Lesson 3 of 10
Add Useful Context
Context should reduce ambiguity. More context is not automatically better context.
Active reading
Relevant facts
Information needed for the task.
Constraints
Rules the output must respect.
Noise
Information that does not change the answer.
Give the model the information that changes the answer
Useful context can include source material, audience, product details, prior decisions or definitions. Irrelevant background can distract from the task.
A simple test: if removing a piece of context would not change a good answer, it may not belong in the prompt.
Example
For a customer reply, order status and refund policy matter; the company founding story probably does not.
Quick check
Explain this lesson back in one sentence before continuing. If you cannot, reread the example and key takeaway.
Common mistake
Do not dump entire documents when a few relevant facts are enough.
Key takeaway
Good context is selective: include facts, constraints and definitions that materially affect the output.