Nut graph and soft news lead

Concept:

A "nut graph" is a sentence or paragraph that states the focus - the main point - of the story. It should tell in a nutshell what the story is about and why it is newsworthy.

-- Carol Rich, 2003, Writing and reporting news: A coaching method, 4th ed.

Discussion:

Nut graph in hard news

Which paragraph is the nut graph in this story?

Cuomo Says Most Huge A.I.G. Bonuses Were Returned

Nut graph in soft news

Which paragraph is the nut graph in this story?

Nafta's Promises, Unfulfilled

Botox Frees Muscles for Stroke Patients in the Know

As Rights Clash on YouTube, Some Music Vanishes


Types of leads in soft news:

Anecdotal Leads

Narrative leads

Scene-setter leads

Blind leads

Roundup leads

Direct address leads

Startling statement leads

Wordplay leads


Exercise:

Browse the news on the Web. Each student should identify at least three stories in which the nut graph is not the lead.

In each story, identify the nut graph, then try to tell what type of lead is used in the story.

Explain whether you think the lead is a good lead or whether it could be better if the story had used the nut graph as the lead.


Reading:

Handout: "Soft Leads"