The second paragraph

What the nut graf does and why it is important

As weve seen, there are basically two types of
leads:
1) Those that summarize the story, getting right to
the point and
2) Those that dont.
Now, there nothing wrong with writing a punchy
lead that teases and amuses readers.
But readers will quickly ask, Whats this story
about? Which is why the next paragraph is important.
The second paragraph condenses the story idea
into a nutshell, the nut graf.
And its vital. Without a nut graf, impatient readers may wonder Whats the point? and drift away, no
matter how clever your lead is.
Must every story contain a nut graf, then?
No. Nut grafts are helpful for feature stories. But
for news stories, your second or third paragraph
may have other duties to perform.

You may need it to supplement any of the five

Ws missing from the lead:
A Salem golfer is recovering after being hit
by lighting Friday morning.
Wally Benson, 53, is in fair condition at
Mercy Hospital after being knocked unconscious
on the third hole of Salem Golf Club during a
sudden thunderstorm.
Or to provide background for the action described in the lead:
Electricity was finally restored for 3,000 shivering Loften residents Friday.
Repair crews worked for more than 72 hours
after Monday nights ice storm downed dozens of
power lines.
Or to add a supporting quote:
Its official Ferris Wheeler, the Stars star
shortstop, is out for the season.
My doctor said hes never seen a wrist as
badly shattered as mine, said Wheeler, who was
hit by a pitch in Saturdays game against Lincoln.
* Excerpt from Tim Harrowers Inside Reporting