In American English journalism terminology, a nut graph is a paragraph, particularly in a feature story, that explains the news value of the story.[1][2] The term is also spelled as nut graf, nut 'graph, nutgraph, nutgraf. It is a contraction of the expression nutshell paragraph, i.e., "in a nutshell" paragraph, dated at least to the 19th century.[3] Sometimes the expression nut paragraph is also used. Writing a nut graph is called nutshelling and the writers are called nutshellers.
In most news stories, the news style of writing is used, and the essential facts of a story are included in the lead, the first sentence or two of the story. For example, a story about crime statistics written in news style might start out with a lead like: "Violent crime is down in Anytown, but shoplifting is soaring, according to statistics released by the Anytown Police Department Tuesday." Good leads try to answer who, what, when, where, why, and how as quickly as possible.[citation needed]
However, in feature stories, or in news written in a feature style, the story will often begin in a more narrative manner. For instance, if a story on crime statistics were written in feature style rather than news style, the first few paragraphs might start by introducing a local business owner who was affected by the boom in shoplifting. The nut graf, which often will start in the third or fourth paragraph, will explain what the story is about, including much but rarely all of the information that would have been contained in a lead, so as to keep the reader interested.
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As the name implies, most nut grafs are a single paragraph long.
As Jack Hart, editor and writing coach at The Oregonian, described so well, the nut graf is "a core statement that answers the basic question lurking in the mind of every reader: 'Why should I bother with this story?'"
It is also identified as the "news feature" and the "analytical feature." This genre's hallmarks include anecdotal leads that hook the reader, followed by alternating sections that amplify the story's thesis and provide balance with evidence that presents a counterthesis. But its chief hallmark is the use of a context section, the "nut graf" in newsroom lingo. Now newspapers and magazines around the world publish stories following the form that emphasizes explanation over information and understanding over knowledge. Online news sites also rely on this form.
The nut graf tells the reader what the writer is up to; it delivers a promise of the story's content and message. It's called the nut graf because, like a nut, it contains the "kernel," or essential theme, of the story. At The Philadelphia Inquirer, reporters and editors called it the "You may have wondered why we invited you to this party?" section.
The nut graf has several purposes:
The nut graf tells the reader what the writer is up to; it delivers a promise of the story's content and message. It's called the nut graf because, like a nut, it contains the "kernel," or essential theme, of the story. At The Philadelphia Inquirer, reporters and editors called it the "You may have wondered why we invited you to this party?" section.
The nut graf has several purposes:
- It justifies the story by telling readers why they should care.
- It provides a transition from the lead and explains the lead and its connection to the rest of the story.
- It often tells readers why the story is timely.
- It often includes supporting material that helps readers see why the story is important.
As the name implies, most nut grafs are a single paragraph long.
As Jack Hart, editor and writing coach at The Oregonian, described so well, the nut graf is "a core statement that answers the basic question lurking in the mind of every reader: 'Why should I bother with this story?'"
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