Writing an o1 Prompt that Works
Using Ben’s Templated Approach for ChatGPT’s Reasoning Models
Ben Hylak recently published his approach to prompting the ChatGPT o1 reasoning model to produce the desired results, following a detailed briefing template.
Here’s the template:
He recommends you structure your request in these four distinct sections:
Goal Statement
Write a clear, focused objective at the start. Begin with phrases like “I require” or “I need.” Keep it concise but complete. For instance, “I require a list of hidden gastropubs in Central London that serve Sunday roasts.”
Return Format
Specify precisely how you want the information presented. List each required element:
- Begin with “Please provide the following for each entry:”
- List every data point needed
- Include any specific formatting requirements
- For example, “Please provide the official name, full address, booking details, price of roast, and speciality sides for each pub.”
Warnings and Requirements
Outline any critical checks or validations:
- Highlight potential pitfalls
- Specify must-have criteria
- Note any deal-breakers, Example: “Ensure each pub is currently operating and accepts Sunday bookings.”
Context Details
Conclude with relevant background information:
- Share your experience level
- Note preferences
- Mention constraints
- Include any helpful context Example: “I’ve visited most traditional pubs in Soho and prefer less touristy establishments. Looking for somewhere to take visiting family next month.”
I’m relatively new to prompting with o1. I’ve had mixed results so far—some good, some meh. So, I thought I would try his approach.
I wanted help thinking through a conversation flow for a WhatsApp chatbot I am developing. It’s not the most complicated task and I probably didn’t need a reasoning model for it, but I needed to do it, so why not.
Following Ben’s template, this is the prompt I wrote:
I require a WhatsApp chatbot conversation flow diagram and explanation for South African Foundation Phase teachers accessing curriculum support material via QR codes in their textbooks.
For the diagram, please provide:
Initial welcome message and user journey
Complete menu tree showing navigation from grade selection through to content delivery
Clear indication of all selection options at each level (Grades 1-3, Subjects, Terms 1-4, Topics)
Final content delivery options (Lesson Plans, Assessment Guidance)
Format showing each decision point with arrows indicating flow direction
Message content at key interaction points
The diagram should follow this structure:
Welcome → Grade Selection → Subject Selection (Home Language/Mathematics/Life Skills) → Term Selection → Topic List → Content Options (Video/PDF/AI Response)
Include a separate paragraph explaining:
How the flow supports lesson preparation
Integration with CAPS curriculum materials
Value proposition for teachers with limited digital resources
Expected usage patterns
The welcome message should:
Acknowledge the teacher
Reference the CAPS curriculum
Explain the navigation process
Set expectations for available support
Contextual considerations:
Users are Foundation Phase teachers
Teachers access via textbook QR codes
WhatsApp is a familiar platform
Usage is primarily for lesson preparation
This is often the only digital support available
Material supports classroom teaching and learning
Integration with physical teaching materials is essentialAnd this is the result I got.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 1. WELCOME │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
"Hello Teacher! Thank you for scanning the QR code
in your Foundation Phase textbook. We’re here to
help you with CAPS-aligned lesson preparation and
classroom support materials. Simply follow the
prompts to access resources for your grade, subject,
and term. We have lesson plans, assessment guidance,
and more."
▼
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 2. GRADE SELECTION │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
BOT MESSAGE:
"Please select your grade:
1) Grade 1
2) Grade 2
3) Grade 3"
OPTIONS:
1️⃣ Grade 1
2️⃣ Grade 2
3️⃣ Grade 3
▼
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 3. SUBJECT SELECTION │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
BOT MESSAGE (after user chooses a grade):
"Great! Now please select your subject:
1) Home Language
2) Mathematics
3) Life Skills"
OPTIONS:
1️⃣ Home Language
2️⃣ Mathematics
3️⃣ Life Skills
▼
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 4. TERM SELECTION │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
BOT MESSAGE (after user chooses a subject):
"Please select the term you are teaching:
1) Term 1
2) Term 2
3) Term 3
4) Term 4"
OPTIONS:
1️⃣ Term 1
2️⃣ Term 2
3️⃣ Term 3
4️⃣ Term 4
▼
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 5. TOPIC LIST │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
BOT MESSAGE (after user chooses a term):
"Select a topic for detailed materials. For example:
1) Reading & Phonics (if Home Language)
2) Numbers & Operations (if Mathematics)
3) Health & Hygiene (if Life Skills)
...
[List continues depending on the chosen subject/term]"
OPTIONS: Varies by subject/term, e.g.
1️⃣ Reading & Phonics
2️⃣ Writing & Vocabulary
3️⃣ Comprehension
... etc.
▼
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 6. CONTENT OPTIONS │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
BOT MESSAGE (after user chooses a topic):
"Here are the available support materials:
1) Video Tutorial
2) PDF Lesson Plan
3) AI Response (Text-Based Q&A)
4) Assessment Guidance (PDF or Short Text Tips)
Please reply with the number of your choice."
OPTIONS:
1️⃣ Video (Link sent via WhatsApp)
2️⃣ PDF Lesson Plan (Download link)
3️⃣ AI Response (WhatsApp text-based answer or tips)
4️⃣ Assessment Guidance (PDF or text tips)
▼
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ DELIVERY AND NEXT STEPS │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
- BOT provides the requested resource (e.g.,
a link to a PDF or Video).
- BOT prompts user: "Would you like anything else?
Reply 'Menu' to start again or 'End' to exit."
OPTIONS:
🔄 Go back to the Main Menu
❌ End ChatWhich was precisely what I needed and expected. So, the prompt template worked for this task. Keen to try it out for more complex projects.
Niall McNulty is Product Lead for Education Futures at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, focusing on AI and educational technology solutions for diverse global contexts. Niall is a specialist in using AI for teaching, learning and professional support.
Subscribe to his SubStack:
