WhoWhatWhereWhenWhyHow???

In a News writing lead story it is important to remember that there are six rules to writing a story. Rule number one is important to remember, keep the paragraph short! If it runs on it is too long and won't be straight to the point; it will lose the reader's interest. Rule number two, The leads first verb should express the main "what" of the story. Rule number three, the lead's first verb ( the same one the expresses the main "what" of the story) should be active voice, not passive voice. Rule number four, If there is a "who", involved in the story, the lead should give some indication of who the "who" is. Rule number five, the lead should summarize the "why" and "how" of the story, but only if there's room. Meaning if a paragraph is already getting to be too long, do not at the "why" and "how". Finally, ending with Rule number six, if what is in the lead needs to be attributed, place the attribution at the end of the lead.

These six rules were taught in my Hcom class as guidelines and helpful tips to ensure a good article lead.

Here is a good example of a good lead:

"KIEV, Ukraine (AP)-- Ukrainian and Russian news reports say that Prime Minister Yulia T. has refused to concede Ukrainian's presidential race to opposition leader Viktor Yunukovych."

It is difficult to understand how a good lead is written. It takes time and practice and a lot of News reading to finally get the hang of it and understand what sounds right and what sounds wrong. Choice of words is very important when it comes time to news writing and making sure the news is accurate. Not only that but getting in the stories must be quick and on time or it will be too late. In Newswriting you got to be quick in the mind and creative. SNAP SNAP SNAP* SNAPPY*