Feature Writing
Agenda Choosing Topics Types of Feature Stories Types of Feature Leads Body of a Feature Ending of a Feature
Background Features stories read like nonfiction short stories Beginning, middle and end “Human Interest” or “Style” Pieces May describe a person, place or idea more so than an event May be less timely, local or “earthshaking” than hard news Explore topics in greater depth than news Still not personal opinion! Fair, balanced, based on reliable information
Items to Include in Features Borrow fiction writing techniques Descriptions Sensory details Quotations Anecdotes Characterization Setting Plot structure Other novelistic elements
Choosing a Topic Fresh, dramatic, colorful and exciting Universal Examples: Food, Clothing, Shelter, Belonging, Money, Leisure News stories often spark spinoff topics Fight in hallway Student needs/safety
Types of Features Personality Profiles Historical Adventure Seasonal Explanatory How To Personal Experience Behind the Scenes Participatory Medical Business Unusual Occupation or Hobby
Personality Profile Describe interesting people Achieved success Served community Must reveal a person’s character NOT just a list of achievements or important dates Readers should feel like they’ve met the person
Historical Commemorate dates of important events Bombing of Hiroshima Birthday of Nelson Mandela 9/11 Describe famous landmarks, pioneers, philosophies, educational initiatives, etc. Consult historical documents or interview eye-witnesses to event
Adventure Describe an unusual or exciting experience Survival of an airplane crash Climbed Everest Quotations and descriptions are very important
Seasonal Seasons or holidays Be careful not to be mundane Find a new angle! Focus on an individual Unique traditions Volunteering or community events
Explanatory “Local situation” “Interpretive” “Sidebars” Provide a more detailed description of topics in the news Act of terrorism article Examine terrorists’ identity, tactics, or goals
How To Perform a task Build a home Plant a garden Train a puppy Psychological issues Survival skills Avoid preaching or advice with personal opinion Gather facts and tips from experts
Unusual Occupation or Hobby These jobs and hobbies tend to involve colorful or interesting people Paint a picture Person How he/she got involved Actual job or hobby
Personal Experience First or second person Writer appears in the story Directly addresses audience Do not give opinions Still focus on facts Pick an interesting topic Don’t dwell on insignificant details
Behind the Scenes Take readers backstage An inside look Job Event Group Conversation
Participatory Writer actually experiences an event Gives an inside look of goings on
Medical Local health issues Ethical issues Common ailments Mental illness Gather facts from professionals and pair with quotes from subjects who have condition Show experiences and feelings
Business Promotions New business ventures Local economy Elections Look for the unusual or interesting
Types of Feature Leads AP Summary Similar to Hard News Quotations Questions Action Begin with the climax of the story
Leads Continued… Descriptions Sensory details to set the scene Similar to setting and characters in a short story Shocking facts Anecdotes Humorous play on words
Body of a Feature 1. Be coherent 2. Facts should fit together like a puzzle 3. Use brief and effective transitions 4. Be concise 5. Emphasize lively details and actions
Body Continued… 6. Use several paragraphs of summary and some quotations and details to explain ideas 7. Be specific 8. Use elements of literature 9. Slant the feature for a specific audience
Ending of a Feature 1. Include a satisfying conclusion a. Anecdote, quote, word or phrase that offers meaning 2. Avoid summaries a. They are boring and repetitive 3. Edit and rewrite