Writing A News Story Lesson

Introduction

Every news story must cover the "Five W's:" Who, What, When, Where, Why and sometimes How and So What? This means that newspaper articles are written using an inverted pyramid format. The most important information is at the top (beginning of article) and the least important information is at the bottom (end of article).
The inverted pyramid is important to readers because it allows them to skim the top of a story and know they have read the most important information. Editors use the inverted pyramid to determine the most important part of a story and what to cut if they need to. This format helps writers to have an easy way to organize their thoughts since it moves from most important details to the least important details of a story.

Inverted Pyramid Example

Facts for a Story

Joe Smith is in critical condition. He suffered smoke inhalation. His parents called an ambulance. Smith is rebuilding a 1965 Ford Mustang in his parents' garage.
His parents are Bob and Carol Smith of 116 Travis Lane.
Last night around 8 p.m. he poured a carbon solvent into the carburetor intake of his car and it created smoke.
His parents found him in the garage.
Joe is a sophomore at West High School; he is 16.
He is in River City Hospital in critical condition. He suffered smoke inhalation.
His parents called an ambulance.

Story

A 16-year-old West High School sophomore is in critical condition today at River City Hospital after suffering smoke inhalation at his home last night. Joe Smith, son of Bob and Carol Smith of 116 Travis Lane, was overcome by smoke in the family garage about 8 p.m. after pouring a carbon solvent into the carburetor intake of his car, according to a hospital spokesman. He was discovered by his parents, who called an ambulance. Joe Smith had been rebuilding a 1965 Ford Mustang in his parents' garage for the past six months. (Example provided by Ann Arbor Public Schools)

Inverted Pyramid Practice

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.