When engineering a prompt, determining the "Scope" is vital for achieving a high-quality response. Scope refers to the boundaries and breadth of the request. A prompt with a scope that is too broad (e.g., "Tell me everything about history") will result in a superficial, overly generalized, and likely unhelpful response. Conversely, a prompt with a scope that is too narrow might exclude necessary context.

Effective prompt engineering involves "right-sizing" the scope to match the user's specific needs. This includes defining the timeframe, the specific sub-topics to be covered, and the level of detail required. By managing the scope, the user prevents the AI from "hallucinating" or filling in gaps with irrelevant information. It also helps manage the model's token limit and ensures that the most important information is prioritized in the output. While factors like uniqueness or location might be relevant in very specific niche cases, "Scope" is a universal pillar of prompt construction. It ensures that the AI stays focused on the task at hand, delivering a concentrated and accurate response that fits within the user's practical requirements.