Good Lead:
800 Million People Still Malnourished, U.N. Says
More than 800 million people worldwide do not get enough to eat, even as the world produces more than twice as much food as it needs, according to new figures released Tuesday by the United Nations.
The lead answers the criteria of the top section of the inverted pyramid: who, what, when, and where. The language is simple and easy to understand. Starting off with statistics is a good way to get the reader engaged, because people like to know information they can easily pass on to others.
Good Lead:
Scottish Independence Vote Balances Politics and Economics
On Thursday, Scotland will vote on a referendum that could establish a Scottish state separate from Britain for the first time since 1707. If it passes, the Scottish and British economic and political landscape will change drastically.
Again the most important bit of the inverted pyramid has been addressed. It is conversational and to the point. The second sentence creates suspense by implying the potential magnitude of the vote and not actually listing what might happen.
Bad Lead:
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Has Cancer: Doctor
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's doctor says the mayor has cancer.
The lead has been rushed. It is does not provide enough details and does not get the reader's attention. The when and where have not been answered.
Correction:
The mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, was recently diagnosed with cancer, when a malignant tumor was found in his abdomen. He has already pulled out of the coming mayoral elections to focus on treatment.
800 Million People Still Malnourished, U.N. Says
More than 800 million people worldwide do not get enough to eat, even as the world produces more than twice as much food as it needs, according to new figures released Tuesday by the United Nations.
The lead answers the criteria of the top section of the inverted pyramid: who, what, when, and where. The language is simple and easy to understand. Starting off with statistics is a good way to get the reader engaged, because people like to know information they can easily pass on to others.
Good Lead:
Scottish Independence Vote Balances Politics and Economics
On Thursday, Scotland will vote on a referendum that could establish a Scottish state separate from Britain for the first time since 1707. If it passes, the Scottish and British economic and political landscape will change drastically.
Again the most important bit of the inverted pyramid has been addressed. It is conversational and to the point. The second sentence creates suspense by implying the potential magnitude of the vote and not actually listing what might happen.
Bad Lead:
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Has Cancer: Doctor
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's doctor says the mayor has cancer.
The lead has been rushed. It is does not provide enough details and does not get the reader's attention. The when and where have not been answered.
Correction:
The mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, was recently diagnosed with cancer, when a malignant tumor was found in his abdomen. He has already pulled out of the coming mayoral elections to focus on treatment.
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