WRITING FEATURE

STORIES
Chapter 6
 What is FEATURE?
According to the dictionary, it means
“a special attraction, a distinctive
characteristic or an appearance.”
In journalism, it means “a style of writing
that takes an in-depth look at a specific
aspect of reality, whether it is about a
current event, a trend, or a person.
 What is FEATURE?
Often termed as “soft news” because
they have more room for creative
expression, and not because it is a
“dumbing down” of content.
It explores not only facts but also
feelings.
 Functions of FEATURE
These are not meant to deliver the
news firsthand. It do contain elements
of news but its main functions are:
To humanize
To add color
Functions of FEATURE
To educate
To entertain
To illuminate
Often recap major news that was
reported in a previous news cycle
 Qualities of a
FEATURE STORY
It is descriptive and full of detail.
It generally has a strong narrative line.
It has a strong lead that grab the
readers and makes them want to read
on.
It often depends on interviews.
 Qualities of a
FEATURE STORY
It include quotations from the person(s)
involved.
It combine facts and opinion, with a
focus on the human interest side of the
story.
It both educate and entertain.
 Qualities of a
FEATURE STORY
It contains the voice of the writer.
It can be organized in a variety of ways
(i.e., chronologically, narrative fashion).
Often put the “meat” on the “skeletal
bones” of a news story.
 Qualities of a
FEATURE WRITER
Able to write
Creative
Has keen interest in life
Realizes that in every event there could
be possible feature story.
 Qualities of a
FEATURE WRITER
Willing to probe for feature stories
beneath the surface of everyday
events.
Intellectually curious
Keen observer
 Title and Headline
The headline performs two important
functions.
Grabs the reader’s attention and
persuades them to read the article.
Highlights the main idea of the article.
 Introduction
The first paragraph outlines the subject
or theme of the article.
Provoke the reader’s interest by
making an unusual statement.
Provide any necessary background
information.
 Introduction
Invite the reader to take any sides by
making a controversial statement.
Heighten the drama of an event or
incident to intensify its appeal.
Establish the writer’s tone.
Create a relationship between the
writer and the reader.
 Details (the Main
Article)
The middle section consists of a number
of paragraphs that expand the main
topic of the article into subtopics.
Subheadings
Facts and statistics which support the
writer’s opinion.
 Details (the Main
Article)
Personal viewpoints.
Opinions from the authorities and experts.
Quotes and interviews
Anecdotes and stories
Specific names, places, and dates.
Photographs, tables, diagrams and
graphs.
 Conclusion
The concluding paragraph should
leave a lasting impression by:
Reminding the reader of the article’s
main idea
Suggesting an appropriate course of
action
Encouraging a change of attitude or
opinion
Writing and Organizing
Feature Stories
Choose the theme
Write a lead that invites an audience
into the story.
Provide vital background information
Write clear, concise sentences
Use a thread
Writing and Organizing
Feature Stories
Use transition
Use dialogue when possible
Establish a voice
Conclude with a quotation or another
part of the thread
 How to Introduce the
Feature Article?
Rhetorical questions
Starling statement
Narrative opening
Quoted marks
An old maxim, aphorism or “salawikain”
 How to Introduce the
Feature Article?
History or background of the subject
Problems to be discussed in the article
or the facts to be established
 Ending a Feature
Article?
A summary of whole article
An announcement of the main point
for the first time
A question left in the reader’s mind
Suggested results or significance
 Ending a Feature
Article?
A forecast or prophecy
A repetition of introduction
An appropriate quotation