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Write a report card comment with one specific next step

Practice: Getting the tone right. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

You're writing a report card comment that fits a 50-word box, written to Harper as "you". Start with a specific strength backed by her work, then give exactly one next step with a number from your notes, plain text. Use no last name, no comparisons to classmates and no labels about her character (like lazy or careless). Write a prompt that gets you exactly that.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 50 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Cap each part instead: "3 sentences, each under 15 words."
  • Generic praise. "Harper is a pleasure to have in class" could be about anyone. Try: Add: "Start with a specific strength from her lab reports."
  • Too many next steps. The AI lists homework, quizzes and participation, so nothing stands out. Try: Add: "Exactly one next step, with a number from my notes."
  • Talking about her, not to her. AI report comments default to "Harper is...", and may compare her to the class or repeat "careless". Try: Add: "Write to Harper as 'you'. No comparisons or labels."
  • Ignoring where it will be pasted. AI loves bold and headings, which show up as stray ** and # symbols in the report card system. Try: Name the place and the format: "For the report card system. Plain text, no bold or headings."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Starts with a specific strength
  • Limits to one next step
  • Includes a number
  • Writes to her directly
  • Sets a word limit

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