Hard News Format

I. The Headline

Line on top of the story that gives central focus of article
Catches reader's attention

II. The Lead

The beginning of the article
The "hook" that tells the reader what the story is all about
Usually written in one sentence; no more than 35 words
Summarizes main points: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

Ex.) A Northwestern University professor of hearing sciences was shot and seriously wounded in a university parking lot Thursday.

III. Body of story

Elaborates on 5 W's & H
Backup/nut graph: Second paragraph in article, right after lead; states central focus of article.

Ex.) A University of Florida law student suffering from amensia after mysteriously disappearing in July has recalled her abduction under hypnosis, authorities said.
Elizabeth "Libby" Morris, 32, slowly has regained memory of her life before her disappearance from the Oaks Mall parking lot but has never consciously remembered what occurred during the five days she was missing, said Lt. Spencer Mann, a spokesman with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.

Written in small paragraphs (no more than 3 sentences each)
Contains transitions
Uses quotes, background information, and straight facts to elaborate on lead
INVERTED PYRAMID!

IV. End of article

Contains least important information
Could be a quote

Ex.) An article on the dangers of texting and driving might end with someone being quoted as saying, "This behavior has to stop."