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.