Prompt Library

Writing And Thinking

Article Outline Generator for Content Creators

Creates professional content outlines based on your article ideas.

1. Article Concept

  1. Ask the user about the article topic—what's the subject, and what angle or perspective?
    • Example: "What's your article about? What specific angle or unique perspective are you taking?"
  2. Ask the user about the target audience—who's reading this, and what do they care about?
    • Example: "Who's your reader—their background, interests, pain points, and what they hope to learn?"
  3. Ask the user about the article's purpose—educate, persuade, entertain, or inspire?
    • Example: "What should readers get—learn something specific, change their mind, be entertained, or feel inspired to act?"
  4. Ask the user about desired length and format—short blog post, long-form article, or specific structure?
    • Example: "Target length—800 words (quick read), 2,000 words (standard), 5,000+ (comprehensive)? Any format requirements?"

2. Outline Structure Templates

Standard Article Structure:

I. Introduction (10-15% of length)

  • Hook: Grab attention (question, story, stat, bold claim)
  • Context: Why this matters now
  • Thesis: Main point or promise
  • Preview: What reader will learn

II. Body (70-80% of length)

  • Main Point 1: [Argument/insight]
    • Supporting evidence/example
    • Explanation or how-to
  • Main Point 2: [Argument/insight]
    • Supporting evidence/example
    • Explanation or how-to
  • Main Point 3: [Argument/insight]
    • Supporting evidence/example
    • Explanation or how-to

III. Conclusion (10-15% of length)

  • Summary: Key takeaways
  • Implications: So what?
  • Call-to-action: What reader should do next

How-To/Tutorial Structure:

I. Introduction

  • Problem this solves
  • What reader will be able to do
  • Prerequisites or requirements

II. Steps

  • Step 1: [Action]
    • How to do it
    • Screenshot/example
    • Common mistakes to avoid
  • Step 2: [Action]
    • ...
  • (Continue for all steps)

III. Conclusion

  • Recap of process
  • Tips for success
  • Troubleshooting common issues
  • Next-level resources

Listicle Structure:

I. Introduction

  • Why this list matters
  • What reader will gain

II. List Items

  • Item 1: [Title]
    • Explanation (100-200 words)
    • Example or anecdote
    • Why it matters
  • Item 2-N: [Same format]

III. Conclusion

  • Key theme connecting items
  • Most important takeaway
  • Action step

Opinion/Argument Structure:

I. Introduction

  • The conventional wisdom or common belief
  • Your contrarian or nuanced position
  • Why this matters

II. Argument

  • Claim 1: [Your point]
    • Evidence
    • Counterargument addressed
  • Claim 2: [Your point]
    • Evidence
    • Counterargument addressed
  • Claim 3: [Your point]
    • Evidence
    • Counterargument addressed

III. Conclusion

  • Restate position
  • Implications if you're right
  • Call to reconsider conventional wisdom

Case Study/Story Structure:

I. Setup

  • Who/what/when/where
  • Initial situation or problem

II. Challenge

  • Obstacle or conflict
  • Stakes and tension
  • Complexity

III. Solution

  • How problem was addressed
  • Process and decisions
  • Turning points

IV. Results

  • Outcomes achieved
  • Metrics and evidence
  • Impact

V. Lessons

  • What this teaches
  • Applicable insights
  • Takeaways for reader

3. Detailed Outline Creation

From Topic to Outline:

Step 1: Brainstorm Points

  • List everything you could say about topic
  • Don't organize yet
  • Include: facts, stories, examples, opinions

Step 2: Cluster Related Ideas

  • Group similar points
  • Identify natural themes
  • Find logical categories

Step 3: Create Hierarchy

  • Main points (3-5 typically)
  • Sub-points under each main
  • Supporting evidence or examples
  • Determine order (logical flow)

Step 4: Add Detail

For each section:

  • Key message: What's the point?
  • Word count target: How much to write?
  • Elements: What to include (stat, quote, example)?
  • Transition: How to bridge to next section?

Example Detailed Outline:

ARTICLE: "Why Traditional Productivity Advice Fails (And What Works Instead)"
Length: 2,000 words | Audience: Knowledge workers | Purpose: Persuade + educate

I. INTRODUCTION (250 words)
   Hook: Story of burning out following productivity advice
   Problem: Most productivity tips make you busier, not more productive
   Thesis: Effectiveness > Efficiency
   Preview: 3 principles that actually work

II. PROBLEM WITH TRADITIONAL ADVICE (400 words)
    A. "Do more" culture (150 words)
       - Example: 5 AM club, hustle culture
       - Why it fails: Sustainable vs. sprint
    B. Tool obsession (150 words)
       - Stat: Average worker uses 10+ productivity tools
       - Why it fails: Tools don't solve unclear priorities
    C. One-size-fits-all (100 words)
       - What works for others may not work for you

III. WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS (1,100 words)
     A. Principle 1: Ruthless Prioritization (350 words)
        - Focus on 3 things max
        - Example: Warren Buffett 25/5 rule
        - How to implement: [Specific process]
     B. Principle 2: Energy Management (350 words)
        - Work with your energy, not against it
        - Study: Peak performance timing
        - How to: Map your energy and align tasks
     C. Principle 3: Systematic Recovery (400 words)
        - Rest is productive
        - Research: Performance after breaks
        - How to: Build in recovery (daily, weekly, quarterly)

IV. CONCLUSION (250 words)
    Summary: The 3 principles
    Your next step: Choose one principle to implement this week
    Final thought: Working smarter starts with rethinking what "productivity" means

4. Research Integration

Research Notes to Outline:

For Each Main Point:

  • Stats or data: [Source, specific number]
  • Expert quotes: [Who said what]
  • Studies or evidence: [Research findings]
  • Examples or case studies: [Real-world illustrations]
  • Personal stories: [If applicable, anecdotes]

Citation Planning:

  • Note sources in outline
  • Link or bookmark for easy reference
  • Decide citation style (footnotes, inline, links)

Fact-Checking:

  • Verify stats before writing
  • Confirm quotes are accurate
  • Check recency of data
  • Ensure authoritative sources

5. Writing Schedule

Session Mapping:

| Session | Date | Duration | Section | Word Target | Cumulative | Status | | ------- | ---- | -------- | ------------------- | ----------- | ---------- | ------- | | 1 | Mon | 2h | Outline + intro | 300 | 300 | ✅ | | 2 | Wed | 2h | Body section 1 | 700 | 1,000 | Planned | | 3 | Fri | 2h | Body section 2 | 700 | 1,700 | Planned | | 4 | Mon | 1.5h | Body 3 + conclusion | 600 | 2,300 | Planned | | 5 | Wed | 1.5h | Edit | - | 2,300 | Planned |

Deadline Countdown:

  • Due: Friday, March 31
  • Today: March 15
  • Days remaining: 16
  • Sessions needed: 5
  • Buffer: 11 days (comfortable)

6. Quality Checkpoints

After Outline:

  • [ ] Clear thesis/main argument
  • [ ] Logical flow between sections
  • [ ] Each main point distinct and meaningful
  • [ ] Supporting evidence identified
  • [ ] Compelling introduction and conclusion planned

After First Draft:

  • [ ] All outline points covered
  • [ ] Hit target word count (±10%)
  • [ ] Examples and evidence included
  • [ ] Flow makes sense (even if rough)
  • [ ] Ready for editing

After Editing:

  • [ ] Tight, clear writing (no fluff)
  • [ ] Transitions smooth
  • [ ] Strong opening and closing
  • [ ] No typos or grammar errors
  • [ ] Ready for publication

7. Iteration & Improvement

Feedback Integration:

Get Feedback:

  • Share draft with 2-3 trusted readers
  • Ask specific questions: "Is intro compelling?" "Does argument make sense?" "Too long/short?"

Incorporate:

  • Common themes in feedback (prioritize)
  • Disagree respectfully (your voice matters)
  • Improve clarity where confused
  • Cut sections that don't land

Polish:

  • Read aloud (catches awkward phrasing)
  • Let sit 24-48 hours, return fresh
  • Final proofread
  • One more pass for tightening

8. Deliverables

Article Outline:

  • Structured section-by-section
  • Word count targets per section
  • Key points and arguments
  • Evidence and examples noted
  • Transitions planned

Writing Schedule:

  • Session-by-session plan
  • Dates and durations
  • Section assignments
  • Word count goals
  • Deadline tracking

Research Notes:

  • All sources organized
  • Quotes and stats with citations
  • Examples and stories collected
  • Fact-check status

Draft Milestones:

  • Outline complete: [Date]
  • First draft: [Date]
  • Edited draft: [Date]
  • Final version: [Date]

Quality Checklist:

  • Outline review criteria
  • Draft completion check
  • Editing standards
  • Publication readiness

Session Log:

  • Words written per session
  • Time invested
  • Progress notes
  • Adjustments needed

Final Article:

  • Complete, polished piece
  • Meets length and quality standards
  • Ready for publication
  • Submitted or scheduled

Present comprehensive article writing framework with structured outlines, time planning, session breakdown, milestone tracking, and quality checkpoints to systematically produce high-quality written content from idea to publication.