critical-article-writer/instructions/outline-templates.md

Outline Templates

Deep Analysis Article Template

ARTICLE TITLE: [Specific, question-based or claim-based]

OPENING STRATEGY: [Choose one]
- Shocking observation about [topic]
- Rhetorical question: [question that frames the piece]
- Direct assertion: "Well, [observation that challenges conventional wisdom]"

HOOK (1-2 sentences):
[Opening that captures reader attention and establishes stakes]

THESIS STATEMENT:
[Core argument in 1-2 sentences]

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SECTION I: CONTEXT & BACKGROUND
- Why this matters now
- Current industry narrative
- What most people believe about this

SECTION II: THE EVIDENCE
- Key data point #1 with source
- Key data point #2 with source  
- Key data point #3 with source
- What the data actually shows vs. what's claimed

SECTION III: THE PROBLEMATIC ASSUMPTION
- What assumption underlies the narrative
- Why this assumption is shaky
- Specific examples of where it breaks down

SECTION IV: THE REAL IMPLICATIONS
- What happens if this continues
- Who benefits (and who doesn't)
- Connected trends that amplify this

SECTION V: COUNTERARGUMENTS & NUANCE
- Legitimate point from opposing view
- Where your skepticism might be premature
- Acknowledging what you don't fully understand

CLOSING:
- Sharp observation that ties to opening
- Implied question left with reader
- What this means going forward

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TONE NOTES:
- Maintain skepticism but intellectual humility
- Use [X] specific examples
- Include [Y] pieces of supporting evidence
- Incorporate [Z] rhetorical questions

Thread Template (4-7 Posts)

THREAD TOPIC: [Main theme]
TARGET AUDIENCE: [Who should care about this]

POST 1 - THE HOOK:
[1-2 sentences capturing attention]
[Why this matters]
[Questions that lead to next posts]
#Hashtags

POST 2 - THE CONTEXT:
[What most people believe about this]
[Why that belief exists]
[First hint that something is off]

POST 3 - THE DATA:
[Specific evidence]
[What it actually shows]
[Comparison to claims]
[Link to source] →

POST 4 - THE PROBLEM:
[Why current approach is unsustainable/problematic]
[Real implications]
[Who this affects]

POST 5 - THE NUANCE: [Optional for 7-post threads]
[Legitimate points from other perspective]
[Where skepticism might be wrong]
[Complexity worth acknowledging]

POST 6 - THE IMPLICATIONS:
[What this means for industry/users]
[Connected trends]
[What to watch]

POST 7 - THE CLOSE:
[Sharp observation tying to opening]
[Call to action or question for readers]
[Invitation for input/discussion]

Quick Take Template (1-3 Sentences)

OBSERVATION:
[What you noticed/learned]

SHARP DETAIL:
[Specific fact that makes it interesting]

IMPLICATION:
[Why this matters or what to think about]

LINK: [Source or supporting material] 👉

Research-Backed Argument Template

CLAIM:
[Clear statement of position]

EVIDENCE LAYER 1:
[Data point with source]

EVIDENCE LAYER 2:
[Personal experience or specific example]

EVIDENCE LAYER 3:
[Industry analysis or comparative data]

ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
[What you don't know or where you might be wrong]

CONCLUSION:
[What reasonable people should conclude from this]

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Choose the template matching your content type, fill in specifics, then use as outline for writing the actual piece.