The term nut graph is a derivative of the expression ‘in a nutshell’ combined with the word paragraph (graph). It refers to the paragraph that expresses the main idea of the story or article, shortly after the lead. Ken Wells, a writer and editor at The Wall Street Journal, described the nut graph as “a paragraph that says what this whole story is about and why you should read it. It’s a flag to the reader, high up in the story: You can decide to proceed or not, but if you read no farther, you know what that story’s about.”
The term was first coined by The Wall Street Journal more than 50 years ago. It’s called the nut graph because, like a nut, it contains the “kernel,” or essential theme, of the story. A nut graph informs readers about the focus of the news or feature story. It elaborates the lead and provide context for the story as well as explains the news value of the story. It tells the reader what the writer is up to. Sometimes a nut graph is an expanded explanation of the ‘why’ or the ‘what’ giving the lead some background and context.
The US-based Poynter Institute explains that the “nut graph” has several purposes:
- It justifies the story by telling readers why they should care.
- It provides a transition from the lead and explains the lead and its connection to the rest of the story.
- It often tells readers why the story is timely.
- It often includes supporting material that helps readers see why the story is important.
Nut graphs give a bit more creative freedom. In case of hard news story the lead mostly contains the focus of the news, so nut paragraph may not be required. But in case of feature or soft stories, nut graph is critical. It is placed high in the story, generally by the third to fifth paragraph. But if the lead is strong enough it can come later.
Source: Odisha State Open University
