Writing: Tell Me A Story 2023

Objective: In this lesson, I can: • Define a nut graf. • Write an effective nut graf. • Define active and passive voice and differentiate between the two styles.

The lead is followed by the nut graf (short for paragraph), which provides both transition and direction to the story. NUT GRAF Paired with a scene-setting or anecdotal lead, the nut graf tells the reader what the story is about and offers background information as needed for clarity. It can be one paragraph or several. The nut graf may or may not include a quotation. Be sure the nut graf does not tell so much that the reader has no reason to continue reading. According to journalism researchers at The Poynter Institute, the nut graf 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 includes supporting material that helps readers see why the story is important. Let’s go back to one of the lead examples from the previous lesson and look at more of the story. EXAMPLE: Descending into the icy water with GoPros in hand and snorkels secured, sophomores Holly Arquette and Caroline Casola prepared to capture their last summer adventure. Arquette and Casola visited Devil’s Den located in Williston, Fla., about 90-minutes from Orlando. Arquette saw this attraction on a @ThatBucketList Twitter post on her feed. Molly Cooper Legend , William R. Boone High School

This is the nut graf. It explains where they were and why they were there so the story can widen.

16 Lesson 4 AFTER

THE LEAD