Lesson
A Strong Lead Will Be Followed
It sounds like a project for a hard-working squirrel, but the term nut graph really refers to a follow-up paragraph where you deliver the nut, or hard facts, of the story.
Instead of just letting that bait bob in the water, the nut graph approach creates a more lifelike "swimming" bait. The fish has to chase the bait, which makes it all the more appealing.
Actually, students use the nut graph approach often. Imagine you want something from your parents—a computer, a trip to the movies—instead of just coming out and asking, you "butter them up" a bit by talking about that "A" you got on the math test. Then, you hit them with what you're really after. That's the nut graph lead!
Let's go back to Pinky the Lady Bulldog's story for an example. Which paragraph is the nut graph?
Example:
- For years, students have relied on the old "The dog ate my homework" excuse to gain a little extra time on an assignment. Teachers may roll their eyes, but some variation of the age-old excuse often works. Well, it's finally happened.
- Welby Middle School's mascot Pinky the Lady Bulldog has been suspended for eating a class set of essays that were anchored on Mrs. Strom's desk with a pack of peanut butter crackers. Pinky's owner has also been suspended for shutting the dog in Mrs. Strom's classroom while he attended the homecoming dance.
- Until now, Pinky's discipline record at WMS has been spotless. After coughing up a paper wad, Pinky was indeed declared a guilty dog. But other factors led to this unfortunate incident …
