Summary Lead Review

On Monday afternoon, the school board voted to approve a new phone policy that will take effect next fall.

• Strong

• Weak

Answer explanation

It starts with 'On Monday afternoon,' which isn't the most important part of the story. A stronger lead would focus on what happened rather than when it happened.

Better version:

The school board has approved a stricter dress code policy that will take effect next fall, sparking mixed reactions from students and staff.

The Mount Horeb girls' varsity soccer team clinched the conference title after a 2-1 overtime win against Stoughton Friday night.

• Strong

• Weak

Answer explanation

It starts with what happened (the team winning the title) rather than when, and it keeps things concise and engaging. The key details (who won, how, and against whom) are all there.

Due to recent complaints from students, the administration is considering making changes to the lunch menu next semester.

• Strong

• Weak

Answer explanation

The lead buries the most important part by starting with "Due to recent complaints from students." It also sounds a little vague: what kind of changes? Instead, it should focus on the action first.

Better version:

The school may introduce new lunch options next semester after student complaints about the current menu, according to administrators

A beloved English teacher is retiring after 30 years at the school,

leaving students and staff reflecting on her impact.

• Strong

• Weak

Answer explanation

It starts with the who and what, keeps things concise, and captures the impact of the story. It also avoids unnecessary details like the exact date of retirement, which can come later in the article.

Last Friday, students gathered in the gym for an assembly about mental health awareness, featuring guest speakers and personal stories.

• Strong

• Weak

Answer explanation

It starts with "Last Friday," which isn't the most important detail. The real focus should be the purpose of the assembly rather than when it happened.

Better version: A school assembly on mental health awareness brought personal stories and expert advice to students last Friday, aiming to break the stigma around the topic.

The school musical sold out all three performances last week, making it one of the most successful productions in recent years.

• Strong

• Weak

Answer explanation

It starts with what happened (the sell-out performance), and it’s clear and concise while providing context (why it's significant).

Samantha Miller, the newly elected student council president, promised to improve school spirit after taking office last week.

• Strong

• Weak

Answer explanation

Use a blind lead when the subject isn't a prominent person.

Better version: The newly elected student council president promised to boost school spirit with a series of events aimed at increasing student involvement and unity.

Which of these leads is the most concise and effective?

• At the school board meeting last Tuesday, many students expressed concerns about the new dress code, which some believe is too strict, while others are in favor of the changes.

• The school board has decided to make changes to the dress code policy after receiving feedback from students.

• At the school board meeting on Tuesday, many students voiced their concerns about the new dress code.

• The school board held a meeting last Tuesday to discuss the new dress code and how students feel about it.

Answer explanation

This is concise, focusing on what happened (the decision) and providing the necessary context without extra details.

Where should the attribution go in a summary lead if the information is not indisputable?

• At the beginning

• In the middle

• At the end

• It's not necessary

Answer explanation

Attribution should be placed at the end of the summary lead if the information is not objective, to maintain clarity and flow.

What is the purpose of a summary lead?

• To provide detailed background information about the story

• To introduce characters and provide their backstory

• To engage the reader with a creative or emotional hook

• To summarize the most important information in a concise manner

Answer explanation

The summary lead should be clear, concise, and to the point, summarizing the essential who, what, when, and where.