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Write an absence note in the exact form the school wants

Practice: Setting limits and rules. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

Your daughter missed school, and the attendance office needs an email note. The first line must read 'Absence note: Lily Moreno, Grade 4, Room 12'. Then write at most 3 sentences: the exact dates and partial day, the reason using one of the school's four reason categories word for word, and nothing else (no medical details, no apology). Write a prompt that gets that note.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Not limiting the length. The AI writes a friendly letter with background and thanks. Try: Be exact: "After the first line, at most 3 sentences."
  • Skipping the required first line. The AI starts with "Dear Attendance Office" because it doesn't know the school's format. Try: Give it: "First line exactly: Absence note: Lily Moreno, Grade 4, Room 12."
  • Copying the wrong date. Your notes list Tuesday before you corrected it. The AI may include it. Try: Say it: "She missed Monday, Nov 10 only (Tuesday was no school) and left Thursday at 12:30."
  • Over-explaining. AI adds the fever, the dentist and an apology. The office only needs the category. Try: Add: "Use only the words Illness and Appointment. No medical details, no apology."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Gives the exact first line
  • Limits the sentences
  • Fixes the dates
  • Uses the school's categories
  • Cuts the extra details

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