Two ways to structure a science story

As a science communicator, the way you structure a science story is fundamental. A good piece of science news is not just a collection of facts. It should have a logical flow and a clear and identifiable structure. This will help the reader better understand the information you are sharing.

Furthermore, a good structure helps you to plan your writing and be more organised. By outlining your story before you start writing, you will see what information you need to gather for your article to write it. This includes the questions to ask when interviewing sources. It also helps you know what to look for when examining data and documents.

This blog will cover two traditional ways to structure a science story. Firstly, the inverted pyramid structure and, secondly, the Wall Street Journal structure. These two systems are two of the most used in journalism.

1. Structure a science story: ‘Inverted pyramid’ style

When you structure a science story as an inverted pyramid, you summarise the most critical facts in the first sentence. You then follow with the next most essential points, and so on. It is the oldest and most used structure in journalism.

Using the lede to structure a science story

The lede – called ‘lead’ or ‘intro’ – is the first paragraph used in the inverted triangle structure. This is a short statement that focuses on the story’s most important facts. It often takes the form of a one-sentence paragraph.

In a nutshell, it answers as many of the “5Ws+H” as possible. These are: what, who, when, where, why and how. 

For your story, this might include:

1. What research was carried out?
2. Who carried out the research?
3. When was the study published?
4. Where was the work carried out?
5. Why was the research undertaken?
6. How was the analysis performed?

If you can, also try to answer the question “so what?”. Why does this science story matter?

What comes next when you structure a science story ‘inverted pyramid’ style

After the lede, you can add supporting information. Keep it to a few sentences. The goal of this section is to reveal more about the lede.

Immediately after this paragraph, you might want to include a direct quote that reinforces and adds perspective to your story. It should embellish or emphasise some of the points you have already made.

Following the direct quote, you can start to add more information and comments from other sources. Add substance to your story. But remember, the structure is not set in stone. In reality, you may need to modify your outline to suit the news. You might find, for example, that your direct quote needs to come earlier than suggested.

2. Structure a science story: ‘Wall Street Journal’ style

When you structure a science story ‘Wall Street Journal’ style, begin with one interesting anecdote, description or quote. Do not pack everything into the first sentence. Open with perhaps just one piece of exciting information.

In this style too, the first paragraph is calleda ‘lede’. The lede must be attention-grabbing and concise. When writing the lede, review all the information you have gathered. Think, what was most exciting, surprising or alarming? Draft the lede around that piece of information.

Using the nut graf to structure a science story

Having drawn people in using this tantalising hook, you need to focus the reader’s attention on the main thrust of your story. In one paragraph or even a sentence, you must summarise the story’s main point. This summary is the nut graf.

As you write the main body of your story, pay attention to the details your readers will want to know. That forms the main body of the article – the longest part. Include relevant arguments, comparisons, examples, facts and figures. Remember to weave your story’s central theme throughout the main body.

Using a strong conclusion to structure a science story ‘Wall Street Journal’ style

Use the conclusion of your story to help your readers, listeners and viewers make informed interpretations. Refocus them on the main point or theme of the story. Then summarise the main point. Aim to conclude with a projection into the future.

In the Wall Street Journal structure, use the conclusion to return to the individual in the lede. The final sentence might be about their future or next steps.

Finally, whichever style you use, remember that structure is beneficial for you as the writer and for your reader too. Clarity is important to science writing and structure helps present facts clearly.

To learn more about science communication, read Science Communication Skills for Journalists by Dr Charles Wendo. And take our free online course, Script.