MODIFIED NEWS LEADS

Modified News Leads Believe it or not, the inverted- pyramid form can bore some people! For this reason, reporters sometimes modify their leads by dividing the essential facts into two paragraphs (or “grafs”). Ready for an example?

An example… After taking her junior year off from the tennis team, Sally Clark (who) is now (when) the No. 1 singles player on this year’s varsity team (what). She took the year off to enroll (why) in a private tennis school (where), where she honed her skills (how).

Modified News Leads When reporters use this technique, readers are often tempted to read PAST the lead and into the second paragraph, which answers many of the readers’ questions. This second paragraph of a modified lead is called a nut graf because it can contain some of the most important information. (It’s the story “in a nutshell”)

Modified News Leads Keep in mind, however, that the most important information still comes first — it’s just told differently. In the “tennis” example, the WHO and WHAT still come first (as they usually do).

A special kind of modified lead One type of modified lead often used by writers is called the vignette lead (pronounced VIN-yet). What is a vignette lead? When do I use it? A vignette lead uses storytelling to hook the reader. Sometimes, writers will use it in a somewhat boring story to help make it more “human” and personal.

Vignette leads ctd. Is it still only one paragraph? Not always…a vignette lead can take 1-4 paragraphs to tell a story about a person before leading into a nut graf.

Vignette leads ctd. Example: John Doe stares straight ahead, not quite aware of his surroundings. His eyelids get heavier, and his head starts to droop. Just before his head hits the desk, his teacher, Mr. Steve Smith, yells: “John! Wake up!” Doe is just one of many THS students who try to catch some sleep during their classes, albeit unsuccessfully. (nut graf).

Some other types of leads… Descriptive--starts out by describing the scene of a story. (Good to use when the “where” is very important) Comparative--gives a “then” and “now” to update an older story. (EXAMPLE: “In 1995, minimum wage was $4.25. Now, teens make up to $8 per hour at their jobs.” Remember: Creativity is key! You don’t have to stick to formulas!

Some examples: Two plus one equals three – years of math, that is. Current high school students are required to fulfill 22 credits to graduate high school with nine of those credits being elective classes, two being science classes and two being math. However, the class of 2012 will be required to pass three math classes to graduate high school and the class of 2013 and younger will need four credits of math and three of science. -Samantha Mehnert, The Talon, Feb. 1, 2008 Lead  Nut graf 

Some examples: It may new a campus to him, but it won’t be a new job. Bryce Anderson came to visit the campus and administration on March 27. Anderson will replace interim principal Cindy Rudrud at the beginning of the school year. The decision was announced at a Jan. 22 board meeting. -Puja Patel, The Talon, April 10, 2008 Lead  Nut graf 

Let ’ s write one! Who: THS assistant principals What: increasing patrols When: this week Where: in bathrooms Why: because of 5 fires that scorched bathrooms this month How: checking bathrooms every 2 minutes

Let ’ s write one! Some students may be feeling the heat after security monitors stepped up patrols this week following several fires. Assistant principals say they are increasing random patrols after five fires scorched the girls bathroom in the 1300 hall this month.

Now you try: Who: THS varsity girls’ basketball What: starting season after winning region championships for 7 straight years. When: tonight Where: in gym Why: -- How: with 5 returning seniors starting