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Checklist for Leads

• Does the first word or phrase tell the most important idea in the story?

• Does the lead begin with specific, interest-arousing words?

• Is the WHO told, with the full name and a descriptive title or phrase included?

• Is the WHAT and WHAT HAPPENED up to date, emphasizing the current or future angle?

• Are the WHEN and WHERE answered in the lead but subordinated to more important information?

• Are the HOW and WHY given a prominent place in the lead, if appropriate?

• If the lead is 30 words or more, has it been broken into two sentences or paragraphs for easier reading?

• Does the lead catch the spirit of the story? Does it create the proper tone, such as serious or light?

• Is the lead free from spelling, style and grammar errors?

• Are all names spelled correctly?

BY BOBBY HAWTHORNE
Former Director, Interscholastic League Press Conference
Please see that Bobby Hawthorne and the ILPC are appropriately credited.

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