Journalism: Summary Lead Writing Worksheet & Answer Key | AP Style

Student reporters almost always write their first leads the same way: they bury the news. This two-page worksheet fixes that habit with focused practice on the 25–35 word summary lead — the single most important skill in news writing. Three original prompts give students a set of facts with extraneous details mixed in. They have to identify what's actually news, cut the rest, and write a tight lead in AP style. A fourth exercise flips it: students receive an overwritten lead and revise it down.

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Every prompt includes a model answer and teaching notes in the answer key. What's Included: 3 original lead-writing prompts with mixed-in extraneous details to filter 1 editing exercise — students revise an overwritten lead Full answer key with model leads and teaching notes for each prompt Built-in AP style checklist for accuracy and concision Printable PDF, 2 pages — no prep required How to Use It: Runs 25–40 minutes. Works as a standalone practice session after introducing lead writing, a warm-up across multiple days, a sub plan, or prep for student press competitions. Pairs directly with the lead writing slideshow if you want to teach and practice in the same period. This worksheet is part of the Journalism:

Lead Writing Mini-Unit Bundle — lesson, practice, 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: summary lead writing, journalism worksheet, AP style practice, lead writing worksheet, high school journalism, news writing, inverted pyramid, journalism grades 9-12, student journalists, news lead, who what when where why how, journalism activity, expository writing, journalism answer key, lead writing practice

Designed for grades 9-12.

See it on Teachers Pay Teachers — $3.60