I really like NAQT's (National Academic Quiz Tournaments ) take on questions, where it goes from more obscure to less obscure the further you get into the text. For example:

Though he suffered from Bright’s disease, he allowed himself to be considered for his party’s nomination, but he lost to James G. (*) Blaine. Once known as a Stalwart, he declared his independence by signing the popular Pendleton Act. For ten points—name this New York politician who acceded to the presidency upon the 1881 assassination of James Garfield.

The asterisk indicates bonus points if a player correctly answers the question before the host finishes reading past that mark.

But this kind of format where you can "buzz in early" would be a pretty drastic departure for the show.