The inverted pyramid

News stories are usually written using the inverted pyramid style of writing. In this style, the most important information is found in the beginning or lead of the story. This includes most of the 5 W’s (Who, What, Where, When, Why). Information such as supporting details and quotes are added in order of importance with the least important information being added at the end.

This shape is useful when reporting important or breaking news, when timeliness is of the essence. If you are the first to report a significant development, you’ll want to tell the audience what has happened right at the top of your story. A report on a massive storm, for example, likely would begin with the death toll and the location of the heaviest damage. Writers who resist using this structure when it is called for may be accused of “burying the lead,” making it more difficult for the audience to determine the story’s importance.

The beginning or lead contains most of the 5 W’s

(Most important information)

Interesting facts and quotes

are added in the body of

the news story.

The least important details

are added at the end or

the bottom of the story.

In the inverted-pyramid structure, information following the lead expands or develops the point that is made in the lead. In the case of the storm report, the writer might describe the scene of the worst devastation, and then include a quote from a survivor or an emergency worker. Supporting paragraphs would elaborate on the topic, filling in details and providing background on the storm. In a longer story, a reporter might include secondary information that is related to the primary theme but not directly. The storm story, for example, could include information about international relief efforts, and the needs of survivors, both immediate and long term. One reason for the popularity of this structure is that editors can cut from the bottom to save space and time without worrying about cutting vital information (The Journalists, № 2, 2010).

III. Explain the following word combinations:

· burying the lead;

· writers who resist using this structure:

· to elaborate on the topic

· To be of the essence;

· international relief efforts;

· vital information.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-11