1. Writing an Article
How to LEAD

2. Once a journalist collects information, the next step is to turn it into a newsworthy story or article.
Every article begins the same way, with a “lead”

3. How to LEAD What is a “lead?”
Simple, brief statement that makes up the first paragraph of your story
First step:
Determine what will make the story relevant.
What makes it newsworthy?
6 questions every story must answer:
Who, what, where, when, why, how
Length:
30 words or fewer.

4. Leads Bad Lead Good Lead
On Friday, July 15, 2001, three students won a statewide choral competition.
Good Lead
Three High School juniors took home $500 and top honors Friday in a statewide choral contest.

5. Do Now:
Using the articles in front of you, pull the essential information (5W’s/H) out of the article and complete the graphic organizer.
Pass the graphic organizer on to a friend. Using only the 5W’s and H, you must now create a lead based on this information alone.
Remember:
Be specific – who, what, where, when, why, how?
Keep it under 30 words