UNIT IV.

FEATURES AND SCIENCE WRITING

ELEMENTS OF FEATURE WRITING AND SCIENCE WRITING

DEFINITION
Feature Writing
It involves writing featured articles on trending topics, great personalities, and relevant issues. This
form of writing is generally longer than a specfic news story and more informative in nature.
Feature writing is a journalistic style that goes beyond basic reporting to explore the “why”
and “how” behind events or topics. Unlike breaking news, which follows the inverted
pyramid structure, feature stories build a narrative, introduce characters, and provide
context to engage readers emotionally and intellectually.

Science writing involves explaining scientific topics and discoveries in ways that ordinary people can
understand. Writers often interview experts and turn complex ideas into clear, engaging stories.
Science writing focuses on communicating scientific information accurately, clearly, and
concisely. It can range from technical research articles to popular science features.

FEATURES
1. Personality Profiles
Definition:
A personality profile is a feature article that focuses on a specific person. It highlights the individual’s
background, achievements, character, experiences, and contributions. It often includes interviews and
personal details.
Example:
A feature article about Carlos Yulo that discusses his early life, training struggles, international
victories, and how he inspires young Filipino athletes.

2. Human Interest Stories

Definition:
A human interest story focuses on people and their real-life experiences in a way that creates
emotional connection. It may inspire sympathy, hope, joy, or concern.
Example:
A story about a street vendor who worked hard to send her children to school and eventually saw
them graduate with honors.

3. Trend Stories
Definition:
A trend story discusses a current pattern, movement, or popular topic happening in society. It
explains why something is becoming popular and how it affects people.
Example:
An article about the growing popularity of online businesses among teenagers in the Philippines and
how social media platforms help them earn income.

4. In-Depth Reports
Definition:
An in-depth report is a detailed and comprehensive article that thoroughly examines a topic. It
includes background information, expert opinions, statistics, and multiple viewpoints.
Example:
A detailed feature on climate change in the Philippines, including interviews with environmental
experts, data on rising temperatures, and its effects on coastal communities.

5. Backgrounders
Definition:
A backgrounder provides context and deeper explanation about an issue or event. It explains the
history, causes, and important details behind a topic.
Example:
A background article explaining the history of K–12 education reform in the Philippines, why it was
implemented, and how it affects students and teachers.

Science writing focuses on communicating scientific information accurately, clearly, and

concisely. It can range from technical research articles to popular science features.

SCIENCE WRITING. The practice of communicating scientific information to a general audience

ELEMENTS OF SCIENCE WRITING

TECHNICAL
1. Catchy and Appropriate Headline
A headline that attracts the reader’s attention while accurately reflecting the main topic of the article.
It should be concise, engaging, and relevant to the content without being misleading.
2. Clearly Written Lead
The opening paragraph that introduces the main idea of the article. It should summarize the key
point, provide essential background information, and encourage the reader to continue reading.
3. Coherence
The logical and smooth flow of ideas throughout the article. Each paragraph should connect clearly to
the next, ensuring that the information is organized and easy to understand.
4. Utilizes Graphs, Tables, Properly Cropped and Captioned Pictures
The use of visual aids such as charts, graphs, tables, and images to support and clarify the information
presented. Visuals must be properly formatted, relevant to the topic, clearly labeled, and
accompanied by accurate captions to enhance understanding.

CONTENT
1. Presents Relevant and Timely Issues
The article discusses current, significant, and meaningful topics that are important to the target
audience and reflect present-day concerns or developments.
2. Using Scientific Jargon to a Minimum Level
The article avoids excessive technical or complex terminology. When scientific terms are necessary,
they are explained clearly so that general readers can easily understand the information.
3. Utilizes Facts from Interviews and Other Reliable Resources
The content is supported by accurate information gathered from credible sources such as expert
interviews, academic journals, government reports, and reputable organizations.

ETHICS
1. Cites Scientific References, Statistics, and Relevant Figures/Facts to Support Credibility of
Statements
The article properly acknowledges sources of information by citing references. Accurate statistics and
verified data are used to strengthen claims and ensure transparency, honesty, and academic integrity.

PRINCIPLES OF JOURNALISM APPLICABLE TO FEATURE

Accuracy. Ensure that all information in the feature is accurate, verified, and [Link]/
Impartiality. Report on all sides of an issue, a balanced and fair representation of different
perspectives.
Objectivity. Avoid injecting personal opinions into the story and striving to present the facts in
an unbiased manner.
Context. Provide the necessary background information and context to help readers
understand the story and itssignificance.
Human Interest. Find the unique and compelling stories within the subject to engage the reader and
make the story moreinteresting.

STRUCTURE OF THE FEATURE ARTICLES

HEADLINE. The headline is like the catchy title of the feature article. It hints at the topic and is found
at the top of thefeature article. Its purpose isto interest readers and to attract their attention.
SECONDARY HEADLINE. The secondary headline gives more information about the topic, and should
include the angleand controlling idea.
LEAD. The lead is the opening paragraph of the feature article, and includes the angle and controlling
idea.
BODY. The body is where you present the issue to the reader. It is the bulk of the article.
CONCLUSION. The conclusion summarizes the main points of the article and leaves the reader with a
lasting impression.

TYPE'S OF FEATURES
1. Colour Piece. A feature story that essentially tries to inform readers regarding a particular theme
or subject.
2. Profile Features. A feature story that is based on exploits of the particular person with or without
his/her interview.
3. Interview. A feature story that develop itself around the question ask to a respondent.
4. Review. A feature story that review a work of arts present a generalized opinion.
5. News feature. New feature writing is the most common type of feature article, there is emphasis
on the current event andexplaining the reason behind these events.
6. Fact Box / Chronology. A feature story that provide simple facts that is chronological order.
7. Behind the scene. A feature story that shift its focus from the principal event to the background
and narrates interestingtale.

INTERVIEWING FOR FEATURES

In the realm of campus journalism, mastering the art of interviewing for feature stories is a
cornerstone skill. It's the conduit through which reporters can unearth compelling narratives, human
interest angles, and deeper insights into the campus community. Here, we delve into the nuances of
conducting impact interviews for feature pieces, offering guidance to aspiring campus journalists.

1. Preparation is Key. Before the interview, familiarize yourself with the subject matter and the
interviewee's background.
This preparation allows you to ask informed questions and fosters a deeper connection during the
interview.
2. Crafting Engaging Questions. Develop open-ended questions that prompt detailed responses and
encourage the
interviewee to elaborate on their experiences, opinions, and insights.
3. Establishing Rapport. Begin the interview with light conversation to establish rapport and put the
interviewee at ease.
Building a comfortable environment fosters candid dialogue and encourages the interviewee to share
openly.
4. Adaptability and Flexibility. Remain adaptable during the interview, allowing the conversation to
flow naturally while
still steering it toward your desired narrative arc.
5. Respect and Ethical Considerations. Respect the interviewee's boundaries and comfort levels,
refraining from pressuring
them to disclose sensitive information.
6. Post-Interview Reflection. Reflect on the interview process, identifying strengths and areas for
improvement. Consider
what worked well and what could be refined in future interviews

Mastering the art of interviewing for feature stories is a dynamic process that requires preparation,
empathy, and adaptability. By honing these skills, aspiring campus journalists can uncover captivating
narratives and offer profound insights into the diverse voices within their campus community.

WRITING ACTUAL FEATURE ARTICLE

Step 1: Choose Your Topic

Select an interesting, relevant, and meaningful subject to write about. The topic should appeal to your
target audience and have enough depth to explore in detail.
Step 2: Research Your Topic
Gather accurate and reliable information from credible sources such as books, journals, interviews,
and trusted websites. Research helps you understand the background and key facts about your topic.
Step 3: Develop Your Angle
Decide the specific focus or perspective of your story. Your angle determines how you will present the
topic and what makes your article unique or engaging.
Step 4: Interview Sources
Talk to experts, witnesses, or people directly involved in your topic. Interviews provide firsthand
information, quotes, and personal insights that make the article more authentic and interesting.
Step 5: Outline Your Article
Organize your ideas into a clear structure before writing. An outline helps arrange the introduction,
body paragraphs, supporting details, and conclusion logically.
Step 6: Write Your Lead
Create an engaging opening paragraph that captures the reader’s attention. The lead introduces the
main idea and encourages readers to continue reading.
Step 7: Write Your Body
Develop the main content of the article. Present detailed information, facts, descriptions, quotes, and
examples that support your topic and angle.
Step 8: Write Your Conclusion
End the article effectively by summarizing key points, providing insight, or leaving the reader with
something meaningful to think about.
Step 9: Edit and Revise
Review your article for clarity, organization, grammar, and accuracy. Make necessary corrections and
improvements to strengthen the overall quality of your work.
Step 10: Publish Your Article
Share your finished article through appropriate platforms such as newspapers, magazines, blogs, or
school publications. Ensure it follows publication guidelines before submission.