LEADS

Ms. Brand

What is a Lead?
Sometimes called a hook Leads the reader into the paper and captures their attention. The better the lead = the more interested the reader.

L Listen and look for more E- Excite and Engage the reader
A- Attract and Activate D- Drive and Direct where the paper is going.

Types of Leads
Dialogue Lead- starts with someone talking or having a conversation. Example: Why did you go in there after I told you not to? I can still hear my mothers voice saying those words over and over again. Once they finally get me out of here, Ill probably never hear the end of it. Thats if they get me out of here. HELP!

Types of Leads
Action Leads- put the reader in the middle of some action. Example: Struck with sudden panic, I hastily flipped through the many papers in my travel folder until I spotted the ticket.

Types of Leads
Question Leads- ask the reader or the audience a question. Example: Have you ever wondered how you would survive if you found yourself alone in the wilderness?

Types of Leads
Climatic Lead- start with a bang or a high point from the writing. Example: Its not that Im a chicken or anything; I just dont like going into someones house if theyre not home.

Types of Leads
Picture/Image Leads- Give the reader a visual image by painting a picture with words. Example: The pencil sharpener was always hungry. It ate my pencil every time I went to sharpen it. It never seemed to do this to anyones pencil but mine. What was so special about my pencil?

Types of Leads
Summary Lead- give a brief summary or overview of the whole piece.

Example: If Jennifer Murdley hadnt been forced to wear her brothers underpants to school, the whole thing might never have happened.

Types of Leads
Personal Lead (anecdotes)- Tell of some personal experience you had. Example: Although I did later in my room, I never cried at my grandfathers funeral. I guess that is why I felt so sad for the little girl standing next to her grandmas casket. She looked so lost and afraid.

Types of Leads
Figurative Language Lead- uses a simile or metaphor as a comparison.

Example: My hands were sweaty! My teeth wouldnt quit chattering. Prickly fingers ran up my spine. It felt as if all the bones in my body had turned to mashed potatoes.

Leads
Go back to your own paper how could you adjust your paper to hook or lead the reader? Adjust your lead/introduction to include one of the different types of leads. Check with your neighbor when you are done to ensure it makes sense!