Structure of news
The structure of a news article typically includes the following elements:
- Headline: A concise and attention-grabbing title that summarizes the main point of the article.
- Lead (or Lede): The opening paragraph of the article that provides a brief summary of the story, including the most important information.
- Body: The main content of the article, which provides more details and context about the story.
- Subheadings: Smaller headings that break up the body of the article and provide a brief summary of the main points.
- Quotes: Direct quotes from individuals involved in the story, which add depth and context to the article.
- Statistics and data: Numbers and facts that support the story and provide additional context.
- Background information: Additional context and background information that helps readers understand the story.
- Conclusion: A summary of the main points and a final thought or call to action.
- Boilerplate: A brief summary of the organization or individual involved in the story, often included at the end of the article.
- Contact information: Contact details for the author, editor, or other relevant individuals.
In addition to these elements, news articles may also include:
- Photos and images: Visual elements that help illustrate the story and make it more engaging.
- Videos and audio clips: Multimedia elements that provide additional context and depth to the story.
- Infographics: Visual representations of data and information that help readers understand complex topics.
- Sidebars: Additional information or context that is related to the main story, but not essential to understanding it.
- Related stories: Links to other articles or stories that are related to the main story.
The structure of a news article may vary depending on the type of story, the audience, and the medium in which it is published. However, the basic elements listed above provide a general framework for constructing a clear and engaging news article.