Inverted pyramid of news writing
The inverted pyramid of news writing is a fundamental concept in journalism that refers to the structure of a news article. It is called "inverted" because the most important information is presented first, followed by less important details.
The inverted pyramid is typically divided into three parts:
- Lead (or Lede): The first sentence or paragraph of the article, which provides the most important information. This is usually the most attention-grabbing and concise summary of the story.
- Body: The middle section of the article, which provides additional details and context to support the lead. This section typically includes quotes from sources, statistics, and other relevant information.
- Boilerplate (or Tail): The final section of the article, which provides background information, additional details, or explanations. This section is usually less important than the lead and body.
The inverted pyramid is designed to prioritize the most important information and make it easy for readers to quickly understand the main points of the story. Here are some key principles to keep in mind:
- Put the most important information first: The lead should be concise, clear, and attention-grabbing.
- Provide context and details: The body should provide additional information to support the lead and help readers understand the story.
- Keep it concise: The inverted pyramid is designed to be brief and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details and keep the language simple.
- Use a clear structure: The inverted pyramid should have a clear and logical structure, with each section building on the previous one.
By following the inverted pyramid structure, journalists can create clear, concise, and effective news articles that quickly convey the most important information to readers.