Hourglass structure

Definition

The hourglass structure is a writing format used in journalism that starts with the most critical information at the top, narrows down to more specific details in the middle, and then broadens out again towards the end to provide additional context or background. This format is particularly effective in presenting complex stories, as it allows readers to quickly grasp the essential facts before exploring the supporting details and nuances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The hourglass structure is particularly useful for stories that require both immediate attention and detailed explanation, making it effective for breaking news or complex issues.
2. In this format, the initial section provides key facts such as who, what, when, where, and why, ensuring that readers understand the crux of the story right away.
3. The middle section allows journalists to delve deeper into specifics, including quotes, data, and background information that support the main points.
4. The final part of the hourglass structure brings back broader themes or implications of the story, providing readers with a holistic view of the topic at hand.
5. Using an hourglass structure can enhance reader engagement by guiding them through a logical flow of information from essential facts to deeper insights.

Review Questions

• How does the hourglass structure differ from other storytelling formats like the inverted pyramid?
  • The hourglass structure differs from the inverted pyramid by incorporating a narrowing middle section that focuses on detailed specifics before expanding out again. While both structures start with important information, the hourglass allows for a more nuanced exploration of a story’s context and implications after presenting the essential facts. This makes it particularly effective for complex narratives where depth and detail are crucial for understanding.
• Discuss how the hourglass structure enhances a reader's comprehension of complex news stories.
  • The hourglass structure enhances comprehension by first laying out critical information clearly at the start, which hooks readers and establishes a foundation. The subsequent narrowing section allows journalists to provide necessary details and insights that enrich understanding without overwhelming readers at first. Finally, broadening out at the end gives readers context and broader implications of the news, making it easier to grasp both specifics and significance.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using an hourglass structure in reporting on breaking news compared to traditional formats.
  • Using an hourglass structure for breaking news proves highly effective as it captures immediate attention with essential details while allowing for further exploration into related aspects of the story. This contrasts with traditional formats that might prioritize only immediate facts without providing necessary context. By enabling readers to engage with both surface-level information and deeper insights, the hourglass structure facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of rapidly evolving situations.

Related terms

inverted pyramid: A storytelling format that presents the most important information at the beginning of an article, followed by supporting details in decreasing order of importance.

nut graph:

A paragraph that summarizes the main point or angle of a story, often found after the lead in a news article.

lede: The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story, designed to grab the reader's attention and provide a concise summary of the main point.