I Used AI to Save All the Unread Articles
Boost your article engagement with AI-generated, attention-grabbing openings. Learn prompt templates for storytelling, science, and opinion pieces.
Every writer knows how crucial the opening of an article is.
In this era of information overload, capturing a reader's attention is more valuable than ever.
Statistics show that over 60% of readers on social media platforms decide whether to continue reading within the first 10 seconds of the opening.
If the opening isn’t engaging, even the best content struggles to retain readers.
I've noticed while coaching students that there are two major challenges in writing: the title, which we’ve discussed before, and the opening.
But now, things are different. With AI as a writing assistant, creating a strong opening is no longer a problem.
I've compiled three prompt templates, each tailored to three common writing scenarios.
This also reflects an important approach to **writing prompts**:
Consider the writing task and context instead of describing it in vague terms.
When you provide precise requirements, AI can generate high-quality content.
1. Opening for Storytelling Articles
The hardest part of storytelling is the first sentence.
Too plain, and no one cares; too exaggerated, and it feels forced.
That's when AI can be your literary assistant:
Prompt:
You are now a professional story writer, skilled at creating concise yet tension-filled openings that grab the reader's attention. I want to write a story about <topic>, targeted at <audience>. Please provide 5 different styles of opening sentences using flashbacks/suspense/dialogue, each under 50 words. Requirements: concise and powerful, avoid clichés, add suspense and conflict.
2. Opening for Science Popularization Articles
The biggest fear with science popularization articles is that the opening is too technical or too dry—but it can’t be overly casual either.
The goal is to be both professional and interesting:
Prompt:
You are an experienced science writer, skilled at turning professional knowledge into accessible content. I need to write a science article about <topic>, targeted at <audience>. Use metaphors, analogies, or counterintuitive approaches to craft 3 engaging introductory paragraphs. Requirements: easy to understand, fun, and under 100 words.
3. Opening for Opinion Articles
For opinion pieces, starting with an argument can put readers to sleep.
But with the right AI prompt, you can craft an eye-catching opening in no time:
Prompt:
Act as a seasoned opinion writer with sharp observations and a unique perspective. I want to write an opinion piece about <topic>, aiming to captivate <audience>. Start with an observable phenomenon and use unconventional thinking to create 4 striking introductions. Requirements: insightful, sharp language, evoke reader resonance, under 80 words.
With these three prompts, you can say goodbye to the struggle of writing openings.
With slight adjustments, they can perfectly suit your article’s theme.
A good opening is like a hook—it should make readers want to read the next sentence right after the first.
After all, in this age of information overload, reader patience is more precious than gold. If the opening doesn’t capture them, the rest of the content goes to waste.
Learn to use AI, and make sure every article you write starts by grabbing attention.
