COLEGIO DE DAGUPAN

SCHOOL OF TEACHER EDUCATION

CAMPUS JOURNALISM
Chapter 7. Creativity Matters: Writing Feature Articles

Feature Story: Its Concepts and Nature

If defining news were a hard task for many writers due to its many perspectives, feature

stories would be less difficult. Many writers agree on the concepts and nature of feature stories.

A feature story is an interesting article that focuses on certain people, places, events or

subject matters like career, relationships, money, health, lifestyle, among others. Because it is so

elaborative, a writer is "free as a bird" in crafting his ideas, in weaving his ideas and in presenting

his ideas. Again, redundant as it may, feature writing breaks the box of rules where news writing

is incarcerated.

With such a concept in mind, you may think that feature articles are longer, more in-depth

and more elaborate than hard news stories. They make use of the upright triangle style rather

than the inverted triangle approach most of the time. However, as a writer, you must still keep

in mind that feature stories are lodged under the umbrella of journalism, whose foundations are

facts, facts and facts. Hence, feature stories are not opinion essays or editorials and should not

be confused with creative writing or works of fiction.

A feature story primarily banks on special human interest that may or may not be closely

tied to a recent news event. It goes into great detail regarding concepts and ideas of specific

market of interest.
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Take this comparison. A feature story is like a spotlight in a concert hall. Everyone in the

concert hall may become the subject. Once the spotlight strikes a member of the audience, he or

she becomes distinct and eventually grabs the attention of everyone.

According to Okoye (2012), a feature story is an in-depth and factual write-up on a topical

issue which seeks to give comprehensive information in a more captivating and relaxed style than

straight news.

Meanwhile, Reuters Handbook of Journalism says that a feature story is ".an insight into

a trend or an issue or personality. It enlightens the reader about that trend, issue or personality

in a broad context. It uses specific examples to illustrate that trend or issue and puts them in a

broad framework that allows the social, economic, corporate and or political implications to shine

through, whether sectoral, national or global."

A feature article, therefore, relates to so many forms and subjects. Its forms include

narrative stones, poems, essays, tales, anecdotes and others. Its subjects, on the other hand, may

include love, hatred, jealousy, emotions, war, friendship, and other human forms of experiences.

With its diverse forms, many campus papers believe that feature page is the same with literary

page. That is why there are campus papers which have a section titled as "literary/feature" page.

It must be clear to both beginning and developing campus papers that literary and features are

NOT similar.

Finally, writing a feature is a war of creativity on the use of language. It is so stylistic that

it entails a writer's constant reading and interminable practice.

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Characteristics of Feature Stories

1. Variety of subject matter

As discussed previously, a feature story can take any topic under the sun. The kindling of

the reader's interest on such a topic primarily depends on the writer’s creativity on using the

language.

2. Variety of tones

Since feature stories are meant to entertain other than to inform, the feature writer may

use variety of dramatic tone, say a creepy story, exciting narration, suspensive drama, angry

letter, morbid experience and the like.

3. Variety of form and style

Feature stories may use any form and any style depending on the writer' judicious

judgement to capture easily the reader's attention. One may use acrostic or literary techniques

in crafting stories, so long as the content is factual.

4. Well-organized

A feature story is actually an essay. Therefore, it follows a general format i of having an

introduction, body and ending. Its contents, like all other pieces of writing, should be logically

arranged such that a smooth flow of ideas is attained Hence, it still follows the rules of thumb in

effective writing.
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5. Strikes keynotes in a first sentence

The secret of arousing reader's attention is to intrigue him at the beginning. That is why

feature stories need to be very striking at the first part. It does not necessarily mean, though,

that the first sentence summarizes the important details in the first sentence like in straight news.

If one does this, suspense is forfeited excitement is lost.

6. May or may not be timely

Unlike news articles, feature stories may skip immediacy because it is up for the writer 's

dexterous use of the language to make the antiquated subject rise from the i tomb and capture

the attention of the current readers.

Feature flourishes in:

a. Color

b. Fancy

c. Wit and humor

d. Anecdotes

e. Quotations

Qualities of a Well-Written Feature Story

a. Well-researched

b. Catchy

c. Descriptive
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d. Exciting

e. Reflective

f. Emotional

g. Engaging

h. Neutral

i. Thorough

Hard News and Feature Story Contrasted

A news story greatly differs from a feature story. However, both of them base their

contents on facts. A news story starts with a lead composed of five W's and HI. It should be timely

and should follow inverted triangle (most vital information to least important).

On the other hand, a feature story mainly focuses on who, what and why. It does not need

to be current. Often, it is narrative (beginning, middle and end) in its approach and can be first-

or second-person point of view.

A news story focuses on the theme of the story; it is written in third person. A news is

primarily meant to inform, as it presents information in short paragraphs (one sentence-one

paragraph). It is objective and straight to the point.

According to Dr. Don Ranly of Missouri School of Journalism in his discussion on "Helpful

Hints for Journalistic Writing," when writing a feature story, one should distinguish its main aim:

to entertain. The writer may use two to three sentences or paragraphs (clear and concise

sentences). As iterated, it should be based on facts (descriptive and colorful writing; has writer's
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own individual style and tone). It is not necessarily objective, since it allows for viewpoint and

voice. Finally, it is delayed in the sense that it keeps readers curious.

Types of Feature Stories

As stated previously, feature stories have a wide array of forms and styles, hence, the

following types.

1. Informative feature. This gives information on subject of current interest. This feature is

usually based on interview and research.

2. Human interest feature. Sometimes called "concerned story," it deals with minor

incidents that deserve attention because of dramatic, humorous, tragic, sensational or

unusual (odd) angle of the story. This kind of feature story appeals to the emotion; it may

have a lesser news value, but it enjoys wide readership because of its human appeal.

Primarily, it exposes burning issues which need urgent solutions. It also shows the

magnitude of the problem through cases, anecdotes and quotable quotes. This feature

highlights the dramatic condition and experiences of certain groups of people. Further, it

is written using heart-piercing presentations, which evoke emotional responses to the

readers.

3. News feature. It gets its materials from current events, covering details that were omitted

by the news.

4. Personal experience. This tells of some unusual true-to-life experiences written in the

first-person account.
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5. Personality sketch. Some books differ in nomenclature; others regard this as profile

feature. Silver screen celebrities, political figures, athletes, beauty titlist. These are the

popular choices for personality sketch. Notably, people are interested in people, so much

so, articles written about them especially about their private lives, and secrets are much

sought after and read by their fans. However, simple persons may be highlighted through

the use of this kind of feature story.

6. Humorous feature. The primary objective of feature stories is to entertain. So. what is

more fitting than making people laugh and be relieved of the stress of life while reading

your article?

7. Interpretative feature. This feature helps the reader understand the background and

significance of social, economic, political and other problems of everyday life.

8. Seasonal or holiday feature. This feature story includes subjects like events celebrated

once a year. It primarily magnifies the significance and relevance of holidays,

anniversaries and special events.

9. Travelogue. It is an account of one's travel experience and a vivid description of places

visited. Also, it highlights the beauty of interacting with people and places. It offers

endorsements and guidelines on places where money would be worth spending. Travel

feature writers demand exceptional descriptive and narrative skills.

10. Science and Technology feature. It is concentrated on the latest advancement in science

and technology with the aim of informing the readers and arousing their interests.
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11. Historical and cultural feature. Historical events and sites can provide readers ai sense of

identity. By comparing the present to the past, they can see how time has changed their

environment, culture, values and perspectives.

12. How-to and what-to-do features. They are educational in essence. They provide

knowledge about process or activity. Most often, they showcase step-by-step procedure

in doing something.

13. Business and development feature. It provides a glimpse and insight on the business

world and the development of certain sector or area. This writing requires a working

knowledge and special interest on the workings and operations of the business

community.

14. Lifestyle feature. The quick change of fashion trends and lifestyles makes ani interesting

reading.

15. Entertainment feature. Movie stars, pop singers and show business events are common

subjects. The goal is to entertain and give relief to people.

16. Hobby feature. This type of feature primarily interests the readers who are into

exceptional hobbies.

17. Career feature. It is a type of feature that focuses on career guidance, tips or issues.

18. Insider feature. Take note, insiders look at unusual occupations, issues, or events which

are hidden from the public. Readers are attracted to unusual details or well-kept secrets

about procedures or activities they might not ordinarily be exposed to or allowed to

participate in.
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The Effective Feature Writer

1. is a keen observer

A feature writer should be very wary on processes, on figures, on shapes, on taste, on

temperature, on attitude and many more. He should see not only the forest but also the small

and large trees, the wild animals and the insects in it. Thus, a feature writer should unleash

his/her skills in observing.

2. has an analytical mind

According to psychologists, analysis is the process of breaking down an idea. A good

feature writer, therefore, should be adept at explaining in details. For instance, when he she

wants to say Juan is thin, the writer should know how to describe Juan to show that he/she is

indeed thin.

3. is a wide reader and a good listener

Facts are the foundations of journalism. Feature articles are journalistic in nature. Hence,

feature stories are factual. Like news, feature stories should be packed with facts. A writer,

therefore, should be a wide reader and a good listener to capture facts. As Francis Bacon once

said, "Reading maketh a full man,"

4. is a frequent writer

"Practice makes perfect," so a saying goes. A feature writer hones his ability, style and

creativity through constant practice.

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5. is a master of language

A good feature banks on the craftsmanship of the writer in playing with the words,

sprinkled with color, suspense and drama. As he she uses the language, he/she also must

consider the rules of grammar, thus his/her mastery of its rules.

Sources of Features

a. News

b. Magazine articles

c. Books

d. Scrapbooks

e. Experience

f. Casual conversation

g. Travel

h. Familiar places

i. Interview

j. Observation Speeches

k. Files of old materials like bulletins

The Stages of Writing a Feature Story

1. Pre-writing

Before setting the first draft, you need to plan, research, gather data and organize

information. Planning involves finding out what you should write about and defining your
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purpose. It should be clear to you whether you will write a funny or a creepy story. In this

stage, too, limit your topic. Choose the theme and narrow down the subject.

2. Writing

Know the level of consciousness and knowledge of your audience. Find out if they read

for entertainment, information, analysis or commentaries. This will make your article

more responsive and sensitive to the issues and concerns of the reader. Observe the

normal triangle structure.

3. Post-Writing

Edit your article for clarity and grammatical correctness. Refine your sentences and find

better choices for words. Cut out unnecessary phrases and ensure your story flows

coherently. Polishing your paper or your article gives a surety that the story is of good

quality, thus complete, accurate and correct.

Writing the Feature Story

Start with a bang and end with an explosion! This statement should be latched in your

memory as you start writing your feature article. It gives a very clear relationship of the starting

and ending paragraphs of the article. Yes, one secret in attaining ani interesting and

unforgettable feature write-up is to establish a clear connection between the introductory and

ending paragraphs.

The opening paragraph also sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Is your feature tongue-

in-cheek and light-hearted? For example, if you were writing a humorous story about your love
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affair with honey and cocoa, it would obviously be going to have a much different tone if you

were writing a feature story on the Kidapawan farmers who were fired with bullets during their

rally.

Saying that the introduction should be catchy is easy. Writing one is another story. Often,

feature writers-novice or professional -spend most of their time writing the beginning of their

feature article. One saying goes, "The hardest thing to do is to begin." Hence, the following are

common ways to start the feature story. As a writer, however, you are not bound by these

techniques. You may use a combination of these or you may devise your own style; anyway, you

are free as a bird.

Rules of Thumb in Writing the Introduction

1. Provoke the reader's interest by making an unusual statement.

2. Provide any necessary background information.

3. Invite the reader to take sides by making a controversial statement.

4. Heighten the drama of an event or incident to intensify its appeal.

5. Establish your tone.

6. Create a relationship between the writer and the reader.

Writing Introduction: Techniques and Samples

1. Question. It raises a question or a rhetorical question which the article may or may not

try to explore and discuss.

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Example:

➢ You are not aware that ironing late at night is dangerous, are you? Who does not know

about DOTA and COC?

2. Startling statement or exclamation. This may be used to compel attention.

Example:

➢ Food not bullets!

➢ Such statement shook the streets of Manila in front of the Malacanang Palace as

warriors from Gift of God Ministries in Bohol protested about the killings in

Kidapawan.

➢ That’s incredible A college graduate at l6 years old?

3. Striking statement. It is an enticing piece of information in a short punchy format. It adds

suspense.

Example:

➢ If you think that children do not understand viber, think again.

➢ The greatest fighter in the whole world is from a third-world country.

4. Descriptive technique. It is used to draw the reader into the story by creating a strong

image in his or her mind. The words are colorful and concrete enough for the reader to

appreciate and feel the ideas presented in the story.

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Example:

➢ As the sun bids goodbye or one hot tiring day, I see on my left the green robust hills.

On my right are the unending curves and twists of the majestic landscapes of Batan

Island. In front of me is the bluish ocean whose waves are unendingly racing towards

the rocky boarders of the hills. Sitting on a nearly century-old bench, I hear the

tourists’ crunchy laughter of amazement. I feel the nearly salty breeze that flies away

my anxiety. I see persons extracting the stresses of life. God, I am in Batanes.

5. Anecdotal style. This technique in writing introduction relies on a conversational tone to

create an intimacy between the reader, the writer and the characters in the article. It is

packed with specific details.

Example

➢ Rowell met Lara in a five-star hotel bar in Bangkok. Rowell, in his tucedo, was mesmerized

by the beauty of the Chinese-looking female in red gown. "Can I offer you a drink? " the

bachelor asked with confidence. The woman did not refuse the gentle offer. They talked

and smiled. That was three years ago. They now have two lovely daughters.

6. Quotation. There are times that quotation- whether overused or not- can arrest i the

interest of the readers. The writer just needs to ensure that the quotation is appropriate

and that he can manage to establish the relationship of the topic and the quotation.

Example:

➢ "Honesty is the best policy. "

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➢ In Batanes, this is not merely a quotation. It is the people’s policy.

7. Contrast technique. The writer sets off his subject with two apparently contradictory

pieces of information. This is to emphasize two contending ideas or events.

Example:

➢ Three days ago, Mang Tomas was driving his boss to work. This morning, he was seen

driving his own car, the very first souvenir he bought for winning the Jackpot prize in

lottery.

➢ Mayweather is unbeaten, still many consider Pacquiao to be better than him despite

Manny’s imperfect record.

8. Break formal style. This leaves to the reader's imagination the things that happened in

between events.

Example:

➢ He said he would. And yes, he did.

9. Character technique. Primarily, this style introduces the central person in ai story. This is

most common in personality profiles or stories in which you use an individual to represent

a larger topic.

Example:

➢ Pastor Rowell always seems to have a permanent smile-even when his motorcycle does

not want to start in the morning.

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10. Figurative style. It opens the feature article by employing figures of speech.

Example:

➢ Manny Pacquiao is the Pambansang Kamao. Like a diamond in the rough, Manny Pacquiao

was plucked from the slums.

11. Summary technique. This sums up the general topic of the story (but does not follow the

inverted triangle).

Example:

➢ At an early age, Toton and Jay serve as breadwinners for their families by selling

cigarettes and newspapers by day and night. They represent the growing number of

child-workers in poor urban communities.

12. Quoting an expert. This introductory style uses a statement of an authority in a specified

field.

Example:

➢ Freddy Roach says, "Manny is the greatest fighter in the world because.."

13. Staccato style. In music parlance, staccato means short and not sounding connected. A

feature writer may start by using sudden and brief ideas or words or phrases.

Example:

➢ Breathtaking. Mesmerizing. Enchanting. Jaw-dropping. These are only four words

among the 101 ways to describe Batanes.

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14. Lyrics of a song. This technique covers many forms and is appropriate for any topic just

that, the writer should link the relationship of the lyrics to the topic or theme of the

article.

Example:

➢ If/could have

➢ One final walk

➢ One final Dance

➢ One final chance with you

➢ I play a song that would never ever end

➢ How I love to dance with my father again..

➢ I have played the song at least 15 times already to pluck out my longing to the one

who considers me an apple of his eye-my father Ambo.

15. Letter Style. Some dramatic and hilarious feature stories start with a letter style.

Example:

Dear Ate Charo,

Please call me Anabelle as I relate my experience with a tikbalang in front of the Balete

tree.
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The Body of the Feature Article

The usual components of the body are subheadings. Do not forget to include facts and

statistics which support your content. Other shaking ways to make the body creative and packed

with facts is to include opinions from authorities and experts, i quoted statements and interviews,

anecdotes and stories. Specific names, places and dates should also be verified before they are

included.

Important components of the body include:

a. Background information. A paragraph or two of background should be placed i high in

the story to bring the audience up-to-date.

b. The "thread" of the story. This connects the beginning, body and conclusion of the

story. Because a feature generally runs longer than a news story, it is effective to weave

a thread throughout the story, which connects the lead to the body and to the conclusion.

This thread can be a single person, an event or ai thing, and it usually highlights the theme.

c. Dialogues. They may be used to keep a story moving. In feature reporting, dialogues

must be accurate that they can give readers strong mental images and keep them

attached to the writing and to the story's key players. Voice. The "signature" or personal

style of each writer, the voice of the feature refers to the personality of the writer which

can be used to inject color, tone, i subtle emotional commentary into the story.