Fact Sheet for Feature
Writing
Purpose of Feature Writing
● Engage: Capture the reader's interest with a story that is more in-depth than a
basic news report.
● Inform: Provide comprehensive background information, context, and details
about the topic.
● Persuade: (Optional) Sway readers’ opinions or encourage them to take action,
depending on the feature's aim.
● Entertain: Offer an enjoyable reading experience through storytelling
techniques.
Key Components
1. Headline: Captivating and summarizing the essence of the story.
2. Lead (Lede): An opening paragraph that hooks the reader, often with an
anecdote, striking fact, or question.
3. Nut Graf: A paragraph that outlines the central theme or purpose of the story,
providing a roadmap for what’s ahead.
4. Body:
○ Background Information: Essential details that set the scene or provide
context.
○ Development: The story’s main content, including arguments,
descriptions, and narratives.
○ Supporting Elements: Quotes, statistics, anecdotes, and examples that
enrich the narrative.
5. Conclusion: Wraps up the story, often tying back to the lead or looking forward
to the future.
6. Call to Action: (Optional) Directs readers toward further engagement or
exploration of the topic.
Types of Feature Articles
● Profile: Focuses on an individual's life, achievements, and character.
● Trend: Explores current movements or shifts in society, culture, or industry.
● Issue: Investigates a particular problem or topic, offering in-depth analysis.
● Human Interest: Tells a story that appeals to emotions, showcasing personal
experiences or challenges.
● How-To: Provides step-by-step guidance on completing a task or solving a
problem.
Writing Style and Techniques
● Narrative Flow: A well-structured narrative that guides the reader through the
story.
● Descriptive Language: Vivid descriptions that engage the senses, painting a
picture for the reader.
● Active Voice: Keeps the writing dynamic and direct.
● Variety of Sentence Structures: Enhances readability and maintains the
reader’s interest.
● Direct Quotes: Adds authenticity and perspective.
Research and Preparation
● Thorough Research: Gather detailed information from reliable sources to
ensure accuracy.
● Interviews: Conduct interviews with relevant individuals to add depth and
authenticity.
● Fact-Checking: Verify all facts, quotes, and details to maintain credibility.
Ethical Considerations
● Accuracy: Commit to truth and accuracy in all aspects of the story.
● Fairness: Present a balanced view, especially when covering controversial
topics.
● Respect: Treat all subjects and sources with respect and consideration.
Visuals and Graphics (Optional)
● Photographs: Enhance the story and provide visual interest.
● Infographics: Offer a visual representation of data or concepts.
● Videos: (For online features) Add an engaging multimedia element.
Format of Feature Writing
1. Headline
● Captivating and Descriptive: Draws readers in with intrigue or emotion, hinting
at the story’s theme or focus.
2. Subhead (Optional)
● Additional Context: Provides more detail about the feature’s content,
complementing the headline.
3. Lead (Lede)
● Engaging Opening: A compelling introduction that sets the tone, introduces the
topic or main characters, and hooks the reader. It can be anecdotal, descriptive,
surprising, or pose a question.
4. Nut Graf
● The Essence: Located after the lead, this paragraph gives the story's thesis or
main idea, explaining why the story matters and what it will cover.
5. Body
● Development: The story unfolds in a structured, engaging manner. This section
is often segmented into several parts, including:
○ Background Information: Contextual details that help the reader
understand the subject’s significance.
○ Main Narratives: The core stories, arguments, or descriptions that drive
the feature.
○ Supporting Evidence: Data, quotes from interviews, research findings,
and expert opinions that lend credibility and depth.
○ Themes: Recurring ideas or motifs that tie different parts of the story
together.
● Transitions: Smooth and logical connections between different sections,
maintaining flow and coherence.
6. Direct Quotes
● Voices of the Story: Incorporate firsthand insights from key figures or experts to
add authenticity, perspective, and emotion.
7. Imagery and Descriptions
● Vivid Detailing: Use descriptive language to paint pictures in the reader’s mind,
making the story memorable and immersive.
8. Conclusion
● Reflective Closure: Wraps up the story satisfyingly, often tying back to the lead,
reflecting on the story’s implications, or looking to the future. It should leave a
lasting impression on the reader.
9. Sidebar (Optional)
● Additional Information: Boxes or sidebars that include related information,
statistics, timelines, or mini-profiles complementing the main narrative.
10. Call to Action (Optional)
● Engagement: Encourages readers to engage further with the topic, whether
through social media, further reading, or personal reflection.
Feature Writing About a
Person
Title
● Engaging and Descriptive: Captures the essence of the person and piques
curiosity.
Subtitle (Optional)
● Further Insight: Provides additional context or highlights a key aspect of the
person's story.
Introduction
● Hook: Start with an engaging anecdote, quote, or moment that draws the reader
in and introduces the person’s character or significance.
● Context: Briefly introduce the person, including their name, known for, and why
they are noteworthy.
Background
● Early Life: Share insights into their upbringing, education, and any formative
experiences that shaped their path.
● Career Path: Outline their career journey, noting key turning points,
achievements, and challenges faced.
Main Body
● Characteristics: Describe their personality traits, values, and qualities that stand
out.
● Contributions and Impact: Highlight their accomplishments, work, or
contributions to their field, community, or society.
● Challenges Overcome: Discuss any obstacles they faced and how they
overcame them, illustrating resilience and determination.
● Personal Anecdotes: Include stories or moments that reveal their character,
preferences, and everyday life.
● Quotes: Incorporate direct quotes from the person, and possibly from
colleagues, friends, or family, to provide diverse perspectives and authenticity.
Themes
● Central Themes: Identify and weave through recurring themes or messages,
such as innovation, leadership, perseverance, or community service, that are
relevant to their story.
Imagery
● Visual Elements: Use photographs or illustrations that capture the person in
different aspects of their life or work, adding depth to the narrative.
Conclusion
● Reflective Closure: Summarize their legacy or impact and reflect on what
readers can learn from their story. Consider ending with a powerful quote from or
about the person that encapsulates their essence.
Sidebar (Optional)
● Key Achievements: A list or timeline of significant milestones or accolades.
● Further Reading: References to their work, interviews, or other materials for
readers who wish to explore more.