1. Informational Writing Lesson 7: Writing Effective Leads

2. Objectives for Today: Learning Targets:
I can write an effective lead for my feature article, using my Mentor Texts and the lesson from today.

3. Inviting Introductions:
Your task as a feature article writer is to:
immediately “reach” your readers by using a catchy, engaging, and interesting lead
give your reader a preview of what the article will be about

4. Examples of Leads: Topic = Electric Cars
Narrative:
The first time Sara drove an electric car, she thought something was wrong. When she put the key into the ignition, the car didn’t start. There was silence, dead silence. It took her awhile, but Sara finally realized the car was on. Embarrassed by not knowing the car was on, Sara tentatively put the car into gear and started down the highway. Again, she was caught off guard by the silence. Sara was used to the noisy hum of gasoline cars and was used to turning up the radio to hear it over the noisy gasoline combustion engine. However, electric cars are very quiet, so quiet that… “You can almost hear a needle drop while driving one,” Sara said.

5. Examples of Leads: Topic = Electric Cars
Painting a Picture:
The clean, odorless connection to my car triggers the thoughts of a crystal clean stream in the forest. I relax as the memories of smelly, often dirty gasoline fuel pumps and noisy gas stations fade as I quietly plug in my car to its connection point. Knowing that I do not contribute to air pollution makes me realize that I am a good global citizen.

6. Examples of Leads: Topic = Electric Cars
Talking to your reader:
I know what you are thinking. Being tied down to charging a car limits your freedom. No one wants to be held hostage to being plugged in. Most people already loathe looking at their phone to see how much battery power they have left. But changing the way we live and think has great rewards. Buying an electric car actually can liberate you and make you feel better about how you are helping the environment.

7. Examples of Leads: Topic = Canine Companions
Question/Answer:
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk through the busy streets of New York City without the use of your sight? The visually impaired experience obstacles like this on a daily basis, and it can sometimes be a difficult and lonely life. But with the help of a furry, four- legged friend, things are made a little bit easier.

8. Examples of Leads: Topic = Space Race
Dramatic Lead:
It was mind-boggling. The television itself had been a flat-out miracle when it began to dominate the scene a mere twenty years previous. And now, that technological wonder of wonders was going to trump itself. Because very soon, if all went according to plan, it would transmit pictures of an actual man, on the actual moon.