STRUCTURE OF A COLUMN:Intro or lead, Main body, Conclusion

Structure of Column Writting

Intro or lead

In column writting in the lead or intro, it is about bringing to focus what columnist wants to say, and the crux of the matter is
here. However, there is a distinct difference between Instructive and Opinionated column writting, and hence
their Intros are changed accordingly, where the tone may vary from simple directive approach to a more
casual, or informal style. Directions are always carefully written to eliminate ambiguity.
No doubt, a column is a personal writing to the writer, but it must attract the reader, and the writer must
keep the reader following the write-up.

Nut graph (angle)

It is usually determined by local conditions and the predilections of the concerned writers. The success of
a columnist lies in his efficiency and proficiency to attract and hold the readers, and he must possess some
cardinal points to impel the readers to continue the perusals of the column. Any 'Angling' in column writting must be
considering readers' intent and understanding. Otherwise, after giving an understanding, slant of the
column is better, and there must be nothing beyond the common understanding.

Main body

Bring in all facts, arguments and analyses in the main body. Besides this, comments must be added as
well. However, effort should be at trying to keep the focus of the reader by never letting loose on
arguments. However, nothing irrelevant should be written, as they say 'Never take the body for granted'.
This is also the portion where one should be coming up with suggestions and advices besides rounding up
of the views and news.

Conclusion

This is summing up the column, where one must be raising the questions or answering the questions
previously raised. Nothing ambiguous is said to conclude the column.
Success of the conclusion is that the reader must feel satisfied after reading the column, and he must feel
that all questions answered, and nothing has been left unanswered.
Structure because of content

Structure of a column varies from subject to subject, but one must be sticking to the subject and coming
up with the usual format required under the head, and making the subject clear to reader. Format can be
fluctuated, but not digressing to achieve novelty because the effort is to make the reader understand the
subject by following a particular subject.
Pointing out different structures of columns may seem a useless exercise, since column writing is so
individual. However, the following Structures are more common:

Questions and Answers

The questions come from readers and the answers are supplied by the columnist.

Grab bag

Some columns written are a collection of events coming up, awards handed out, gossip and anything else too
small for a headline. However, more newspapers are abandoning these for a thematic grab bag.

Anecdote Column

Column writing built around a single anecdote take on the character of a mini-feature.

Feature Column writting

A feature colum writting, usually a profile, is a common column format. The difference between this and a regular
feature is the greater length of the regular feature, and, sometimes, personal involvement of the columnist
indicated by the use of personal pronoun.

Instructive Column

The tone may vary from the simple directive approach to a more casual, informal style. The directions are
always carefully written to eliminate ambiguity and writers often give the material an "idiot run" to be
sure there are no steps missing.

Opinionated Columns writting

The columnist, as column is personal writing to the writer.