Write the first 5-7 paragraphs (which is just 5-7 sentences) of a story you would write based on the following fact sets. Stop once you reach your strategically buried lead. Make sure you account for basic AP style (use reference chart in Chapter 2 if you need help), grammar, spelling, formatting, word choice.

Also, as a reminder, soft ledes explore the who, where, what, why and how and reveal the big what. Be sure to delay the soft lede long enough to draw the reader in.

Here is an example of background information and how to write the soft lede:

INFORMATION: Pretend you are writing a story about Thelma Anderson, the director of bands at your university. Pretend Thelma was involved in a serious auto accident four months ago, but has now returned to campus. When Thelma arrived, her 125-person band had lined the halls from the front door and all the way to Thelma’s office. They played Thelma’s favorite song as she walked. Thelma was moved, and smiling.

EXAMPLE SOFT LEDE USING THIS INFORMATION:

Thelma Anderson is a band director who is loved and appreciated here at the University of West Florida.

She fought back from a serious auto accident in May, and returned to campus this month.

Anderson’s band students know how to show her they appreciate her, and were so glad to welcome her back to their classroom.

As Anderson arrived at the front door of the band building, she was surprised when she opened the door and saw her 125-person band lining the hallways to her office.

The best was yet to come, as the band then played Anderson’s favorite song as she smiled expressing emotion while walking to her office.

YOUR SOFT LEDE ASSIGNMENT:

Here is the background information for you to write a 5-7 paragraph (5-7 sentences) soft lede:

Assume you are writing an investigative piece about a series of muggings that occurred in your hometown (or if you are like me and from the middle of nowhere, the closest decent sized town). Police Chief Amy Slayter confirmed for you that from August-October of last year, a man named Kenneth Reynolds mugged 32 individuals. The robberies took place across the city/town. Reynolds was convicted last week on 32 counts of armed robbery and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. You’ve interviewed all the important figures, but also met Donnie Clawson, one of the victims. Here is Donnie’s story:

1. Donnie was robbed on Monday, September 15, after he walked out of a movie at your local theatre.
2. The mugger stabbed Donnie, but Donnie has recovered.
3. Donnie was fortunate that a cop happened by and intervened. Reynolds got away, and Donnie was treated on the scene and released.
4. Here is a quote from Donnie: “It was the strangest thing. A guy just ran up behind me and screamed at me. I don’t even remember what he said. I just turned and he sliced at me.”