## Chain-of-Thought Examples **Good CoT Prompt:** "A train travels 120 miles in 2 hours, then 180 miles in 3 hours. What is its average speed for the entire journey? Think through this step by step, showing your calculations." Why it works: Complex calculation benefits from showing intermediate steps. **Bad CoT Prompt:** "What is 5 + 3? Think step by step." Why it's bad: Trivial calculation doesn't benefit from step-by-step reasoning. ## Few-Shot Examples **Good Few-Shot Prompt:** ``` Convert user stories into test descriptions: Example 1: User Story: As a user, I want to reset my password so I can regain access Test: User can request password reset and receive email with reset link Example 2: User Story: As an admin, I want to deactivate accounts so I can manage access Test: Admin can deactivate user account and user loses access Now convert: User Story: As a user, I want to filter search results by date ``` Why it works: Format transformation isn't obvious, examples show the pattern. **Bad Few-Shot Prompt:** ``` Write Python functions. Example: def add(a, b): return a + b Now write a multiply function. ``` Why it's bad: Writing basic functions is standard knowledge, examples add no value. ## XML Context Separation Examples **Good XML Usage:** ``` Rails app using RSpec for testing, FactoryBot for test data, Pundit for authorization 1. Add admin role 2. Restrict user deletion to admins 3. Add admin dashboard For each work item, follow TDD: write failing test, implement feature, verify tests pass ``` Why it works: Three distinct information types clearly separated. **Bad XML Usage:** ``` Write code that works and follows our standards. ``` Why it's bad: Single vague piece of information doesn't need XML.