5W

The 5W framework refers to five interrogative questions used to gather and present information in a clear, concise manner. The core set is Who, What, When, Where, and Why; in many contexts How is treated as a sixth question.

Origin and use: The approach is common in journalism and reporting, where answering the 5Ws ensures coverage of essential facts and context. Beyond news, the framework is used in research, investigations, problem solving, and project planning to structure information.

History: While details vary, the concept is associated with early 20th-century journalism in English-speaking media, with later attribution to the broader tradition of “Five W’s and One H.” The exact origin is disputed, but the practice became standard in newsroom training and information architecture.

Variants and examples: In practice, many guides list five questions as Who, What, When, Where, and Why, sometimes adding How to cover process or method. A well-formed report or analysis typically locates each question early and uses them to frame subsequent details.