Journalism: Introduction to Lead Writing | Lead Types & Examples | Grades 9-12

Before students can write a strong lead, they need to know what one actually is — and that there's more than one kind. This 25-slide presentation covers the full picture: what a lead does, why it matters, six lead types with real published examples, and enough practice built in to send students straight into their first writing assignment. What's Included:

See it on Teachers Pay Teachers — $6.40

25-slide PowerPoint (.pptx) "Lede vs. Lead" explainer — defines the term and notes newsroom usage alongside AP style preference Six lead types with concise definitions: summary, anecdotal, descriptive, question, quotation, and contrast Published examples for each type drawn from AP News, ProPublica, The New York Times, BuzzFeed News, the Las Vegas Sun, and the Miami Herald "You Try" summary-lead prompt with a 35-word target and an AP-style model answer Lead ID mini-quiz — short passages students identify by type Expert advice on why strong leads matter in professional journalism How to Use It: Project for a whole-class mini-lesson and pause on the practice slide for a quick write.

The lead ID passages work as bell ringers or station cards on follow-up days. Revisit the real-world examples before students draft leads on their own school stories. This slideshow is part of the Journalism: Lead Writing Mini-Unit Bundle — lesson, worksheet, and rubric together at significant savings.

It's also included in the News Writing Essentials Bundle and the Complete High School Journalism Curriculum Bundle. If this resource saved you prep time, please leave a rating under My Purchases Provide Feedback. Every review earns you TpT Credits toward future purchases — roughly $1 in credits for every $10 reviewed. Follow Starmaker Tools for Teachers to be notified when new resources launch or go on sale.

Keywords: lead writing lesson, journalism lead types, introduction to lead writing, journalism slideshow, high school journalism, news writing, summary lead, anecdotal lead, lead writing examples, journalism grades 9-12, student journalists, lede vs lead, AP style, news writing unit, journalism curriculum

Designed for grades 9-12.

See it on Teachers Pay Teachers — $6.40