Today you’ll explore how journalists begin their articles. You don’t need to know all the types yet—just observe, discuss,
and try your best to identify what makes each lead effective
Follow-Up Activity: “Lead Lab: Edit & Elevate”
Duration: 1 Hour
Format: Individual or Pairs
Focus Competencies:
• Differentiates types of leads for news and feature articles
• Writes and revises leads with clarity and purpose
Activity Overview:
Students will receive a set of poorly written or unclear leads and act as editors. Their task is to:
1. Identify the lead type
2. Determine if it’s for a news or feature article
3. Revise the lead to make it more effective, engaging, and appropriate for its category
Instructions:
1. Read each lead carefully.
2. Fill out the table: (Students may copy the table on pad paper)
o What type of lead is it trying to be?
o Is it for a news or feature article?
o What’s wrong or unclear about it?
o Rewrite the lead to improve it.
Lead Lab Table
Original Lead
There was a thing that
happened in the city and
people were shocked.
“It’s crazy out here,” said
someone at the scene.
Have you ever wondered why
the sky is blue?
A student did something
amazing last week.
The market was busy and
noisy.
Lead Type
News or Feature?
What’s Wrong?
Too vague; lacks specifics
No context; unclear who or
what it's about
Off-topic for a news article
No details; lacks hook or
clarity
Descriptive but lacks
direction or purpose
Rewritten Lead
Exit Slip: Reflecting on Leads
1. What is one type of lead you learned today? Describe it briefly.
2. Which lead type do you find most interesting or effective? Why?
3. What’s one thing you still find confusing or want to learn more about?
4. Write a short lead (1–2 sentences) for either a news or feature topic of your choice.