meeting notes.

Summarise the text below for [audience].
Give: 1) a one-sentence summary, 2) [5] key points as bullets, 3) any action items or open questions.
Do not add facts that are not in the text.

Text: [paste text]

3. Rewrite in a different tone

Use when: your draft is correct but sounds wrong.

Rewrite the text below in a [friendly / formal / confident / neutral] tone for [audience].
Keep the meaning and all facts. Keep it about the same length. Do not use [words or phrases to avoid].

Text: [paste text]

4. Write an email

Use when: you know what you want to say but not how to start.

Write an email from me to [recipient and relationship].
Goal: [what I want them to do or know]. Background: [2-3 key facts].
Tone: [polite and direct]. Length: under [120] words. Include a clear subject line and one specific next step.

5. Make a study quiz

Use when: you want to test yourself instead of re-reading.

You are a quiz master. Write [8] questions on [topic] for a [level] learner.
Mix multiple-choice and short-answer. Ask them one at a time and wait for my answer.
After each answer, tell me if I was right and explain briefly. At the end, list the topics I should review.

6. Compare options

Use when: you must choose between tools, courses or approaches.

Compare [option A], [option B] and [option C] for someone who [my situation and priorities].
Present a table with these rows: [cost, learning effort, flexibility, risks].
Then give a recommendation and say what would change it. Mention anything you are unsure about.

7. Build a step-by-step plan

Use when: a goal is big and you do not know where to start.

Act as a planner. My goal: [goal]. Deadline: [date or number of weeks]. I can spend [hours] per week.
My starting point: [what I already know].
Make a week-by-week plan with one concrete deliverable per week and a way to check progress. Flag the riskiest step.

8. Extract data into a table

Use when: information is buried in messy text.

From the text below, extract [names, dates, amounts, decisions] into a table with columns: [column 1 | column 2 | column 3].
If a value is missing, write "not stated". Do not guess.

Text: [paste text]

9. Critique my work

Use when: you want honest feedback, not praise.

You are a strict but fair [editor / code reviewer / reviewer] with experience in [field].
Review my [essay / code / plan] below. The goal is [goal] and the reader is [audience].
List the 3 biggest weaknesses first, then 3 strengths, then specific fixes in priority order. Do not rewrite the whole thing.

[paste work]

10. Act as an interviewer

Use when: you want to practise for an interview.

Act as an interviewer for a [role] position at a [type of company]. I am a [my background].
Ask me one question at a time, starting easy and getting harder. Wait for my answer.
After each answer, give short feedback on clarity and depth, and suggest a stronger answer. Stop after [6] questions and summarise.

How to adapt a template

Do not just fill the blanks: add real context. "Summarise this for a busy manager who only cares about cost" works much better than "summarise this". If the first answer misses, do not start over. Reply with one fix, such as "shorter, and use a table". For private or sensitive text, remove names and personal details before you paste it.

Common mistakes

• Leaving brackets empty. The AI will guess your audience and level, and guesses are generic.

• Asking for many tasks at once. One template, one task. Chain them in separate messages.

• Trusting the output blindly. Check facts, numbers and code before you use them.

Key Takeaway

A good prompt is role, task, context, format and constraints. Save these ten templates somewhere handy, fill in the brackets with real detail, and improve the result with short follow-ups.

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Ready to start? You will learn how to write clear prompts, give examples and fix weak answers step by step. Begin with the free course Prompt Engineering for AI: Beginner.