First Sentence In A News Article: What's It Called?

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Ever wondered what that first sentence in a news article is called? It's called a lead (sometimes spelled "lede"), and it's arguably the most important part of the entire piece! Think of it as the hook that reels you in, the opening act that sets the stage, or the first impression that determines whether you stick around for the whole story. In the world of journalism, crafting a compelling lead is an art form, a skill honed over years of practice and a deep understanding of what makes readers tick. A great lead grabs your attention, tells you what the story is about, and makes you want to keep reading. It's a tall order for just one sentence, but when done right, it can make all the difference. So, next time you're reading the news, pay close attention to that first sentence – it's doing some serious heavy lifting!

Why the Lead is So Important

Okay, so we know the first sentence is called the lead, but why all the fuss about it? Well, in today's fast-paced world, attention spans are shorter than ever. People are bombarded with information from all sides, and they're constantly making split-second decisions about what to read, watch, or listen to. That means your lead has to work extra hard to cut through the noise and capture their interest. Think of it like this: you're scrolling through your social media feed and you see a headline that catches your eye. What makes you click on it? Chances are, it's the promise of something interesting, important, or relevant to your life. A good lead does the same thing for a news article. It tells you why you should care about the story, what's at stake, and what you're going to learn if you keep reading. And if it fails to do that, you're likely to move on to the next thing. The lead also sets the tone for the entire article. Is it a serious investigation? A lighthearted feature? The lead gives you a sense of what to expect and helps you decide whether it's worth your time. It's like the opening scene of a movie – it establishes the mood, introduces the characters, and hints at the plot. So, yeah, the lead is kind of a big deal.

Types of Leads

Now that we know why the lead is so important, let's talk about the different types of leads you might encounter. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a lead, and the best type will depend on the story you're trying to tell. Here are a few common types of leads:

  • Summary Lead: This is the most traditional type of lead, and it's exactly what it sounds like: a brief summary of the main points of the story. It typically answers the questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how. For example, "President Biden announced a new plan to combat climate change on Tuesday, promising to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030."
  • Anecdotal Lead: This type of lead starts with a short, engaging story or anecdote that relates to the main topic of the article. It's a great way to draw readers in and make them feel emotionally connected to the story. For example, "Sarah lost everything in the recent flood – her home, her car, and all of her possessions. But amidst the devastation, she found hope in the kindness of strangers."
  • Question Lead: This type of lead poses a question to the reader, inviting them to think about the topic and consider their own perspective. It can be effective, but it's important to make sure the question is relevant and thought-provoking. For example, "Are we doing enough to protect our planet from the effects of climate change?"
  • Quote Lead: This type of lead starts with a powerful or insightful quote from a key figure in the story. It can add credibility and impact to the article. For example, ""This is a crisis unlike anything we've ever seen,"" said Dr. Smith, a leading expert on infectious diseases."
  • Direct Address Lead: This type of lead speaks directly to the reader, making them feel like they're part of the story. It can be effective for creating a sense of urgency or importance. For example, "If you're worried about the rising cost of healthcare, you're not alone."

How to Write a Great Lead

So, you want to write a killer lead that grabs readers' attention and keeps them hooked? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Keep it short and sweet. Aim for around 25-30 words. Remember, you're trying to entice readers, not overwhelm them.
  2. Focus on the most important information. What's the main point of your story? What do readers need to know right away?
  3. Make it clear and concise. Avoid jargon, technical terms, and ambiguous language.
  4. Use strong verbs and active voice. This will make your lead more dynamic and engaging.
  5. Consider your audience. Who are you writing for? What are their interests and concerns?
  6. Test it out. Ask a friend or colleague to read your lead and tell you what they think. Does it grab their attention? Does it make them want to keep reading?
  7. Don't bury the lead! Make sure the most important information is front and center. Avoid burying it in the middle of the sentence or at the end.

Examples of Great Leads

To give you a better idea of what a great lead looks like, here are a few examples from well-known news organizations:

  • "President Biden on Thursday announced a new plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt for millions of Americans." (Summary Lead)
  • "The first time I saw her, she was standing on a street corner, holding a sign that read "Homeless and Hungry." (Anecdotal Lead)
  • "What if everything you thought you knew about nutrition was wrong?" (Question Lead)
  • ""This is a historic moment for our country,"" said Vice President Harris after the Senate passed the voting rights bill." (Quote Lead)
  • "If you're tired of paying high prices for gas, you're not alone." (Direct Address Lead)

The Lead vs. the Headline

It's important to distinguish between the lead and the headline, as they serve different purposes. The headline is a brief, attention-grabbing summary of the article that appears at the top of the page. It's designed to entice readers to click on the article and start reading. The lead, on the other hand, is the first sentence of the article itself. It provides more detail than the headline and sets the stage for the rest of the story. Think of the headline as the bait and the lead as the hook. Both are important for attracting readers, but they play different roles in the process.

Mastering the Art of the Lead

Writing a great lead is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. But with a little effort and attention to detail, you can learn to craft leads that grab readers' attention, tell them what the story is about, and make them want to keep reading. So, next time you're writing a news article, remember the importance of the lead and take the time to get it right. It could make all the difference in whether your story is read and remembered.

So, there you have it, folks! The first sentence in a news article is called the lead, and it's a crucial element in attracting and engaging readers. Now you're armed with the knowledge to recognize a great lead when you see one and even write your own! Happy writing!