1. Writing the Feature Article Journalism Ms. Guerin

2. Contrasts with “straight” news story News story tells what happened Feature says how and why it happened (so can a news article, but in less depth) Feature says how people involved are reacting Feature discusses impact the news has on others “bounces off story” – Knight 97

3. Features are generally longer than news articles A feature usually has more “color” and human interest than a straight news article A feature differs from a news analysis in that it tends to focus more on people than on “dry” information. Features are often the most accessible parts of a newspaper. Features sound like good fiction. Journalists like Tracy Kidder have written nonfiction in a journalistic style.

4. Characteristics of sample features Knight pp. 98-99 - sports feature Begins w/ anecdote as lede – action verbs – context unclear at first Introduces the drama within a news story (gold medal winner) Fleshing out a main character in a news story Includes bits of history as background – ex: world record, “once thought untouchable”

5. Each paragraph “moves the story along” Leaves something unfinished Creates suspense Adds a layer to the story – ex. Widens circle of relevant people, expands time period.

6. Lengthening a feature article Knight pp. 100-101 Introduce a subplot Ex: discussing Olympic Jamaican team’s female members’ achievements in the middle of an article about a male member’s achievements. Brings the story back to the main character

7. Your examples? (hw)