Opening lines are the first sentences or phrases in a piece of writing, such as a book, article, or speech. They are crucial because they set the tone and grab the reader's attention. A strong opening line can entice readers to continue, while a weak one may cause them to lose interest. In literature, famous opening lines, like those from Charles Dickens or Jane Austen, often become iconic and are remembered long after the work is published. In journalism, effective opening lines provide a hook that draws readers into the story, making them eager to learn more about the topic at hand.