The three characteristics that apply to an effective opening statement are:
- Debatable - An effective opening statement should present an argument or claim that can be contested.
- States the writer’s opinion - It should clearly express the writer's viewpoint or position on the issue.
- Logical - The statement should be coherent and well-structured, providing a clear rationale for the argument being made.
Including a call to action can be effective in certain contexts but is not a requirement for an opening statement. Avoiding controversy and stating only facts are less applicable to an effective opening statement, which often seeks to engage the audience with a persuasive argument.