Writing a Feature
Perfect Article
Learning Objectives
1 Identify what is feature article
Distinguish the difference between feature writing and
2 other forms of writing
Determine the steps and techniques on writing a feature
3 article
Write a feature story
4
Contents:
1 2
Defining Feature Article Feature Article vs. Other
Articles
3 4
Steps and Techniques on Examples of Feature Article
Writing Feature Article
Defining
Feature Article
What is a Feature Article?
A feature article is an article that deals with real
events, issues or trends.
They are different from news articles. Where
news articles aim to appear objective and
unbiased, feature articles are subjective (they can
present a particular perspective on the topic) and
they are written creatively, usually placing
emphasis on the people involved rather than on
the facts of the news.
What is a Feature Article?
Visually, a feature article is also much
longer than a news article, which allows for
more detail and background information.
The purpose of a feature article might be to
entertain, persuade or to inform a target
audience on a particular topic.
Structural Features
Feature articles will usually include the following structural features:
Headline Synopsis Introduction Body Paragraphs Conclusion
A bold, attention- A brief summary An engaging
Outline the Leaves a lasting
grabbing phrase or to hook the reader introduction that
author's sub-points impression and
statement that without giving captures the
and includes a can finish with a
engages the everything away. reader’s interest
range of evidence call to action.
reader. and introduces the
to support.
topic and/or main
argument.
Feature Writing vs Other
Forms of Writing
Feature vs. News Writing
Feature Writing News Writing
Hard news that relates the
Soft news (feature circumstances of a recent
stories) usually centers on Both are forms of event or
the lives of individuals incident considered to be
and has little, if any, reporting. of general local, regional,
perceived urgency. national, or international
significance.
Mills-Brown & Kuiper,
Feature vs. News Writing
Feature Writing News Writing
Generally concerns
Fcuses on human-interest Both are forms of issues, politics,
stories. economics,
reporting. international relations,
welfare, and scientific
developments.
Feature vs. News Writing
Feature Writing News Writing
Facts in a news are
Feature story not only Both are forms of arranged in decreasing
presents a series of facts
but tells a story with a reporting. order of importance (c.f.
inverted pyramid style).
basic structure.
Feature vs. Editorial
Feature Writing Editorial
The subject reacts to the
The writer interprets and
news, the writer merely Both are forms of reacts to the news
describes it.
reporting.
Feature vs. Essay Writing
Feature Writing Essay writing
General topics
Specific subjects Both are forms of
Concrete creative writing. Abstract
Context, Purpose &
Audience
Context, Purpose & Audience
Context, purpose and audience are upper school syllabus concepts. It is crucial to understand these terms
if we are to analyse how feature articles are shaped or constructed and if we are to write our own feature
articles.
Audience
Audience refers to the group of readers that the writer is addressing. In
other words, a specific group of people with shared characteristics who
are most likely to be readers of a certain publication or people interested
in a certain issue. When identifying audience or constructing a text for a
particular audience, consider the following:
• Gender - male, female, all genders
• Age group - 0-15 16-25 26-45 46-60 60+
• Relationships - single, couple, married
• Income level - low, medium, high
• Hobbies - gardening, playing basketball, craft
• Geography - town, city, country, climate
• Employment - businessman, tradesman, nurse
• Wants and needs - be healthy, happy, loved, successful
Feature writing
- personality sketch
- travelogue
- backgrounder
- historical feature
- developmental feature
- trend story
- how-to
- listicle (list + article)
Tips &
Techniques
Evidence
An effective feature article will also include evidence to support the author's argument or both sides of a
balanced argument. The four main types of evidence are as follows:
Facts & Statistics Expert Opinion
These make an argument sound scientific and help to make Adds weight to an argument by quoting a respected figure
it seem credible and well-researched. or organisation.
E.g. 85% of Australia's population live in urban areas. E.g. Professor Howard Ong's extensive research in this
area leaves little doubt that the pill works.
Anecdotes Real Life Examples
Adding a brief personal story to form a connection with the Including examples of real people, places or events to
reader through illustrating the writer's experience. support the author's argument.
E.g. In my local community, I started a recycling E.g. Famous fashion model Marceline Anderson only uses
awareness program. ethical brands.
Tips
1Develop an outline to organize 2Begin with a compelling hook that draws
your thoughts and create a readers in. It could be an anecdote, a
shocking fact, a thought-provoking
structure for your article. question, or a captivating description.
3 4
Use storytelling techniques to
Offer a unique perspective or
make your article more
angle on the topic
engaging
Tips
5 Ensure your article flows 6
logically from one point to
Maintain a tone that suits
another. Use transition words to
guide readers through different the subject
sections smoothly
7 8 Wrap up the article by
Double-check all facts and summarizing the main points,
information to maintain offering a final thought, or
accuracy and credibility. encouraging action or further
exploration of the topic.
Remember the 5C's
6
Clarity
Correctness
Conciseness
Creativity
Coherence
Your Turn
Now you have the tools to do the following:
1 Watch the documentary and take down important notes
2 Create a feature article that reflects a clear sense of
context, purpose and audience.
Good luck!
Writing a feature article involves creating an in-depth and engaging piece that explores a specific
topic, person, event, or issue in detail. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. **Choose a Compelling
7. **Clarity and Flow:** Ensure your article flows logically from one point to another. Use transition
words to guide readers through different sections smoothly.
8. **Engaging Language and Tone:** Use vivid descriptions, metaphors, and varied sentence
structures to make your writing lively and engaging. Maintain a tone that suits the subject, whether
it's formal, conversational, or narrative-driven.
9. **Fact-Checking and Accuracy:** Double-check all facts and information to maintain accuracy
and credibility. Attribute sources properly and verify details before publishing.
10. **Conclusion:** Wrap up the article by summarizing the main points, offering a final thought, or
encouraging action or further exploration of the topic.