Chapter 5 questions

 

The Inverted Pyramid

            The primary format followed by writers of “hard news” is the inverted pyramid. The idea behind this format is to introduce the most important information first and work down to the least important information towards the end of the article.

 

Delayed Leads

            Also known as feature or soft leads, information that’s found to be interesting or unusual is placed first in the lead. Using either the contrast technique or the mystery technique, the idea is to place more important information later in the story while also creatively drawing in reader’s attention. Delayed leads are usually between two and four paragraphs, depending on the length of the story.

 

Nut Graf

            Nut graf’s follow immediately after the lead of a story, mostly delayed leads. Usually one paragraph in length, the nut graf tells the reader what the story is about, and gives clear focus on the main information of the story.  It provides important information about the story that could not fit in the lead.

           

The “When” Element

            The “when” element always comes in the lead of the story, unless using a delayed lead. The correct way for a hard news story is who did what when, said whom.

 

Summary/Chronology Story

            Event that are best told chronologically, that is in the order they occur, usually follow a summary lead and sometimes a nut graf.

 

Naming Suspects in Crime Stories

            The first rule is to never mention ay names of anyone involoved in a crime story until the person is formally charged. Another issue with crime stories is the use of the word allegedly. Allegedly means that someone has made an accusation without proof. However, only an action can be alleged.

 

Multiple Element Story

            A multiple element story is one in which two or three elements are equally important to go in the lead. The writer will feature each element in the lead, which is usually two paragraphs. As the story progresses, the writer elaborates on each of the elements; the trick is to finish all thoughts about one element before moving onto the next element.

 

 

 

Second Day Story

            Although following a summary lead format, that lead of each following story since the first will change. In other words, the lead of each sub-story must continue from where the last story left off.

 

Correlation vs. Causation

            Correlation means many events happening at the same time, whereas causation is one event that causes others. With causation, a writer much be careful and fact-check before publishing.

 

Double Checking

            All double check the following, at the least:

                                    ~ Names

                                    ~ Dates

                                    ~ Places

                                    ~ Corporate Names

                                    ~ Titles

                                    ~ Numbers

                                    ~Graphics

 

Working with Quotes

            In order to make sure whether a quote is workth using or not, follow these guidelines:

                        ~ Make sure the quote adds to the story

                        ~ Make sure the quoted material are the persons exact words

                        ~ Paraphrase only when necessary