Last Chapter, You Wrote the Lead. Now Build Everything Behind It.
Last chapter, you wrote the lead.
One sentence. Most important fact first. Reader hooked.
That's the door.
But a news story isn't just a door. It's a whole house. And the body — everything that comes after the lead — is where readers spend most of their time.
The body is where you explain what happened. It's where people in the story get to speak. It's where your facts and numbers go. It's where readers find out why the event matters and what comes next.
A strong lead with a weak body is like a great entrance with nothing inside.
So let's build the inside.
Six Things You Can Put in the Body
The body can hold six types of content. You don't need all six in every article. But the more you understand what each one does, the better you can choose which ones your story needs.
How to Organize the Body
Most important body content first
The inverted pyramid doesn't stop at the lead. It continues through the body too. Put your most critical supporting details at the top. Move toward the least urgent as you go down.
One idea per paragraph
In news writing, a body paragraph is usually just one or two sentences long. Each paragraph has one job — one detail, one quote, one fact. Don't combine three ideas into one paragraph. Give each one its own space.
Use transitions
Transitions are connecting words that guide your reader from one paragraph to the next. They make your story feel smooth instead of choppy.
| What the transition does | Words you can use |
|---|---|
| Adds more information | Meanwhile, also, in addition, moreover |
| Shows contrast | However, but, on the other hand |
| Shows cause and effect | As a result, therefore, because of this |
| Moves time forward | Later, after, the following day, next |
How to Use Quotes the Right Way
Quotes are one of the most powerful tools in journalism. But you have to use them correctly — every single time.
Build a Body Paragraph
A reporter gathered these facts. Use them to understand how a complete body paragraph is built — then click Show Sample Answer.
📋 Reporter's Notes
Student Council President Ziah Cruz said, 'This is what it means to be part of a school — you take care of it.'
Meanwhile, the school has scheduled a second clean-up before the start of intramurals next month."
✏️ Practice Time
Spot what's missing from each body paragraph, then write your own.
What's Missing? Each body paragraph is missing one type of content. Find it.
Writing Practice — Write the Body Use the lead below and write two body paragraphs using the scaffolds.
📎 Sample Answer (to guide you)
P1: "The fundraiser was organized to help families whose homes were damaged by Typhoon Queenie last month. Students raised money by running a bake sale, a mini-bazaar, and a pledge-a-thon where sponsors donated per lap walked. According to Student Council adviser Mrs. Miles Santos, the P20,000 total is the highest amount the school has ever raised in a single drive."
P2: "Student Council president James Cruz said, 'We only had three days, but every student showed up and worked hard. That's what made the difference.' As a result, the school will turn over the funds to the municipal disaster risk reduction office this coming Wednesday."
Your Two Body Paragraphs
🔍 Self-Check Guide
| What to Check | Done ✅ | Try Again 🔄 |
|---|---|---|
| My first paragraph answers Why and/or How | ☐ | ☐ |
| I included at least one quote with the speaker named and titled | ☐ | ☐ |
| I included at least one number or specific fact | ☐ | ☐ |
| I said what will happen next | ☐ | ☐ |
| I used at least one transition word between paragraphs | ☐ | ☐ |
📊 Simple Rubric
Answers will differ for each student. Use the rubric or ask your teacher for help.
🧠 Match It
Each sentence belongs to one of the six types of body content. Which one?