The three characteristics that apply to an effective opening statement are:
- Includes a call to action - An effective opening statement often encourages the audience to think or act in a certain way.
- States only facts - An effective opening statement can often include factual information to establish credibility and context.
- Logical - An effective opening statement should present ideas in a logical manner, making it clear and understandable to the audience.
The options "states the writer's opinion" and "avoids controversy" may not necessarily align with effectiveness in every context. An opinion can be effective in certain scenarios, especially in persuasive writing, and controversy can engage the audience.