Nut graph

Definition

A nut graph is a paragraph in a news story that encapsulates the main point or theme of the article, providing context and helping readers understand the significance of the information presented. It typically follows the lead and serves as a bridge between the attention-grabbing opening and the detailed reporting that follows. By summarizing the story's core elements, the nut graph enhances clarity and guides the reader through the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nut graphs are crucial in both hard news and feature stories, as they help clarify the main message for readers.
2. A well-crafted nut graph can often provide answers to the 'why' and 'so what' questions that readers may have after reading the lead.
3. In inverted pyramid writing, nut graphs typically appear after the lead but before more detailed information, helping to prioritize information effectively.
4. For alternative story structures, nut graphs can serve to highlight thematic elements that connect different sections of the piece.
5. In sports writing, a nut graph can summarize key moments of a game or competition, helping readers quickly grasp its importance.

Review Questions

• How does a nut graph enhance the effectiveness of a news story's lead?
  • A nut graph enhances a news story's lead by providing context and explaining why the information matters to readers. While the lead captures attention, the nut graph connects that initial hook to the deeper significance of the story. It clarifies the main theme, helping readers understand not just what happened but also why it is relevant in a broader sense.
• In what ways can a nut graph differ between hard news reporting and sports writing?
  • In hard news reporting, a nut graph typically focuses on summarizing key facts and their implications for society or specific communities. In contrast, in sports writing, a nut graph may emphasize pivotal moments in a game, such as turning points or key performances, which engage fans and provide insight into the overall importance of the competition. Both types ensure clarity but target different aspects based on their audiences.
• Evaluate how incorporating an effective nut graph could change reader engagement in stories structured with alternative formats.
  • Incorporating an effective nut graph in stories with alternative formats can significantly enhance reader engagement by providing clear thematic connections throughout diverse narrative sections. Instead of a straightforward presentation of facts, an engaging nut graph helps tie different elements together, allowing readers to appreciate how various parts contribute to a larger story. This approach invites readers to reflect on broader implications and makes them more invested in understanding the full narrative arc.

Related terms

Lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that grabs the reader's attention and summarizes the most important aspects of the story.

Transition: A phrase or sentence that helps move smoothly from one part of a story to another, ensuring continuity in storytelling.

Contextualization: The process of providing background information and relevant details to help readers understand the significance and implications of a news story.