Nut graph

Definition

A nut graph is a concise paragraph in journalism that summarizes the main point or theme of a story, often positioned after the lead. It provides context and helps readers understand why the story is important. This key element serves as a bridge from the engaging opening to the more detailed body of the article, ensuring clarity and focus throughout the piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The nut graph typically appears after the lead to provide a deeper understanding of the story's relevance and significance.
2. It often answers key questions such as 'why should we care?' and 'what's at stake?' for the audience.
3. Crafting an effective nut graph involves distilling complex information into a clear and compelling statement.
4. A well-written nut graph can keep readers engaged by framing the narrative and guiding them through the details that follow.
5. In digital storytelling, the nut graph is crucial for maintaining reader interest, especially in longer pieces where attention spans may wane.

Review Questions

• How does a nut graph enhance the reader's understanding of a story?
  • A nut graph enhances understanding by summarizing the main point or theme after the lead, providing context and significance to the story. It answers critical questions about why the story matters and what implications it holds for readers. This clarity helps guide readers through subsequent details while keeping their interest piqued.
• Compare and contrast a nut graph with a lead in terms of their functions in journalistic writing.
  • The lead serves to grab the reader's attention with an engaging opening, while the nut graph follows by offering a concise summary of the story's key themes and significance. The lead introduces the story, often presenting an intriguing fact or question, whereas the nut graph deepens understanding by contextualizing that information. Together, they create a cohesive structure that keeps readers informed and engaged.
• Evaluate how effectively using a nut graph can impact long-form digital storytelling.
  • Effectively using a nut graph in long-form digital storytelling significantly impacts reader engagement and comprehension. By clearly articulating the story's main point early on, it helps maintain focus as readers navigate through more detailed sections. This strategic placement encourages retention of key information and enhances overall narrative flow, making complex stories more accessible and compelling for diverse audiences.

Related terms

Lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that grabs the reader's attention and sets up the main point.

Inverted Pyramid: A writing style in journalism where the most important information is presented at the beginning, followed by supporting details in descending order of importance.

Contextualization: The process of providing background information or context to help readers understand the significance of a story.