Which of the following best describes a kicker in journalism?

• A. A catchy lead-in to an article
• B. A concluding statement in a news piece
• C. An engaging headline
• D. A type of lead paragraph

Answer: (A)

A kicker in journalism is best described as a catchy lead-in to an article, specifically designed to grab the reader's attention and entice them to read further. It often extends the story's thematic message or highlights a compelling aspect that resonates with the overall content. Kickers serve as a hook that can create intrigue or emotional engagement for the audience, making them feel invested in the piece before they dive into the details.

While a concluding statement or headline can also play important roles in a news piece, they do not fit the definition of a kicker. The concluding statement generally wraps up the information provided, and a headline primarily summarizes the content rather than engaging the reader in a dynamic way. Similarly, while a lead paragraph sets the stage for the story, it doesn't specifically define the engaging, attention-grabbing quality of a kicker. Thus, the characterization of a kicker as a catchy lead-in aligns with its purpose in journalistic writing.