LEAD
The first sentence of a news story that contains the main facts.
What is the lead?
This news writing structure organizes information from most to least important.
What is the inverted pyramid?
This technique introduces a quote, identifies the speaker, then continues the quote.
What is a quote sandwich?
This is the main title of a story.
What is a headline?
AP Style emphasizes writing in this voice for clarity and conciseness.
What is active voice?
A lead states: “Hundreds of residents were displaced after flooding swept through Millbrook.” What W is emphasized?
What is the Who?
This second sentence provides context before the body of the story.
What is the transitional sentence?
These statements communicate the commander’s priorities and organizational message.
What are command messages?
This replaces the word "and" in a headline.
What does a comma mean in a headline?
Paris and Atlanta are examples of this.
What are stand alone cities in datelines?
In a news lead, a writer begins with “Petty Officer 2nd Class John Smith…” even though the individual is not nationally recognizable. What lead-writing mistake has the writer made?
What is using a full identification instead of an impersonal who?
This concept identifies why the story is newsworthy right now.
What is the news peg?
“This training proves the Army is the most capable force in the world.”
What is an opinion?
“U.S. Military Provides Earthquake Assistance In Pakistan”
What is improper capitalization in a headline?
A story about a training exercise emphasizes the unit instead of the exercise itself.
What is the Lead Emphasis?
A quote appears without identifying the speaker until two paragraphs later.
What is improper attribution?
“On Tuesday afternoon at approximately 3 p.m., the soldiers who were assigned to the 22nd brigade conducted training.” What writing problem is present?
What is a Buried lead?