Feature v. Summary Leads

Feature leads offer much more creativity to writers than summary leads. While summary leads are very useful and generally simple to write (just include some W's), they often don't leave much room for adjectives and descriptive, inviting words.

Feature leads are written to hook the readers and lure them in. A reader might not know exactly what the rest of the story will contain, but they'll be interested enough to keep reading and find out.



Two examples of feature leads from the New York Times:

Strawberries Meet Their Match

Conan O'Brien Goes West, With a Dash