Article structures in journalism encompass various formats to present information in news stories and feature articles. These structures reflect not only a writer's deliberate choice but also a response to editorial guidelines or the inherent demands of the story itself. While some writers may not consciously adhere to these structures, they often find them retrospectively aligned with their writing process. Conversely, others might consciously adopt a style as their story develops or adhere to predefined structures based on publisher guidelines. [1] [2]
This section provides an in-depth look at various article structures used in journalism.
The inverted pyramid is a classic structure that begins with the most critical information, followed by supporting details, and concludes with background or supplementary data. It is predominantly used in news reporting and is sometimes critiqued for its direct approach. [3] [4]
The narrative structure follows events in a chronological order, commonly utilized in feature writing and long-form journalism. [1]
The hourglass combines the inverted pyramid and narrative styles, beginning with crucial details, transitioning into a narrative body, and ending with a summary. [4] [1]
In the nut graph structure, a short paragraph provides the context and significance of the story, usually following the lead. [1]
The diamond structure begins with an engaging anecdote, includes a nut graph, broadens with detailed information, and then converges back to the initial story. This format is favored in opinion journalism. [1] [5]
The Christmas tree structure features a series of narrative developments or twists, often used for complex or evolving stories. [3]
Jon Franklin's organic structure is characterized by a series of visual images creating a cinematic narrative. It involves "foci" for action depiction and transitions for time, mood, subject, and character establishment. [1]
Developed by Rick Bragg, this structure includes five parts: a captivating hook, a nut graph, a secondary lead, detailed support, and a strong concluding "kicker." [1]
Article structures in journalism encompass various formats to present information in news stories and feature articles. These structures reflect not only a writer's deliberate choice but also a response to editorial guidelines or the inherent demands of the story itself. While some writers may not consciously adhere to these structures, they often find them retrospectively aligned with their writing process. Conversely, others might consciously adopt a style as their story develops or adhere to predefined structures based on publisher guidelines. [1] [2]
This section provides an in-depth look at various article structures used in journalism.
The inverted pyramid is a classic structure that begins with the most critical information, followed by supporting details, and concludes with background or supplementary data. It is predominantly used in news reporting and is sometimes critiqued for its direct approach. [3] [4]
The narrative structure follows events in a chronological order, commonly utilized in feature writing and long-form journalism. [1]
The hourglass combines the inverted pyramid and narrative styles, beginning with crucial details, transitioning into a narrative body, and ending with a summary. [4] [1]
In the nut graph structure, a short paragraph provides the context and significance of the story, usually following the lead. [1]
The diamond structure begins with an engaging anecdote, includes a nut graph, broadens with detailed information, and then converges back to the initial story. This format is favored in opinion journalism. [1] [5]
The Christmas tree structure features a series of narrative developments or twists, often used for complex or evolving stories. [3]
Jon Franklin's organic structure is characterized by a series of visual images creating a cinematic narrative. It involves "foci" for action depiction and transitions for time, mood, subject, and character establishment. [1]
Developed by Rick Bragg, this structure includes five parts: a captivating hook, a nut graph, a secondary lead, detailed support, and a strong concluding "kicker." [1]