Article outline with a clear argument

Create a detailed outline for an article.

Topic: {{topic}}
Format: {{format}}
Reader and what they already know: {{audience}}
The point I want to make: {{thesis}}
Target length: {{word_count}} words
What I already have (research, stories, data): {{material}}

Build the outline so that:
- It opens with a hook idea and states the thesis in a single sentence.
- Each section has a heading, a one-line purpose ("this section proves/explains..."), 2-4 bullet points and a suggested word count.
- The sections build logically: each one answers the question the previous one raises.
- It includes the strongest counterargument and where to answer it.
- It flags where I still need evidence, examples or an expert quote, using "NEEDS:" tags.
- It finishes with a conclusion that does more than summarise.

Output format: thesis line, then the outline in numbered sections, then a list of all NEEDS items ordered by priority. Ask me up to 3 questions first only if the thesis is unclear.