What best describes a nut graf?

• A. A concluding paragraph
• B. A caption for a photo
• C. A paragraph that summarizes unrelated details
• D. A paragraph that explains the story’s central point, why it matters, and what will follow

Answer: (D)

The nut graf is the paragraph that sets the purpose and direction of the story. It explains the story’s central point, why it matters now, and what will follow in the article. Placed after the lede, it answers the reader’s “so what?” and signals how the reporting will unfold, providing context and stakes that the rest of the piece will develop.

That’s why this description is the best fit: it captures the essential role of the nut graf in anchoring the piece, clarifying its focus, and outlining what kind of coverage the reader can expect next. The other options miss the point: a concluding paragraph wraps up; a photo caption explains an image; and something that summarizes unrelated details fails to present the core focus of the story.