Prompt Level Selection Skill

Guide selection of the appropriate prompt level for a task using the seven levels framework.

Purpose

Match task complexity to the right prompt level. Start simple, add complexity only when needed.

When to Use

• Starting a new prompt

• Upgrading existing prompt

• Unsure which level fits

• Teaching prompt engineering

The Seven Levels Quick Reference

Level Name Use When

1 High-Level Simple repeatable task

2 Workflow Sequential steps needed

3 Control Flow Conditionals or loops

4 Delegation Multiple agents needed

5 Higher-Order Processing other prompts

6 Template Meta Generating prompts

7 Self-Improving Knowledge accumulation

Decision Tree

Is this a simple, repeatable task? ├── Yes -> Level 1 (High-Level Prompt) └── No | Does it need sequential steps? ├── Yes -> Does it need conditionals/loops? | ├── Yes -> Does it delegate to agents? | | ├── Yes -> Level 4 (Delegation) | | └── No -> Level 3 (Control Flow) | └── No -> Level 2 (Workflow) └── No | Does it process other prompts? ├── Yes -> Level 5 (Higher-Order) └── No | Does it generate prompts? ├── Yes -> Level 6 (Template Meta) └── No | Does it need to learn over time? ├── Yes -> Level 7 (Self-Improving) └── No -> Reassess requirements

The 80/20 Rule

"Levels 3-4 cover 80% of practical use cases."

Level Range Coverage Complexity

1-2 40% Low

3-4 80% Medium (Sweet Spot)

5-7 20% High

Don't over-engineer. Most tasks fit in Levels 3-4.

Selection Process

Step 1: Understand the Task

Ask:

• What does this task accomplish?

• How often will it be repeated?

• What inputs does it need?

• What outputs does it produce?

Step 2: Check Complexity Indicators

Indicator Points To

One-time or rare Level 1

Sequential steps Level 2+

"If X then Y" Level 3+

"Run N agents" Level 4

"Process this spec file" Level 5

"Create prompts for..." Level 6

"Learn and improve" Level 7

Step 3: Start Low, Upgrade If Needed

• Start with lowest applicable level

• Build and test the prompt

• If insufficient, upgrade one level

• Repeat until task is satisfied

Level Selection Examples

Example 1: "Start the dev server"

Analysis: Simple, repeatable, no variables Level: 1 (High-Level Prompt)

Example 2: "Create an implementation plan"

Analysis: Sequential steps, needs input, produces output Level: 2 (Workflow Prompt)

Example 3: "Generate N images with validation"

Analysis: Loop required, conditional checking Level: 3 (Control Flow)

Example 4: "Research topic with 5 parallel agents"

Analysis: Multiple agents, aggregation needed Level: 4 (Delegation Prompt)

Example 5: "Build from this spec file"

Analysis: Accepts another prompt/spec as input Level: 5 (Higher-Order)

Example 6: "Create new slash commands"

Analysis: Generates prompts in specific format Level: 6 (Template Meta Prompt)

Example 7: "Hook expert that learns patterns"

Analysis: Accumulates expertise over time Level: 7 (Self-Improving Prompt)

Output Format

When recommending a level:

Level Selection

Task: [description]

Recommended Level: [1-7] ([name])

Rationale:

• [reason 1]
• [reason 2]

Key Sections Needed:

• [section 1]
• [section 2]

Alternative Consideration: Level [N] if [condition]

Red Flags

Red Flag Issue Solution

Jumping to Level 6-7 Over-engineering Start at Level 2-3

Level 1 for complex task Under-engineering Add Workflow section

Level 4 for single-agent Unnecessary delegation Use Level 2-3

No clear level fit Vague requirements Clarify task scope

Key Quote

"Three times marks a pattern. Copy whatever you're doing and write it as a high level prompt, then move up the levels from there."

Cross-References

• @seven-levels.md - Detailed level descriptions

• @prompt-sections-reference.md - Sections for each level

• @stakeholder-trifecta.md - Communication considerations

Version History

• v1.0.0 (2025-12-26): Initial release

Last Updated

Date: 2025-12-26 Model: claude-opus-4-5-20251101