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

prompt-level-selection