What does the lead of a news article typically include?

• A. A detailed analysis of the topic
• B. The journalist’s opinion on the issue
• C. The most essential information in a summary format
• D. Long narratives about the background

Answer: (C)

The lead of a news article is crucial as it serves to grab the reader's attention and provide a concise summary of the most significant information pertaining to the story. By including essential details such as the who, what, when, where, and why, the lead allows readers to quickly understand the main points of the article without delving into lengthy explanations. This summary format is integral to effective journalism, ensuring that the most critical aspects of a news story are communicated clearly and directly at the outset. This approach is particularly useful in today's fast-paced media landscape, where readers often skim headlines and leads to decide which articles to read in full.