What is a lede (lede) and what makes an effective lede?

• A. The lede is the opening paragraph; it should present the most important facts clearly and hook the reader.
• B. The lede is a footnote with background details.
• C. The lede should come after the body.
• D. The lede is optional in news stories

Answer: (A)

A lede is the opening paragraph of a news story. It should present the most important facts clearly and hook the reader, so they want to read more.

In practice, the lede answers the essential questions readers want to know: who did what, what happened, when and where it occurred, and, if possible, why it matters or how it affects people. It’s usually concise—often one or two sentences—and written so a reader can grasp the gist even without reading the rest of the article. A strong lede sets the tone for the piece and signals its focus, avoiding needless details that belong in the body of the story.

This is not a footnote with background details, and it doesn’t appear after the main content. It’s placed at the very start to give readers the core information upfront. It’s also not optional in standard news writing; the lede is the entry point that invites readers to continue. A well-crafted lede uses precise language, active voice, and a compelling angle or an immediate takeaway to engage the audience.