ChatGPT as Your Personal Tutor: Prompts for Language Learners

The era of expensive private tutors is ending. With Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, you have access to a polyglot genius 24/7—for free. But most people only use it as a glorified Google Translate. Here is how to unlock its full potential.

1. The "Roleplay" Prompt

Textbooks are static. AI is dynamic. You can simulate real-life conversations.

Prompt: "Act as a grumpy barista in a busy cafe in Paris. I am a customer ordering coffee. Ask me questions one by one. Correct my French mistakes after each response, then continue the roleplay."

This provides interactive practice in a low-stakes environment.

2. The "Simplifier" Prompt

Found an article that is too hard to read? Don't give up.

Prompt: "Rewrite the following text to CEFR A2 level (Upper Beginner). Keep the meaning but simplify the vocabulary and grammar: [Paste Text]"

Now you have your own custom graded reader.

3. The "Grammar Detective" Prompt

Don't just ask for the fix; ask for the why.

Prompt: "Here is a sentence I wrote: [Sentence]. Is it natural? If not, please correct it and explain the grammar rule I violated. Also, give me 3 more examples using this rule."

4. The "Vocabulary Expansion" Prompt

Learn words in clusters.

Prompt: "I want to talk about [Cooking]. Give me the 20 most common verbs and nouns related to cooking in Spanish. Put them in a table with English translations and an example sentence for each."

5. The "Opposite Perspective" Prompt

To master advanced argumentation:

Prompt: "I am going to argue that [Video Games are good for kids]. Debate me in German. Counter my points one by one."