1. Unit 4: Writing for the News
News Writing Basics
4-1 “LEDE”ing the Reader

2. Warm-Up Discussion What is Journalism? What makes this newsworthy?
Review?
Warm-Up Discussion
What is Journalism?
What is its purpose?
What is the most important thing a journalist must never show in their writing?
What makes this newsworthy?
Who decides?
Where do we get our news from?
What are some news stories or headlines that you have heard of recently?
Is that “hard news” or “soft news?”
What news outlet would be more likely to cover a story about twenty-one pilots? A natural disaster?

3. Doesn’t matter Hard or Soft News…
All begin with the Perfect LEDE
the WHAT & the HOW

4. What is a LEDE?
Purpose?
Purpose- sets up the story; getting the audience’s attention!
tells reader what the story will cover (5PEssay)
summarizes the story (5PEssay)
entice the reader to continue to read (NewsWriting)
Or all three (3)
What to Include…
Lead with what is newsworthy
Lead with what is dramatic and / or captivating
Inform the reader
Tease, Anger, Challenge, Tickle, or Prepare reader with what is next
Readers are picky; it you bore them, they retaliate… they refuse to read the rest of what you’ve written!
This is the part you have to take your time… it pays off in the end!!!
Include?

5. Crafting the “perfect” LEDE
TIME?
Crafting the “perfect” LEDE
Time- ½ crafting LEDE, ½ researching, interviewing, writing, completing
LEDE saves time by setting up rest of article
How?
Sets up a dialogue b/t author and audience
Steps
LEDE
Insert quote from interview
One that engages and grabs reader
Then ask what would the reader want to know next
Then answer that question
Rinse and repeat step 3!
STEPS?

6. Article Work Partner Work Examine the Article Change articles…
Break it into Parts
List common characteristics for each part
What do you notice?
Change articles…
Repeat Process
Are their similarities b/t the articles?
other than content
in regards to format or schema
For example, the lead is about words, contains 5 W’s, a hook, etc. The middle contains the action, details of the story, quotes, etc. The end contains a quote, a finite ending, etc.

11. Whole-Class Discussion… What are some of the similarities?
What did you notice???
Read the LEDE
Whole-Class Discussion…
What are some of the similarities?

12. Perfect LEDE Crafting the… 1.) 1-2 Sentences 2.) 30-45 Words
3.) Answers all of the “5 W’s”
4.) Includes a Dramatic HOOK to grab the
reader

13. Article Work (Pt. II) Think / Pair / Share Examine the Article
Homework
Practice
Article Work (Pt. II)
Think / Pair / Share
Examine the Article
Read the professionally written LEDEs
Identify the “5 W’s”
Who
What
When
Where
Why
Identify the “H”
Hook
What is not complete becomes HW
For example, the lead is about words, contains 5 W’s, a hook, etc. The middle contains the action, details of the story, quotes, etc. The end contains a quote, a finite ending, etc.