NEWS WRITING

LEAD

Kinds of Lead:
1. Summary or Conventional Lead
-answers any of the 5Ws and/or the H
A. WHAT LEAD Used when the event or what took place is more important than the person involved
in the story

B. WHO LEAD Used when the person involved is more prominent than what he does or what happens
to him

C. WHERE LEAD Used when the place is unique and no prominent person is involved

D. WHEN LEAD Rarely used as the reader presumes the story to be timely. However, this lead is
used when speaking of deadlines, holidays, and important dates.

E. WHY LEAD Used when the reason is more prominent or unique than what happens.

F. HOW LEAD Used when the manner, mode, means, or method of achieving the story is the
unnatural way.

Exercises:
A. Identify the types of lead.
____________________1. Today, almost to the hour, the Revolutionary Government was proclaimed by former
President Joseph Estrada.
____________________2. Because of poverty, around a hundred students dropped out from school last year. This
was learned from PNU President Nilo L. Rosas.
____________________3. The NSAT will be given on Nov. 24 to all graduating high school students desiring to enroll
in the four-year college course.
____________________4. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo addressed April 20, the PMA graduates in Baguio City.
____________________5. By appealing to the school board, the Manila Science High School was able to construct a
three-storey concrete building.
____________________6. April 15 is the deadline for filling the Income Tax Returns at the BIR.
____________________7. The Philippines will be the site of the next Southeast Asian Games 2018.

B.Write a summary lead based on the following facts:

A party will be held at the Normal Hall. President Nilo Rosas will be the speaker. The PNU Faculty Association is
sponsoring the party. It will be held in honor of Dr. Ciriaco Tismo who will be retiring in April.