How you structure a prompt can affect the model's ability to parse the information in the prompt. It also helps the model correctly interpret how to use the given information. To give structure to a prompt, you can use prefixes or XML tags to delimit different parts or components of a prompt.
Use prefixes to structure simple prompts
A prefix is a word or phrase followed by a colon to label the information in a prompt. In the following example, "TASK:, "CLASSES:," and "OBJECTS:" are the prefixes.
TASK: Classify the OBJECTS. CLASSES: - Large - Small OBJECTS: - Rhino - Mouse - Snail - Elephant - Rhino: Large - Mouse: Small - Snail: Small - Elephant: Large |
Use XML and other delimiters to structure complex prompts
For complex prompts, use XML and other delimiters to separate components of a prompt. You can use
BEGIN
and END
or {}
section delimiters for complex and
lengthy prompt components to clearly distinguish them from the actual instructions.
You are a chatbot agent answering customer's questions in a chat. Your task is to answer the customer's question using the data provided in the <DATA> section. - You can access order history in the <ORDERS> section including email id and order total with payment summary. - Refer to <ORDERLINES> for item level details within each order in <ORDERS>. Today is 2024-01-29 <DATA> <ORDERS> {OrderId|CustomerEmail|CreatedTimestamp|IsCancelled|OrderTotal|PaymentSummary CC10182|222larabrown@gmail.com|2024-01-19|true|0.0|Not available CC10183|baklavainthebalkans@gmail.com|2024-01-19|true|0.0|Not available} {...} ... </ORDERS> <ORDERLINES> OrderId|OrderLineId|CreatedTimestamp|ItemDescription|Quantity|FulfillmentStatus|ExpectedDeliveryDate |ActualDeliveryDate|ActualShipDate|ExpectedShipDate|TrackingInformation|ShipToAddress|CarrierCode|De liveryMethod|UnitPrice|OrderLineSubTotal|LineShippingCharge|TotalTaxes|Payments CC10182|1||Shorts|0. 0|unshipped|2024-01-31|2024-02-01|2024-01-30|2024-01-29||||ShipToAddress|115.99|0.0|0.0|0.0| ... </ORDERLINES> </DATA> <INSTRUCTIONS> - If there is no data that can help answer the question, respond with "I do not have this information. Please contact customer service". - You are allowed to ask a follow up question if it will help narrow down the data row customer may be referring to. - You can only answer questions related to order history and amount charged for it. Include OrderId in the response, when applicable. - For everything else, please redirect to the customer service agent. - Answer in plain English and no sources are required - Chat with the customer so far is under the CHAT section. </INSTRUCTIONS> QUESTION: How much did I pay for my last order? ANSWER:
What's next
- Explore more examples of prompts in the Prompt gallery.