Well Written Leads

Here are some examples of well written leads:

1. This lead is effective because it contains all 5W's and the H, so I get all the most important information right away. It is also quite enticing, because I want to know exactly what kinds of plans were laid out and how it turned out for the murder trial of Mr. Trice.

2. I found this to be a good lead because it gives plenty of information. I know that the article will be about the town of Pilger, and that its future due to the summer tornadoes sort of "hangs in the balance." Most Nebraskans would also be drawn to read an article with a lead like this because these events received so much media attention, and many will want to know whether there will be a resolution of any kind for the town.

3. I chose this lead as well-written because all available information is listed. Sure, we don't know from the lead who the suspects are, but neither do police, so readers know exactly as much as law enforcement does just from reading this sentence.

4. Most journalists would find this lead effective because it grabs readers' attention immediately by mentioning Ebola, something that sort of strikes a fear in the public. I also know who is involved in this story, as well as what (that he's expected to make a full recovery). Lots of readers would continue to read a story with a lead like this, also, because it seems that "good news" is so rare these days, and this lead sort of promises it.

5. This is a good lead because the word choice really hooks readers in. Right off the bat, the writer calls the subject of the article a "daredevil," so it immediately has a tone of excitement and anticipation. It also contains all 5W's and the H to make it plenty informative.