SIMPLE STEPS TO FOLLOW IN MAKING A
FEATURE ARTICLE
Format
1. Headline – Catchy, creative, and reflects the theme or angle of the story. Tip: no acronyms unless
it’s a globally known one. [you can use SMA-GBI though because its specific]
Creating a strong headline for a feature article is different from writing a news headline because
it should be catchy, creative, and spark curiosity rather than just stating facts.
Tips for Writing Feature Headlines
1. Be Creative & Interesting
o Use wordplay, puns, or alliteration.
o Example: “From Beans to Dreams: How Coffee Shapes Our Mornings”
2. Capture the Essence of the Story
o Reflect the angle, mood, or theme.
What is an Angle in Writing?
An angle is the specific focus or perspective you choose for your article. It answers the
question:
“What’s the unique point of view or main idea I want readers to take away?”
It’s not the whole topic, but the approach you use to tell the story.
Example:
Topic: A School Fair at SMA
Straight news: “School Holds Annual Fair” [if it was news writing]
Feature Angles:
o “Behind the Scenes: Marians Who Made the Fair Possible”
o “Sweet Success: The Most Popular Booths at the Fair”
o “A Day of Fun and Learning: Why This Fair Was Different”
Why is an Angle Important? [ngano naa paman ni? Well, importante kaajo ni]
It guides your headline and lead.
It makes your story interesting and unique, even if many writers cover the same event.
It helps you decide what details to include or skip.
Example: “Living in Color: The Rise of Sustainable Fashion”
3. Make It Emotional or Relatable
o Appeal to feelings or human interest.[especially if ga interview mo]
o Example: “When Home Is a Classroom: Stories of Remote Learning”
4. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question [this an option lang, if ganahan mo ug headline that will
spark interest via a question th readers can ponder]
o Example: “Can Love Survive the Digital Age?”
5. Keep It Short and Snappy
o Around 6–10 words works best. Avoid above 30 words. SHORTER, THE MORE CONCISE
[meaning it includes everything in the event] THEN THE BETTER.
2. Byline – Name of the writer (e.g., By Alexandra Veloso).
3. Lead (Lede) – Engaging opening that hooks readers (can be anecdotal, descriptive, or question-
based). A hook in a feature article is the opening line or paragraph that grabs the reader’s
attention and makes them want to read more. Unlike a news lead (which is factual and straight
to the point), a feature hook can be creative, emotional, or descriptive.
Tips for Writing an Effective Hook
Start with an Anecdote or Short Story
o Personalize the article with a real moment.
o Example:
“At 5 a.m., while most teens were still asleep, Maria was already kneading dough for her
family’s bakery.”
Use a Vivid Description
o Paint a picture using sensory details.
o Example:
“The smell of freshly baked bread filled the narrow streets, mingling with the sound of
laughter and chatter.”
Ask a Thought-Provoking Question
o Engage the reader’s curiosity.
o Example:
“What does it take to turn a small-town dream into a thriving business?”
Start with a Surprising Fact or Statistic
o Make readers say, “Wow, I didn’t know that!”
o Example:
“Every minute, 1 million plastic bottles are sold worldwide—yet only 9% are recycled.”
Use a Strong Quote
o Choose one that sums up the story’s emotion or theme.[you can take a quote from the
interview nga gi conduct nimo]
o Example:
“‘We never thought we’d make it this far,’ said Jose, wiping tears after the big win.”
4. Body
o Background/Context
o Details and quotes
[tip: if ga conduct mo ug interview, narrate ilahang tubag. As much as possible, sabta
ilang answers bisan dili English because ACCURACY is crucial. Ug unsay giingon nila sa
interview, mao rapud ang ibutang, never use your personal interpretations and opinions.
STICK TO THE TRUTH. If mag gamit gani mo ug quotes, or if injo e quote ilahang mga
tubag, panagsa ra gamita nang quotes. Kay if masubraan ninjo ug quote mura rag gi
encode or copy paste ilang answers. Readers want the story, not the process behind the
scenes.]
o Human interest elements (stories, feelings, descriptions)
5. Ending/Conclusion – Strong closing (often circular, bringing back the lead, or with a quote).
Tip: wag e overthink, feature writing is an opportunity to express creativity and covering
personal stories that news writing can’t cover. Focus on grammar, your structure, ang
timelyness[dapat on time ha? Hehe] and if na cover ba ninjo ang tanan.
You only need to take one step forward to begin your journey, trial and errors are part sa
process. LABAN WRITERS!
Submit as soon as [Link] same day
as the event.
Sincerely, your EIC Ate Saschi