FEATURE AND

SCIENCE
WRITING
Presented by:
Paula Franchesa Navarro - Sheena Marie Nery - Aldrin Pagcaliwangan
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the students should be
able to:
a. define feature and science writing;
b. discuss principles of journalism which should be
present in feature articles;
c. recpgnize different types of feature articles;
Science Writing
It refers to writing about a scientific subject matter, often
in a non-technical manner for an audience of non-
scientists (a form of journalism). Also called popular
science writing (Nordquist, 2025).
It may also refer to writing that reports scientific
observations and results in a manner governed by
specific conventions (a form of technical writing). More
commonly known as scientific writing (Nordquist, 2025)
Science News Reporting
Science reporting is science writing by a scientist or
by a non-scientist for mass consumption.
A science news report is written for mass
understanding.
A science news reporter writes the story is such a
way that the science unoriented reader may
understand and appreciate it because it is written in
simple language.
Science Technical Writing

Science technical writing is science writing by a

scientist for a fellow scientist.
They uses a technical language which a laymen
could hardly understand.
Science Journalism
Science Journalism in print media is writing
focused in science and technology instead of
economics, police, politics, labor, education, and
sports. Of course, there is a difference in language,
too.
Science Journalism
Journalistic Style
News is written in a hurry to be read in a hurry. Thus, a
journalist writes in a simple, straightforward, and brisk
style. The ordinary science news reporter presents the
information using the 5W's. He has to explain basic
concepts of science involved. He has to contribute to
the general scientific activity if he wants his reader to
understand what he wants to convey.
Elements of Science Writing
Catchy and appropriate headline
A headline should grab the reader's attention while
accurately reflecting the article's content. It sets the tone
and draws readers into the story.
Clearly Written Lead
The lead introduces the topic in a concise and engaging
way, providing the most important information upfront
and encouraging readers to continue reading.
Elements of Science Writing
Coherence
The article should flow logically, with ideas connected
smoothly to create a cohesive narrative that is easy to
follow.
Relevant and Timely Issues
Topics should address current events or pressing issues
that resonate with the audience, ensuring the article’s
relevance and impact.
Elements of Science Writing
Facts from Interviews, Document Reviews, Data
Analyses, and Other Reliable Sources
Credible information gathered from various trustworthy
sources adds depth and authenticity to the article.
Citation of Scientific References, Statistics, and
Relevant Figures/Facts
Properly citing scientific studies, data, and statistics
reinforces the article’s credibility and provides
transparency to readers.
Feature Writing
Feature is an essay based on facts. Its main purpose is to
entertain or present human interest stories. Like an
editorial, it is hung on a newspeg.
It is hard to define a feature article because it can take
many forms and can cover many subjects. However, a
reader may easily distinguish feature stories from news
stories through its different characteristics.
Main Objective of Features
The main objective of news is to inform, while a feature
article aims to entertain.
Feature articles may also instruct, advise, inform, and
entertain at the same time.
News Feature
News feature is a news story which is based on facts but
containing explanations, background, and impression of
the writer.
Its main aim is to inform. It can start in almost any manner
and it usually appears with the author's byline.
Elements of Feature Writing
Headline
Captures the essence of the article in a concise manner.
Engages the reader's interest and encourages them to
read further.
Uses strong, active language and may include a play on
words or alliteration.
Elements of Feature Writing
Lead/Hook
Introduces the main topic and grabs the reader's
attention immediately.
Can be a surprising fact, a provocative question, or a
vivid description.
Sets the tone for the article and hints at the story's
direction.
Elements of Feature Writing
Body Paragprahs
Develops the story with detailed information, examples,
and analysis.
Organized logically to maintain flow and coherence
throughout the article.
Each paragraph should support the main theme and
contribute to the overall narrative.
Elements of Feature Writing
Quotes and attribution
Adds credibility and depth to the article by incorporating
expert opinions or firsthand accounts.
Properly attributes quotes to their sources to maintain
journalistic integrity.
Should be relevant and enhance the reader's
understanding of the topic.
Elements of Feature Writing
Anecdotes
Personal stories or examples that illustrate the main
points of the article.
Engages readers emotionally and makes the content
relatable.
Should be concise and directly relevant to the article's
theme.
Elements of Feature Writing
Background Information
Provides context that helps the reader understand the
topic better.
Can include historical data, definitions, or relevant
statistics.
Should be integrated smoothly into the article without
overwhelming the main narrative.
Elements of Feature Writing

Conclusion
Summarizes the main points and reinforces the article's
theme.
Leaves the reader with a final thought or call to action.
Should provide closure while encouraging further
reflection on the topic.
Principles of Journalism
applicable to Feature
Truch and Accuracy
Feature writing, like any other form of journalism, must
rely on verified and factual information. Even if the writing
includes creative storytelling, it should not distort or
misrepresent the truth.
Independence
A feature writer must maintain objectivity and avoid
influence from outside interests, such as sponsors or
personal biases, ensuring the story remains authentic and
credible.
Fairness and Impartiality
While features may highlight a specific perspective or
delve into emotional narratives, they should strive for a
balanced portrayal, especially when addressing multiple
sides of an issue.
Humanity
Feature writing often deals with human-interest topics,
making empathy and sensitivity essential. Writers should
avoid exploiting subjects for sensationalism and instead
present stories with respect and care.
Accountability
Feature writers must acknowledge errors and take
responsibility for their work. Corrections should be made
promptly, and transparency about sources or methods
strengthens trust with readers.
Serving the Public Interest
Feature writing should aim to inform, inspire, or engage
readers by addressing topics that matter to society, such as
raising awareness of social issues or celebrating human
achievements.
Structure of the
Feature Article
The introduction is the most important part - entice your
reader, hook them in.
The body of the article needs to keep any promises or
answer any questions raised in the introduction - try and
maintain an "atmosphere" throughout the writing.
While the introduction draws the reader in, the conclusion
should be written to help the reader remember the story -
use a strong punchline.
Types of Features
 Types of Features
1. Personalities (Character Sketch)

- captures a person's personality, behavior, values, and roles

through anecdotes, quotes, and observations.

- gives the readers a closer, more personal look at

someone's life , achievements, and traits.
 Types of Features
2. Adventures and Experience

- recounts memorable experiences, challenges, or

achievements of individuals or groups.

- share an inspiring, entertaining, or eye-opening stories

that reveal personl growth or lessons learned.
 Types of Features
3. Description
- uses vivid language to describe how something or
someone looks, feels, sounds, or acts, often using imagery
and figurative language.

- helping readers visualize and emotionally connect with

the subject.
 Types of Features
4. Narrative

- tells a true story from campus life, often involving

characters, conflict, and resolution.

- entertain and inform while presenting real events in a

dramatic or reflective way.
 Types of Features
5. Backgrounder

- explains the history, origin, or background information of a

subject relevant to the campus

- helping readers understand why something is the way it is

by exploring its background or past influences.
 Types of Features
6. Development Features

- follows the transformation or growth of a person,

organization, or project within the campus.

- inspire or inform readers by showing how something or

someone improved or evolved.
 Types of Features
7. What To Do and How To Do Articles
- explains how to do something—such as study tips, event
planning, or stress relief—usually featuring the voice or
method of someone credible from campus.

- help students and staff by offering useful information in a

step-by-step or tip-based format.
Interviewing
for
Feature
 Interviewing for Feature

Interviews come in a variety of styles and structures from a

5 minute phoner to a long interrogation. Interviewing is a
social skill: You must be friendly but aggressive, polite but
probing, sympathetic but skeptical.
Types of interviews:

1. A long formal interview: You sit privately in a room, ask questions,

probe and get answers.

2. A quick phoner: Seek fast facts to plug into a story.

Types of interviews:

3.A walk around: Where you accompany your interview as

she does that thing you are interviewing her about.
Types of interviews:

4. An on-the-fly chat: You door stop a politician or celebrity and fire off
questions as quick as you can while they go where they are going.

5. A backgrounder: You informally pick an expert's brain on a topic you

are researching.
 THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
During the interview:
[Link]: be friendly and curious, not afraid. Start with a
moment of small talk. Mention a subject of mutual
interest or mention something interesting.
[Link] with the basics: name, age, title, and double-
check spellings.
[Link] your time: If it's very short, don't waste time
with small talk.
 THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
During the interview:
4. Start with softer questions: warm up with non-
threatening stuff.
5. Focus your questions: Broad vague queries won't
generate the material that makes a story. Ask precise ones.
6. Make sure your questions are answered:
Pay constant attention, don't drift, and don't let them
sidestep important issues.
 THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
During the interview:

7. Rephrase questions:
To get a more quotable response or when an answer is
unclear or contradictory.

8. Ask follow up questions:

The best ones are “how do you know that....”, “can you give
me an example?”.
 THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
During the interview:

9. Remember to look around: make notes of color,

activities, gestures, and descriptions.

10. Use reassuring body language: nod, make eye contact,

but keep your own comments to minimum.
Writing the
Feature
Article
 Writing the Feature Article
1. Focus on human interest
- The feel and emotion you put into the article are important!

2. Be clear about why you are writing the article-

Is it to inform, persuade, observe, evaluate, or evoke emotion?

3. Accuracy - Double-check your sources. (Tip: Credit

Sources Well!)
 Writing the Feature Article

4. Avoid clichés and sentimental statements - especially at

the start/end of your article.’
 Writing the Feature Article

5. Use anecdotes and direct quotes to tell the story - as

much as possible, do not to use too many of your own words.

6. If you can, talk to more than one source person to provide a

more complete picture. If possible, get both sides.
 Writing the Feature Article
7. Decide on the 'tense' of your story at the start and stick to
it. Present tense usually works best.

8. Avoid lengthy, complex paragraphs. Your article will

appear in columns, so one or two sentences equals a
paragraph.
 Presenting
your
Feature Page
Presenting your Feature Page
1. Photos should be relevant and compelling
Presenting your Feature Page
2. Use infographics, graphs, and charts
 Presenting your Feature Page
3. If possible, have a SIDEBAR to show more in-depth coverage
THANK YOU!