What is a lead in language arts?

In language arts, a lead refers to the opening sentence or paragraph of a piece of writing, designed to grab the reader's attention and establish the tone or direction of the work. It sets the stage for the content that follows, often providing a hook or intriguing detail that encourages further reading. Effective leads can be direct, descriptive, or pose a question, depending on the writer's intent and the piece's genre. Overall, a strong lead is crucial for engaging the audience from the very beginning.