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Format: Article

Purpose​

Use for structured, evidence-backed coverage of one clear topic.

Canonical Structure​

  1. Lead: reader problem and promised outcome
  2. Context: why this matters now
  3. Main sections: 2-10 claims with evidence/examples, scaled to target length
  4. Practical takeaway: what to do next

Rules​

Rule: State the Core Claim in the First 3 Lines​

Description: Readers should know the article's thesis immediately. Negative example: "Writing has evolved over time in many different ways..." Positive example: "This article shows how to reduce reader drop-off with a 4-part section pattern."

Rule: One Claim Per Section​

Description: Keep each section focused on one argument. Negative example: Mixing tooling setup, audience psychology, and editing in one section. Positive example: One section on "openings," one on "evidence," one on "revision."

Rule: Scale Section Count to Target Length​

Description: Increase section count as depth increases so each section keeps a distinct role. Negative example: 2,500 words spread across three broad sections with repeated intent. Positive example: 900 words with 4-6 sections, or 2,000 words with 6-8 sections and clear progression.

Rule: Pair Claims With Evidence​

Description: Use examples, numbers, or counterexamples. Negative example: "This works well for everyone." Positive example: "In our sample, adding section previews reduced bounce by 18%."

Rule: Maintain Intro, Body, and Outro Proportions​

Description: Keep the introduction and conclusion compact relative to the body, and scale paragraphs by article size. Negative example: A long introduction that consumes one-third of the article. Positive example: Small article intro in 1-2 paragraphs, medium in 2-4, large in 3-5; body depth scales proportionally.

Rule: Use Subheads as Navigation Milestones​

Description: In longer articles, subheads should mark each major turn in the argument. Negative example: A long article with one heading and no intermediate structure. Positive example: Distinct subheads for problem framing, evidence, and implementation guidance.

Rule: Continue Without Rehashing Prior Sections​

Description: Each section should advance the argument from where the draft currently stands. Negative example: Repeating prior section summaries before introducing new substance. Positive example: Brief bridge sentence followed by new mechanism, evidence, or action.

Rule: Frame Section Titles Around Reader Questions​

Description: Section headings should mirror likely search intent or practical reader questions when possible. Negative example: Generic headings such as "Part 1" or "More Thoughts." Positive example: "Why Teams Lose Two Weeks in Approval Loops" and "How to Add Owner-Deadline-Signal in One Pass."

Rule: Define Section Utility as Mechanism, Evidence, or Action​

Description: During planning, each section should state what makes it useful before drafting full prose. Negative example: Section notes that only repeat broad themes without a clear utility type. Positive example: One section centered on mechanism, one on proof, and one on implementation steps.

Rule: Format Enumerations as Lists​

Description: When presenting multiple examples or steps, convert them into bulleted or numbered lists. Negative example: Multi-line sentence containing five comma-separated recommendations. Positive example: Intro sentence followed by a five-item list.

Rule: Close With Action​

Description: End with one concrete implementation step. Negative example: "Hope this helps." Positive example: "Rewrite your first section using claim -> evidence -> takeaway."

Quick Title QA Checklist​

Before publishing, verify:

  • The title names a clear audience.
  • The title states what the reader gets.
  • The title signals scope (one idea or many).
  • The title makes the payoff explicit.
  • The opening section starts delivering the title promise immediately.

See also: references/headline-writing-systems.md See also: references/target-length-guidance.md See also: references/content-frameworks.md

Best-Fit Content Intent​

  • deep-dive-analysis
  • how-to-guide
  • case-study
  • opinion-piece
  • cornerstone