How to Write Task Modules for AI Prompts
TL;DR:
- Task modules tell the AI exactly what action to perform using clear, direct language
- Keep instructions focused on the "what" not the "how" – save tone and style for other modules
- One task per module works better than cramming multiple requests together
- Simple language beats complex instructions every time
- Test small changes to see how they affect your results
A task module is the part of your AI prompt that specifies exactly what you want the AI to do. Think of it as the instruction manual – it needs to be crystal clear about the action you're after.
The key is keeping it simple and focused. When you write "Rewrite this blog post for a non-technical audience," you're giving the AI a clear directive without any fluff. That's what works.
Writing Effective Task Modules
Be specific about the action
Don't leave room for guesswork. Instead of "help me with this content," try "summarise this article in three bullet points" or "convert this technical guide into a beginner-friendly tutorial."
Use everyday language
Write like you're talking to a colleague. The AI doesn't need fancy terminology to understand what you want – straightforward instructions work better than complex ones.
Stick to one task at a time
Resist the urge to pile multiple requests into one module. "Rewrite this and make it funnier and add three examples" becomes confusing fast. Break it down into separate modules instead.
Focus on what, not how
Your task module should specify the action, not the style. Save requests about tone, format, or approach for other parts of your prompt structure.
Common Task Module Mistakes
Mixing different types of instructions
Don't blend task instructions with style requests. "Rewrite this in a casual tone with bullet points" mixes the task (rewrite) with style (casual tone) and format (bullet points). Keep these separate.
Being too vague
"Make this better" doesn't give the AI enough direction. Better how? More engaging? Shorter? Clearer? Spell out what improvement you're after.
Overcomplicating the language
Long, complex sentences can muddy your instruction. If you need three lines to explain the task, you're probably overcomplicating it.
Pixelhaze Tip: Test your task modules by reading them out loud. If you stumble over the wording, the AI probably will too. Simple changes to your phrasing can dramatically improve results.
Task Module Examples That Work
Content creation:
- "Write a product description for this coffee maker"
- "Create five social media captions for this event"
- "Draft an email response to this customer query"
Content editing:
- "Shorten this article to 300 words"
- "Rewrite this technical manual for beginners"
- "Convert this list into paragraph form"
Analysis tasks:
- "Identify the main themes in this feedback"
- "Extract key statistics from this report"
- "Summarise the action items from this meeting transcript"
Notice how each example focuses on one clear action without mixing in style or format requirements.
FAQs
What's the difference between a task module and the whole prompt?
The task module is just one part of a complete prompt. While your full prompt might include context, examples, and style guidelines, the task module specifically handles the "what do I want you to do" part.
Can I use the same task module for different types of content?
Absolutely. A well-written task module like "summarise this content in three bullet points" works whether you're summarising a blog post, report, or meeting notes.
How do I know if my task module is working?
The AI should consistently understand what you want it to do. If you're getting confused or off-target responses, your task instruction probably needs clarifying.
Should I explain why I need the task done?
Not in the task module itself. Context about why you need something belongs in other parts of your prompt structure. Keep the task module focused purely on the action.
Jargon Buster
Task Module: The specific part of an AI prompt that tells the system what action to perform
Modular Prompting: Building prompts using separate, focused sections rather than throwing everything into one long instruction
Prompt Structure: The organised way of arranging different types of instructions (context, task, examples, constraints) in your AI prompts
Wrap-up
Good task modules are the foundation of effective AI interactions. Keep them focused on one clear action, use simple language, and resist the temptation to stuff everything into one instruction.
The clearer your task module, the better your results. Start with what you want the AI to do, write it in plain English, and test how small changes affect the output. Once you get this right, your AI interactions become much more predictable and useful.
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