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Case 05 — Missing Constraints

Anti-pattern: Absent Role, Missing Constraints, Vague Task
Module reference: Module 1 §1.3, Module 2 §2.1

Broken Prompt

Explain machine learning.

Symptoms

This prompt will produce: - A 2000-word textbook overview when you wanted a 2-sentence summary - A PhD-level technical paper when you needed a high-school explanation - A Python tutorial when you needed conceptual understanding - A Python tutorial focused on scikit-learn when you actually use PyTorch - A different structure, depth, and focus every single run

The output is never "wrong" in an absolute sense — machine learning explanations are all valid. But none of them are right for the person asking because the person never said who they are, what they need it for, or what constraints apply.

Diagnosis Template

Fill this in before reading the solution:

  1. List all five prompt components and mark which ones are present in this prompt:
  2. Role: present / absent
  3. Context: present / absent
  4. Task: present / absent
  5. Constraints: present / absent

  6. Examples: present / absent

  7. What is the minimum additional information needed to make this prompt reliable?

  1. Rewrite the prompt for a specific use case of your choice:

Solution

See solution.md.