The nut graf, or thesis statement, is the heart of a news story. It presents the most important point of the story and tells the reader what the story is about. It usually appears in the second or third paragraph of a news story and is written in a concise and objective style. The nut graf is supported by the rest of the story, which provides details and evidence to back up the main point. The nut graf is essential for helping readers understand the story and its significance.
The Golden Rules of Nut Grafs
The nut graf, or nut paragraph, is one of the most important elements of a news story. It’s the place where you tell your readers what the story is about and why they should care.
A good nut graf should:
- Be concise and to the point.
- Answer the 5 W’s of journalism (who, what, when, where, why).
- Be engaging and make the reader want to read more.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a great nut graf:
1. Start with a strong hook.
The first sentence of your nut graf should grab the reader’s attention. This could be a surprising fact, a vivid anecdote, or a controversial statement.
2. State the main point of the story.
In the second sentence, you should state the main point of the story. This is what the story is all about, and why it’s important.
3. Provide context.
In the next few sentences, you should provide context for the story. This could include background information on the topic, or details about the people involved.
4. End with a call to action.
The last sentence of your nut graf should encourage the reader to read more. This could be a question, a challenge, or a promise of more information to come.
5. Keep it brief.
The nut graf should be no more than 3-4 sentences long. It should be easy to read and understand, and it should leave the reader wanting more.
Example of a good nut graf:
In a shocking turn of events, the mayor has been arrested for corruption. The charges stem from a long-running investigation into the city’s finances. If convicted, the mayor could face up to 20 years in prison.
This nut graf is strong because it:
- Starts with a strong hook: The mayor has been arrested for corruption.
- States the main point of the story: The mayor has been charged with corruption.
- Provides context: The charges stem from a long-running investigation into the city’s finances.
- Ends with a call to action: The mayor could face up to 20 years in prison.
Table: Nut Graf Structure
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Hook | The first sentence of the nut graf should grab the reader’s attention. |
| Main point | The second sentence should state the main point of the story. |
| Context | The next few sentences should provide context for the story, such as background information or details about the people involved. |
| Call to action | The last sentence of the nut graf should encourage the reader to read more. |
Question 1:
What is the purpose of the nut graf in journalism?
Answer:
A nut graf, also known as a “lede,” is a paragraph in a news story that provides the most essential information about the story. It typically answers the “five W’s” of journalism: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. The nut graf establishes the main focus of the story and provides a roadmap for the rest of the piece.
Question 2:
How does the nut graf differ from the introduction?
Answer:
The introduction typically captures the reader’s attention with a hook or engaging anecdote, while the nut graf succinctly summarizes the key facts of the story. The introduction sets the stage, while the nut graf delivers the essential information.
Question 3:
What are the benefits of using a nut graf in journalism?
Answer:
The nut graf benefits journalism by providing:
- Clarity: A clear understanding of the story’s main points.
- Focus: A roadmap for the rest of the article, guiding the reader through the key information.
- Efficiency: A concise summary of the most important elements of the story, saving readers time and effort.
- Objectivity: An unbiased presentation of the essential facts, without opinion or bias.
That’s a wrap on the nut graf! Thanks for hanging out and learning about this essential tool in journalism. Remember, it’s like the GPS for your article, guiding you to the heart of your story. Keep practicing, and you’ll be a nut graf pro in no time. Before you hit that back button, swing by again soon for more writing tips and tricks. Stay curious, keep writing, and see you next time!