There are nine types and it will be challenging for the students to find at least one example of each type:
Ø Anecdote- start with an insightful
short story
Ø Description- set the mood by
describing how someone or something looks
Ø Quotation- good if it catchy,
insightful
Ø Question- pose an engaging question
Ø Suspenseful leads- intrigue makes a
reader keep reading
Ø Ironic leads- play on the
unexpected
Ø Direct-address- use of “you” as if
talking directly to the reader
Ø Words used in unusual ways- be
clever and creative with the English language
Ø Shockers:
lead with an unexpected twist
ANECDOTE LEAD
Time magazine- Jan. 14, 2022
Cover story on Hollywood producer Shonda Rhimes
The Lead:
Shonda Rhimes and I are deep into conversation about what makes a healthy work environment when she has to stop me from saying something ridiculous.
Comment: Starts to tell an insightful story that gives insight into Rhimes' personality.
DESCRIPTION LEAD
Time magazine- Dec. 27, 2021
The Lead:
Around 9 p.m. on July 27, as Simone Biles soared high above the vault at the Tokyo Olympics, she lost herself. You could see the confusion in her eyes..."
Comment: Shares the incident when Biles felt "the twisties" that freaked her out some!
See this link for another anecdotal lead, this one is in a business story about the effect the "soaring" U.S. dollar is having around the world.
MORE ANECDOTAL LEADS
(Above) Former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley officially announces she will run for president of the United States. This is from the Charleseton Post and Courier on Feb. 2, 2023.
The lead: "It was the 1970s, and Nikki Randhawa was having trouble fitting in at Bamberg Elementary.
Her father wore a turban. Here mother wore a sara. (continues)
Comment: This lead tells some of the challenges Ms. Haley had to deal with early in her life.
In that same issue of the paper is this other front-page story with an anecdote lead.
The lead:
To Rogan Gibson, the Murdaughs were like a second family. He grew up with brothers Paul and Buster, hunting, fishing, and driving ATVs on their family's spacious Colleton County estate.
Comment: This lead and the one that follows show how close Rogan was to this family.
DIRECT ADDRESS LEADS
Students will share their findings in a blog post that will look like this.
The lead:
If you're itching to get out of the house but are still a little wary of being particularly close to other people, these movie options may be a good choice.
Comment: Note the use of "you're" in the lead. Direct address leads try to engage readers by speaking directly to them with words like "you," "us," and "we."
