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Answer a student's extension request as a TA
Practice: Giving the right context. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
You're a TA, and a student asked you for an extension. Reply under 80 words. The first sentence says plainly that TAs can't grant extensions, then give the request form's direct link, canvas.example/bio150/extension, and the request deadline, and offer your office hours for help with the assignment. Don't promise the instructor will say yes. Write a prompt that gets that reply.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 80 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Cap each part: "4 sentences, each under 18 words."
- Burying the no. AI replies open with "I totally understand how stressful exam weeks are!" and hide that you can't decide. Try: Say it: "Sentence 1: TAs can't grant extensions; only Dr. Harmon can."
- Vague instructions. The AI says "reach out to the professor" without the form, the path or the request deadline. Try: Add: "Give the form link, canvas.example/bio150/extension, and the deadline: Thursday, Nov 13, 11:59 pm."
- Over-promising. To be kind, the AI says "I'm sure she'll approve it" or mentions the usual 48 hours. Try: Add: "Don't predict the answer. Offer my office hours, Wednesday 2-4 pm."
What a strong prompt includes
- Sets a word limit
- Leads with the no
- Gives the form and path
- Gives the deadline
- Avoids promises
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