Saint Vincent de Paul Diocesan College

Andres Soriano Avenue, Mangagoy, Bislig City

College Department – Teacher Education
Second Semester, Academic Year 2020-2021

LESSON 3: Getting Started:

Crafting the
READGood
andLead.
EXPLORE
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. Name the different kinds of lead;

2. Apply techniques in writing grammatical-beginning lead;
3. Distinguish information in select leads; and
4. Organize gathered data into specific news leads.

READ and EXPLORE

Parts of the News
Newspaper articles require a style of writing different from what is used when writing a story.
This was discussed in the previous chapter of this book. Also, never delete in your mind the image of
an inverted triangle when writing a news article. For purposes of iteration, the opening statement or
paragraph bears the most important information. This one-sentence-one-paragraph is called the lead.
For you to understand better, here is a typical skeleton of a newspaper article containing the five basic
parts.

1. Headline. This is a short, attention-getting statement about the event. It capsulizes the first
paragraph.
2. Byline. This indicates the name of the writer or writers of the news article.
3. Lead Paragraph. This contains the major who, what, when, where, why and how in it. A
writer must find answers to the major five W's and one H. However, he should choose the
answers that bear the most significant elements to avoid overcrowding the paragraph.
4. Major details. After the lead paragraph is written, the writer will now decide to weave the
major details into paragraphs. Take note, still, that for beginners, the use of one-sentence-
equivalent-to-one-paragraph rule should be strictly followed. The writer should still observe
coherence of ideas.
5. Minor Details. Should there be more space in the paper, the least important details may be
written. This will give the editor a wider perspective of the news, that he/she may paraphrase
or inject some of them in the major details.

The Lead
As iterated, the lead is the story's opening sentence or two. Previously, it was discussed that
straight news, tells the most important facts of the story. In a feature article or news feature, the lead
could be a word, a phrase, a sentence or a paragraph that attracts and sustains the reader's interest.

It is a rule of thumb that the lead in a news story, particularly in straight news, need not be too
long. As the popular adage says, "A lead should be like a miniskirt, short enough to be attractive, but
long enough to cover the essentials." However, how long is long? How short is short? American
researches suggest that for an averag reader, one sentence or paragraph should contain 17 to 35
words for him/her to comprehend at once the message of the sentence. The lesser words in a
sentence, the higher its comprehensibility.

GILBERT J. CONDE LESSON 3: GETTING STARTED; CRAFTING THE

GOOD LEAD
1
 Saint Vincent de Paul Diocesan College
Andres Soriano Avenue, Mangagoy, Bislig City
College Department – Teacher Education
Second Semester, Academic Year 2020-2021

Major Classifications of Lead

1. Summary lead. It answers the five W's and one H (What, Who, Where, When, Why and
How). As iterated, the story is presented using the inverted triangle form where the most
important data are in the first and the second paragraphs. This is used in the straight news. As
the nomenclature suggests, it summarizes only the MOST important five W's and H.

2. The Grammatical-Beginning Lead. This classification of lead paragraphs still gives

emphasis on the logical importance of the major details, however, it is also equally concerned
with its grammatical structure. There is an avenue to break the monotony of summary or
conventional lead paragraphs.

3. Unorthodox lead or novelty lead. It is best used to attract the reader's attention, to
arouse his/her curiosity and to sustain his/her interest. It is used in writing a news feature or a
feature article.

Kinds of Summary Lead

As stated earlier, the summary lead uses the 5 W's and one H as bases for starting such a lead.
The position of the W's and H is determined by their degree of importance. In discussing the kinds of
summary lead, the details in the box are used.

At the Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday, the Board of Trustees of the
Batanes State College approved the new grading system which will take effect next semester.

1. What lead. This is applied if the most important angle of the news is the event per se.

Example:
The new grading system in Batanes State College will be imposed next semester after
the Board of Trustees approved the resolution at the Commission on Higher Education Central
Office yesterday.

2. Who lead. This type of lead is used if the most important angle of the news is the person
involved, thus, more significant than the event.

Example:
The members of the Board of Trustees of the Batanes State College approved yesterday
the new grading system at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office.

3. Where lead. If the location where the event takes place is more significant than the other
aspects of the news, then this kind of lead is best applied. Example: At the Commission on
Higher Education Central Office yesterday, the Board of Trustees of the Batanes State College
approved the new grading system which will take effect next semester.

4. When lead. This type of lead is seldom used since this is only applicable when the time
element is more important than the other angles of the story. Nonetheless, it suggests urgency
and immediacy.

Example:
Yesterday at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office, the Board of Trustees
of the Batanes State College approved the new grading system which will take effect next
semester.

5. Why lead. If the cause of the event is the most effective angle of the story, this type of lead
is best suited.

GILBERT J. CONDE LESSON 3: GETTING STARTED; CRAFTING THE

GOOD LEAD
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 Saint Vincent de Paul Diocesan College
Andres Soriano Avenue, Mangagoy, Bislig City
College Department – Teacher Education
Second Semester, Academic Year 2020-2021

Example:
To cope with the standards of ASEAN integration, the Board of Trustees of the Batanes
State College approved yesterday the new grading system which will take effect next semester

6. How lead. If the process or the manner of how the event happened is most important
among the other angles of the news, the how lead is used.

Example:
Through a 7-5 vote, the members of the Board of Trustees of the Batanes State College
approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office
yesterday.

Kinds of Grammatical-Beginning Lead

There are times when the lead is introduced by a kind of grammatical form which is usually a
phrase or a clause used to emphasize a feature. Here, the important W's are found in the main clause,
not in the introductory or subordinate clause which is just a modifying feature. Again, it breaks the
monotony of summary lead in a newspaper. It may also denote that the story belongs to soft news.

1. Prepositional Phrase Lead. A phrase is introduced by a preposition.

Example:
With the power of resolution numbered 37 approved by the members of the Board of
Trustees of the Batangas State College yesterday, the new grading system of the College will
take effect next semester.

2. Infinitive Phrase Lead. As the name suggests, it starts with the preposition "to plus the
main verb.

Example:

To meet the demands of the ASEAN integration, the members of the Board of Trustees of the
Batangas State College approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higher
Education Central Office yesterday.

3. Participial Phrase Lead. This lead is signaled by the presence of the present of past
participle of the verb, acting as a modifier.

Example:
Recording a 7-5 margin vote, the members of the Board of Trustees of the Batangas
State College approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higher Education Central
Office yesterday. (Present Participle)

Armed with the desire to synchronize the standards of the ASEAN integration, the
members of the Board of Trustees of the Batangas State College approved the new grading
system at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday. (Past Participle)

4. A Gerundial Phrase Lead. This lead is introduced by a gerund. It is a verbal ending in

-ing, which acts as a noun. Many beginning writers interchange the present participial lead to
gerundial lead. Remember, the former acts as a modifier, while the latter acts as a noun.

Example:
Synchronizing with the standards of ASEAN integration was the primordial aim of the
members of the Board of Trustees in approving yesterday the new grading system of Batangas
State College.

GILBERT J. CONDE LESSON 3: GETTING STARTED; CRAFTING THE

GOOD LEAD
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 Saint Vincent de Paul Diocesan College
Andres Soriano Avenue, Mangagoy, Bislig City
College Department – Teacher Education
Second Semester, Academic Year 2020-2021

5. Clause Lead. This lead commences with a clause, which may become either an
independent or subordinate, or may transform as either a noun or an adjectival or adverbial
clause.

Example:
Because there is a need to synchronize with the standards of ASEAN integration, the
members of the Board of Trustees of the Batangas State College approved the new grading
system at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday. (Subordinate,
adverbial)

Kinds of Novelty Lead

When writing news features, a writer should remember that the article should still have a soft
touch of feature writing. This, his/her article should be written in such a way that it arrests the readers'
attention. These leads may also carry out a definite purpose.

1. Narrative lead. It draws the reader into the story by allowing him/her to relate himself
herself with the character of the story.

Example:
The fifth of June 2015, Herodes Barabas, 34, experienced the longest one hour s je as
he sat on a swivel chair in front of his eight interviewers at Aklan State University. It was an
entrance interview of the long queue of applicants mustering their patience in waiting for
instructor I position.

2. Descriptive lead. Effective in writing personality sketches, travelogues and the like, this
lead illustrates a mental picture of the subject to the reader. A writer must be adept in creating
mental images through the play of the language to satisfy the readers in using this technique.

Example:
If Palawan were a class record, it must have received a nearly perfect grade weighted
average for the unending praises of tourists coming in to experience its breathtaking grandeur.
Who would not drop his jaw when he sees the evidence of God's dexterous hand that crafted
the seascapes and landscapes of Palawan? Add on the list the cerulean waves that unendingly
race towards the stony foot of the island. And if hoarding is legal, one must have put in a tank
the cool and pristine breeze. Indeed, when God said in Genesis "it is good," He must be looking
at the northernmost island in the Philippines - Palawan.

3. Quoted Statement Lead. It is a statement uttered by well-known personality or celebrity.

Usually, in school setting, when student journalists want to highlight the message of the guest
speaker, they use this type of lead.

Example:
"You have to spread your wings and fly!"
This was emphasized by Dr. Malou H. Wang, the guest of honor and commencement
speaker of Mindanao State College last April 5 at the auditorium.

4. Question lead. It is a thought-provoking question to capture the interest of the reader and
lead them to find the answer provided by the succeeding details of the article.

Example:
When was the last time you told your mother, you loved her?
Maria Mantis, 35, wishes she could tell her a thousand times how much she loves her
now, but her mother is already heedless inside her coffin.

GILBERT J. CONDE LESSON 3: GETTING STARTED; CRAFTING THE

GOOD LEAD
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 Saint Vincent de Paul Diocesan College
Andres Soriano Avenue, Mangagoy, Bislig City
College Department – Teacher Education
Second Semester, Academic Year 2020-2021

5. Teaser. Generally short, crisp and witty, this is a device to deceive the reader in a jesting
manner as it arouses his curiosity and gently leads him into the story Often, riddles are used,
and they do not give the readers any clue on the nature of the story. They are mostly
suggestive and humorous.

Example:
Which comes first, the hen or the egg? Well, egg could not be made possible without
the hen. But where does the hen come from?

6. Punch lead. It is short, striking one-sentence lead

Example:
Hungry farmers in Kidapawan were asking for food, but the enforcers of the la fed them
with bullets.

7. Astonisher lead. This lead aims to give the reader a strong sense of emotional value. Thus,
it primarily uses an exclamatory sentence.

Example:
Unbeatable, indeed!
After grabbing the Intramural crown from the Green Aggies team three years ago, the
Blue Titans (team) has sustained its supremacy as it sent all its foes kneeling before its royalty
throne.
The awarding ceremonies happened at the Cagayan State University - Lal-lo Gymnasium
on August 12, 2015, the last day of the three-day clash.

8. One word lead. It uses a very significant word to capture or arouse interest of the reader.

Example:
Boom!
Residents in Basco, Batanes seemingly ran to nowhere when a restaurant situated in
Kayhuvokan exploded on April 1, 2016 around 9:15 in the morning.

9. Parody lead. It consists of a parody of a well-known quotation, song, poem, book or movie
film title.

Example:
"There was never an us!"
This familiar line from a movie of Sarah Geronimo was the exact statement of Ms. Sug
Poe to Mr. Cheap Ezcuderow yesterday when asked if there was a time when both agreed to
share stocks in the top performing Paquino Airline Company.

10. Background lead. It describes an event in which the background overshadows the
individuals who participate in it: often, it uses stories about carnivals, festivals, dances and
others.

Example:
With the glittering and shimmering bantings along the skimpy reads, as if throng of
rainbows came to visit the town of Gattaran, Cagayan to celebrate with its 30 Agsalukag
Festival on April 13, 2016.

1. Freak lead. In order to enhance its appeal and to easily catch the attention of e reader, this
kind of unique lead uses typographical effects.

Example:
GILBERT J. CONDE LESSON 3: GETTING STARTED; CRAFTING THE
GOOD LEAD
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 Saint Vincent de Paul Diocesan College
Andres Soriano Avenue, Mangagoy, Bislig City
College Department – Teacher Education
Second Semester, Academic Year 2020-2021

Wanted Loyal Filipino Teachers

This is the appeal of the Commission on Higher Education yesterday, amidst the exodus
of many Filipino teachers abroad.

12. Contrast lead. It is used to point out opposites and extremes.

Example:
Last year she campaigned for Maygun Yang as the president of the student body Today,
Maria Malou Wang, the head of Students Performing Arts, takes the lead in calling for Yangs
resignation.

13. Staccato lead. Primarily rooted from musical parlance, this term suggests a lead that
consists of a series of words and phrases, punctuated by periods, commas or dashes.

Example:
Neglected. Denuded. Abused. Abandoned This is the real picture of our forest today.

Reasons for Using Novelty Lead

1. To enhance the readability of the newspaper
2. To arouse the reader's interest 3. To add vigor and color to writing
4. To challenge the ability of the writer

Rules of Thumb in Lead Writing

1. Make sure the lead includes the most important of the five W's and particularly the "who"
(person or thing), (did) what and when. For a story about a report, never begin with the
statement "A report was issued by….”
2. The lead should be simple, brief, compact, vigorous and attractive; it should not inject too
much information. In general, keep the lead to 17-35 words letting others read your lead. When
he cannot grasp the meaning at once, come revising it.
3. Facts first: Do not start with WHEN or WHERE, unless such information weighs the heaviest
importance.
4. Consider your subject matter. Not all news articles are treated light as well as serious. However,
bear in mind that all news articles should be forceful. A writer once opined that in making the
lead forceful, the main verb should be embedded within the first six words. Try doing it.
5. Keep it up-to-date. Use the correct tense. If in doubt, consult a grammar book or bring with
you a pocketbook of grammar rules. Remember, being accurate and being correct are
foundations of journalism.
6. Your lead should not carry your gratuitous opinion. To avoid this, indicate the person or the
source from whom such opinionated statement came from.
7. Practice avoiding to begin the lead with the time, day or date, or place. Better focus on the
action, the "who or what".
8. Cut off non-essential details. News writing or news reporting is straight to the point. Hence, do
not begin with an empty, say-nothing expression or a generality that fails to distinguish this
news from other news: There were... In a report released today... According to...
9. "Practice makes perfect," so the saying goes. Soon, you will enter the threshold of skilled
writers; so, avoid using a form of the verb to be in the lead, if possible. Use an action verb,
instead. Action verbs are more forceful, more vigorous than verbs to be.

GILBERT J. CONDE LESSON 3: GETTING STARTED; CRAFTING THE

GOOD LEAD
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 Saint Vincent de Paul Diocesan College
Andres Soriano Avenue, Mangagoy, Bislig City
College Department – Teacher Education
Second Semester, Academic Year 2020-2021

ASSESS and REFLECT

TEST-I: IDENTIFICATION.
DIRECTIONS: On the space provided before each item, write the kind of lead that is
reflected in the following sentences.

______________ 1. Dr. Alameda Pakleb stood yesterday as the commencement speaker during the
13th graduation rites of Mavuyok Elementary School.
______________ 2. "Abracadabra!" This is what principal Michelle Bamshekalla exclaimed Monday
when she officially opened the newly constructed library hub of Alaminos National High
School.
______________ 3. Filled with prayers and hopes, the first batch of medicine graduates of Tarlac State
University are scheduled to take the board exam tomorrow.
______________ 4. Will the Agri Team sustain its royal throne this coming Intramural Meet? Everyone
anticipates the answer as the five departments in the college will clash on
12 sports events next week.
______________ 5. To ensure the passing of the teacher education graduates, Marinduque State
College will open a review session this summer for free.
______________ 6. Ten years ago, he used to be a tenant. Now, he owns a 12-hectare rice field and a
seven-hectare piggery.
______________ 7. Having won the title Ms. Sportsfest 2015, Beth L. Logan will represent the school
in the town's beauty pageant next week. \
______________ 8. The first customers of the newly constructed gymnasium are the internationally
acclaimed performers, Filipino Penumbra, who visited the school
yesterday.
______________ 9. Students of the Agri-Fisheries Department are now set to dive as the Board of
Trustees approved yesterday their special Physical Education subject –
swimming.
______________ 10. Winning in the oratorical competition gives Terence Marilla the focus to beat his
contenders in the upcoming University Meet next month.

TEST-II
DIRECTIONS: For each of the following leads, identify the answers to 5Ws and H
questions.

Mr. Dylan Dail Duguran secured a back-to-back victory after winning the Supreme Student Council
Organization (SSCO) Presidency for two consecutive years. (retrieved from The Builders of Batanes
State College)

WHO : _________________________________________________________________
WHAT : _________________________________________________________________
WHY : _________________________________________________________________
WHEN : _________________________________________________________________
WHERE: _________________________________________________________________
HOW : _________________________________________________________________

CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela, April 28 (PIA) – While vacation is on public school teachers, a number of
selected teacers from the Department of Education (DEpEd) here have undergone a one-day first aid
training in the city recently. The training was conducted by the Cauayan City’s Rescue 922 personnel
held at F.L. Dy coliseum.

GILBERT J. CONDE LESSON 3: GETTING STARTED; CRAFTING THE

GOOD LEAD
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 Saint Vincent de Paul Diocesan College
Andres Soriano Avenue, Mangagoy, Bislig City
College Department – Teacher Education
Second Semester, Academic Year 2020-2021

WHO : _________________________________________________________________
WHAT : _________________________________________________________________
WHY : _________________________________________________________________
WHEN : _________________________________________________________________
WHERE: _________________________________________________________________
HOW : _________________________________________________________________
TEST-III
DIRECTIONS: Using the data below, write a summary lead.

 two-day Basic Journalism Seminar-Workshop

 theme “Eloquentia et Sapientia (eloquence and wisdom)
 18-hour writeshop
 pen-pushing exercises
 the first installment of the yearlong comprehensive training regimen of
Varsitarian Torch, the official school paper of the school.
 at the FLU-CV Multipurpose Room
 it is a resurrected version of the past summer workshops
 journalism trainer is Dr. Pher D. Nand
 75 high school students
 “The training squeezed out the best in the participants such that the facilitators,
mainly the moderators and Ripples alumni, have found a lot of promising
budding campus journalists in the fold,” Dr. Nand said
 August 29-30, 2016

Write your summary lead on the space provided below.

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

- END OF LESSON 3 -

GILBERT J. CONDE LESSON 3: GETTING STARTED; CRAFTING THE

GOOD LEAD
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