News Writing The Inverted Pyramid

The Inverted Pyramid? In daily newspapers, most timely and featured news stories are written in traditional form- the inverted pyramid form (the order of decreasing importance)

Inverted Pyramid Who, What, Where, When, Why, How

The First Paragraph Contains the most important information This is also called the Summary Lead because it summarizes the most important facts gathered about the story.

Why Write This Way? Makes reading easier and faster Enables the hurried reader to get all the important facts in a very short period of time Satisfies curiosity in a logical way

Characteristic of a Good Summary Lead Briefest possible summary of a story, usually no more than 25 words Includes only those W’s and H that are important. These usually include the What, Who and sometimes When, and sometimes the So What Usually one paragraph or two shorter paragraphs Most important fact is first; ask yourself “What would be the first question a reader would ask about this event?”

W’s and H?! Who What Where When Why How

What comes next? The lead tells the most important part of the story. The body of the story gives the other facts in decreasing order of importance.

Summary Lead Who, What, Where, When, Why, How Body of the Story

Class Assignment Using the Inverted Pyramid, write a short news article about a Fairy Tale of your choice.

Slipper Fits, Evil Stepmother Arrested Prince Charming, fit the glass slipper on Ms. Cinderella (32) of Midtown, at her father's home on 43rd Avenue today. Finding the right foot secures the future line of the throne, but has taken time, sources within the Palace say. Earlier reports stated that Cinderella's older stepsister Drucilla, (34) fit the slipper. The Prince later discovered a blood trail, indicating tampering with the foot in question. The other stepsister, Perdita, also claimed that the slipper "fit perfectly", insiders say. Nearby birds revealed that her toes had been removed. The slipper was disinfected, and the slipper fittings returned to schedule until Ms. Cinderella was discovered.

Last month, Prince Charming found his one true love at the Midnight Ball. The girl in question fled the ball for reasons unknown, but left behind a bespoke glass slipper. The Palace administration sought the owner of the slipper through a series of slipper fittings headed by the Prince. An insider report from barnyard animals who witnessed the unfolding saga said that the future Queen attended the ball with the help of a benefactor who goes only by the title "Fairy Godmother." According to the pigeons, mice, rats, and a sole chipmunk, the "Fairy Godmother" provided a coach, pumpkin, horses, ballgown, a couture hairstyle in an "up-do", as well as a pearl necklace and bespoke slippers made from glass. Her only requirement was for Ms. Cinderella to return home by curfew.

The future Queen hails from Midtown, where she has been plaything of her stepmother and stepsisters, according to a shocking report from Child Protective Services. Future charges against the Cinderella family include underage labor, excessive punishment, and refusing to provide basic necessities including food, water, and soap. Analysts suggest the stepmother may have been the instigator behind the first two false slipper matches and foot mutilations. The stepdaughters, Drucilla and Perdita, are now at St. Luke's hospital undergoing treatment for amputations of toe and heel respectively. They could not be reached for comment.