News writing format

The news writing format, also known as the inverted pyramid, is a widely used structure for writing news articles. It prioritizes the most important information at the top and provides a clear and concise summary of the story. Here's a breakdown of the typical news writing format:

I. Lead (or Lede)

• The first sentence or paragraph of the article, which should:
  • Grab the reader's attention
  • Provide the main point or summary of the story
  • Include the most important information

II. Nut Graph

• A brief paragraph that provides additional context or background information on the story
• Should answer the "who, what, where, when, and why" questions

III. Body

• The main content of the article, which should:
  • Provide more details and supporting information
  • Include quotes from relevant sources
  • Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the story

IV. Conclusion

• A summary of the main points and a final thought or call to action
• Should reiterate the importance of the story and leave the reader with something to think about

V. Boilerplate

• A standard paragraph or section that provides additional information, such as:
  • A brief overview of the organization or company involved
  • A list of relevant statistics or facts
  • A quote from a spokesperson or expert

VI. Additional Information

• Any additional details or supporting information that may be of interest to readers
• Can include sidebars, infographics, or other multimedia elements

Here's an example of a news article written in the inverted pyramid format:

Lead A devastating wildfire swept through the town of Oakdale yesterday, destroying dozens of homes and businesses. The blaze, which started in the early afternoon, was brought under control by firefighters late last night.

Nut Graph The fire was the latest in a series of devastating blazes to hit the region in recent weeks, prompting concerns about the impact of climate change on local communities.

Body The fire, which was fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, quickly spread through the town, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. "It was like a tornado," said local resident Jane Smith, who lost her home in the blaze. "I was lucky to get out alive."

Firefighters from surrounding areas responded quickly to the emergency, with crews from as far away as Los Angeles arriving on the scene to help battle the flames.

Conclusion The fire is a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and preparedness, particularly in areas prone to wildfires. As the region continues to recover from the disaster, residents are coming together to support those affected and rebuild their community.

Boilerplate The Oakdale Fire Department is urging residents to be vigilant and take steps to prevent fires, including clearing flammable materials from their properties and having a fire evacuation plan in place.

Additional Information For more information on the fire and how to support those affected, visit the Oakdale Fire Department's website or follow them on social media.