Developing the Story - Structure

   Every news story answers the Five Ws and One H (pp. 36-37). Reporters structure news stories in an inverted pyramid; i.e. the most important news comes first, then less important information follows (pp. 38-39) . In news, the story must climax in the first sentence; in literature, the story builds to a climax and then has a denouement.

   The information the public receives comes from the initial frame the writer sets. The writer sets the frame by the questions asked. The lede summarizes the story and gives the latest and most important information to the reader. Base the lede on news values to attract the reader's interest. Avoid first or second person when writing an article.

   The second and third paragraphs of the story provide more information about the event; e.g. in an article about a wreck, the second paragraph would identify the victims and provide more information about circumstances surrounding the accident. If using a delayed lede, you will need a nut graph in the second or third graf (p. 46).

   Use quotes by the third or fourth paragraph unless it's an incredible quote - then move it up in the story. Use quotations sparingly. Use the correct verb of attribution at the end of a quote, not before. Write news in PAST tense (e.g. attribution is said, not says). The subject always comes before the verb in attribution. NOTE: Some publications choose to use verb before the subject ONLY cases of extremely long titles (e.g. "I am," said Lyle Thomas, ACLU executive director.) AVOID this problem by never using an appositive in quote attribution. If you use a direct quote, make sure you use quotation marks. Quotations need their own paragraph as a rule.

   While the inverted pyramid provides the best structure for hard news articles, you may want to try different structures based on the facts you have (p. 48). In general, use transitions to move the reader along in the story. Transitions include connectors, hooks, pronouns, associations, chronology and enumeration. Become familiar with each of these devices to improve your writing style.

   When there is a lot of information about non-related items (e.g. different bills the City Council passed), use a bullet structure (p. 49). This can be used to summarize information at the beginning or end of the story.

   Always end article with -30-.

If you don't understand something in this Web note, please e-mail Dr. Sitton.