News Lead-writing
Cryis PolarmaeraChecklist for News Lede-Writing Exercises
The correct answers for each question are indicated. If your answers differ, revise your lede.
1. Did you use the assigned scenario for this lede? YES
2. Did you write a slug and byline at the top of the lede and an end mark at the end? YES
3. Is the lede 20 words or fewer? YES
4. Is the lede one sentence only? YES
5. Is the first word of the lede the subject of the sentence? YES
6. Is this lede a complete sentence, with all of its articles? YES
7. Does the lede sound like a headline? (It shouldn’t.) NO
8. Is the lede missing any words that it needs to be complete and clear? NO
9. Does the lede contain a verb? YES How many? List them:
10. Is each verb active voice? YES
11. Is each verb in past tense? YES
12. Have you used any of these words before another verb: is, are, was, were, be, been, being? (If so, you might have created a passive verb.) NO
13. Does your sentence say: Who-did-what, in that order? YES
14. Which word is the “who?” Which word is the “did?” Which word is the “what?” List them:
Subject (who):
Verb:
Object (what):
15. Does your sentence focus on the action that has just occurred, and not on something that happened a while ago? YES
16. Does your lede say when the action occurred? YES
17. Does it follow Associated Press style for its time element? YES
18. Have you offered your opinion in this lede, either blatantly or through the use of an adjective or an accusation? NO
19. Can you cut any more words out of this lede without making it unclear or inaccurate? NO
20. Is every word of this lede absolutely true and accurate? YES
21. Does your lede contain any names? NO
22. Does the sentence use conversational words, so it sounds natural (it should)? YES
Remember, your leads need to
· be 20 words or fewer,
· be one smooth, complete sentence with all its words in place,
· contain a time element,
· clarify location,
· clarify "who," and
· specify impact.