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
presents a series of facts
but tells a story with a
basic structure.
Both are forms of arranged in decreasing
reporting. order of importance (c.f.
inverted pyramid style).
 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.