How to Write a Research-Based Feature Article Elements and Techniques MELS ENRICHED EXAM PREP

What is it? A research-based feature article examines an issue or phenomenon. Its purpose it to allow readers to better understand an issue by offering them insight into it. It is not only Who, What, Where, and When, but also Why and How. It provides readers with a broader context and more detail.

Content Based on research (facts, statistics, interviews). Presents a controlling idea and angle. Offers different points of view. Uses examples and anecdotes to explain. Has a human touch.

Headline – Page 22 The headline performs two important functions. An effective headline: Grabs the readers’ attention and persuades them to read the article; Highlights the main idea of the article.

Secondary Headline – Page 22 A secondary headline adds information that is found in the article. It contains the controlling idea. It is the topic and the angle of the article.

Angle – Page 21 The angle of your article is the perspective from which you are telling the story or getting your point across. The angle is NOT: the topic; your opinion or point of view. It is the tool you are using to explain your topic and get your point of view across. Think of it as the angle of a camera – what you are going to focus on. The MELS tells you what the angle is in the exam booklet. Failure to use that angle will result in a failing grade.

Traffic problems in Montreal Angle Angle 2: Economic issues TOPIC: Traffic problems in Montreal Angle 1: Environmental issues Angle 3: Government policy issues

Controlling Idea – Page 22 The controlling idea is the message that the writer sharing with the audience. It is what the writer wants us to learn about the angle that was chosen. It reflects the writer’s beliefs and attitudes towards the topic and the angle, but is NEVER stated as a personal belief. For example, if you wanted to write a controlling idea about the economic impact of traffic problems in Montreal, the controlling ideas could be, “The traffic problems in Montreal cause economic issues that prevent our city from being as prosperous as it could be.” The controlling idea must be clear, precise, and shown to the reader very early on. For the purpose of this exam, it is best to put it in the secondary headline and to ensure that it is obvious in the lead paragraph. It is a good idea to write the controlling idea on the top of your exam paper. However, you do not have to write this exact sentence in your article. You just want to ensure that this idea is reflected in your article.

Lead (Hook) – Page 23 The first paragraph outlines the subject or theme of the article. It should also: provoke the reader's interest. 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.

Hook techniques Powerful anecdote. Provocative quote. Dramatic events or common situations with a unique twist. Telling of an emotional experience or mystery A “face” for an issue or an event. The effect (of a cause). Provocative quote. Vivid description. Use as many sensory details as possible. Strong or surprising statement. Surprising fact or statistic. Thought-provoking questions. Commands to the reader. Surprising comparisons or contrasts. A “what-if” or “might-have-been”.

Sample Hook Imagine a boxer in the ring, scrutinizing his opponent's every move, then an opening attracts him: his opponent lowers his arms. The trap is set. He leads with his right foot, bends his arm and swings a short blow hooking the other guy's chin. http://deltachord.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Write-an-Effective-Magazine- Article

Body – Page 23 This is where the writer presents the information and develops the controlling idea. It consists of a number of paragraphs that expand the main topic of the article into subtopics. The usual components are: Subheadings. Facts and statistics which support the writer's opinion. Personal viewpoints of people interviewed. Opinions from authorities and experts. Quotes and interviews. Anecdotes and stories. Specific names, places and dates. Photographs, tables, diagrams and graphs.

Quotations – Page 24 Most readers scan texts. A quotation draws their attention to very important information. Quotations provide useful and compelling testimonials. Expert quotations lend credibility to your text.

Pull Quotes – Page 25 Pull quotes are short excerpts from the article. They are used to pull a text passage out of the reader’s flow and give it a more dominant position in the article. They do not have to be true quotations. They should be placed before the actual text in order to pique the reader’s attention.

Sidebar – Page 25 A sidebar is a shorter piece that accompanies a longer article. A sidebar can be anywhere from a few sentences to an entire page, and may complement or contrast the article. Good ideas for sidebars include: a dissenting opinion; resources for further information; a true story that supports the angle and/or the contolling idea; an expert’s viewpoint; statistics that would bog down your text.

The Close – Page 24 The close drives home the writer’s controlling idea. The concluding paragraph should leave a lasting impression by: Reminding the reader of the article's main idea. Similar to a re-hook: one way to do this is to use a "circle ending." This technique utilizes an idea or a phrase from the lead, bringing the reader around to complete the circle. Suggesting an appropriate course of action. Encouraging a change of attitude or opinion.

Language – Pages 20, 45, and 46 A personal tone is created through the use of informal, colloquial, and first person narrative. However, first person is NOT used to give an opinion. Relevant jargon adds authenticity to the information and opinions. Anecdotes help to maintain reader interest. Facts validate the writer's viewpoints. Rhetorical questions help to involve the reader. Emotive words are used to evoke a personal response in the reader. Effective use of imagery and description engage the reader's imagination. Direct quotes personalize the topic. Sentence structure may be “played” with, such as the use of one word sentences that capture the reader’s attention. Do any of these sound familiar?

STRUCTURE 1- LEAD 2- FIRST BODY (1ST ASPECT) 3- SECONDARY BODY (2ND ASPECT) 4- CLOSE

VIOLENT BOYS WITH VIOLENT TOYS Violent video games increase aggression and hostility in young boys. WRITE A LEAD WRITE A BODY (ONE SUBHEAD + ONE ILLUSTRATION/CAPTION) WRITE A SECONDARY BODY (ONE SUBHEAD + ONE SIDEBAR) WRITE A CLOSE http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121210101344.htm http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/get-psyched/201201/do- violent-video-games-increase-aggression

Sources http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/courses/elc/sample/advanced/wt/wt_11.htm http://web2.jefferson.k12.ky.us/CCG/supp/MS_FeatArtWrtgPerRdg.PDF http://www.squidoo.com/feature-article http://freelancewrite.about.com/od/glossary/g/Sidebar.htm http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/06/12/block-quotes-and-pull- quotes-examples-and-good-practices/ http://deltachord.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Write-an-Effective-Magazine- Article