REVIEW: A Dozen Leads and More Journalism 1A Ms. Rhude There are various ways an article can be written.

The first introduction of style or information is done through the lead. Remember, lead and lede are interchangeable. The lead is usually the first words of the story. It is usually the first sentence or the first paragraph in a news story. It has to have a point, it has to have timeliness, it can also set the scene. The nut graph (short for paragraph) is usually the paragraph after the lead, though it may be included in the lead. It is the why, the purpose for why the article is written. Most leads are combinations of the leads listed below. The lead styles mentioned after the Anecdote lead are actually subsets of an Anecdotal style of lead. These are merely ideas to spark an idea of how to lead into a story. Summary The most basic kind of lead that tell everything up front. It usually includes the 5 Ws. Ex: Jessica Olfactory, senior, found her missing nose-hair trimmer in the quad on Tuesday. Anecdote Begins a story with a fascinating example use a person or situation that illustrates the issue of the story. This is a lead with a specific detailed description of a situation that brings to lie, the nut graph in a clear and colorful way. Ex: Once while Jamie James, freshman, walked through the quad, she managed to trip over a row of backpacks, falling on the muddy grass. James has a habit of not looking hwere she is going but manages to get there regardless of the obstacles. Chronology Its a lead that gives a then-and-now perspective, or tells something in order of time or history. First, the story is set up in the past and may give a few examples of that time period. Second, theres the nut graph explaining what the situation is like now. Then, the story goes back to the past, gives a more detailed explanation of the events and finally continues on in the order set up in the lead. Ex: Previously a novice in the art of tofu origami, Ashley Troublesome, teacher of culinary arts at Chef School of Encino, showcased her spring collection of masterpieces at the Food Arts Museum. Juxtaposition two items in the lead that are opposing or contrasting are used in the lead when theres a two-sided story, such as a protest. Ex: While Congressman James Foster held a press conference explaining the benefits of eating healthy in the neighborbood, his counterpart, Congressman Jimmy Deans, held a charity benefit to promote obesity. Example - list of three items of what was at an event, what happened or who attended is a good way of summarizing the story. Use parallel structure, colorful details and make sure youre accurate!

Surprise! - Hooks the reader to the article. This lead catches the attention of the leader by using facts. Remember, extreme facts get attention Ex: In a current survey, nine out of ten students at Birmingham High School have confessed to chronic cellular phone use during school hours. Tease Similar to the surprise, this lead shocks the reader and gets them hooked. However, it usually has nothing to do with the story and takes the reader into a different direction at first. Ex: Quote - This is self-explanatory. However, remember, you need to care more of what is said, not who says it. Ex: It came out of nowhere and swooped down to grab my little gerbil, said Jennifer Melonhead, sister of victim, Biglie Melonhead, in regards to her sisters sudden disappearance. Question Also, self-explanatory. Remember, if the question is not universal, and is not of interest to everyone, then the article is of not interest. Ex: Have you ever wondered by students always remember to call their teachers by name when assignment due dates cannot be met? Scene Setting Sit down at the computer, stare at the screen, take a deep breath and get to writing the first sentence of the story. A lead like this tells the reader where the interview is taking place or it describes the opening of an event. It is laying the groundwork visually where the story is happening and showing perspective of the story through the eyes of the writer. Outline Like a summary lead, this kind of lead puts everything up from in the story and - Gives a more specific outline of the parameters of a story - Has everything in the story conform to the outline as expressed in the lead - And virtually doesnt divert from the structure set up from the beginning Sometimes this set off in separate paragraphs and dots, like this. Avery little of the story strays out of what is set up in the lead, and it never diverts from the order that is set up in the bullet points Theme - If a reporters writing seems stagnant and dry, a refreshing theme lead may bubble up and whet the writers thirst for a spurt of creativity. The dam may break by plunging headlong into a watery metaphor or an ocean full of synonymous words that can fill and arid story with a fountain of fluid puns. But dont wallow too must in a theme or else the storys point will slip into a washout and drown.