Prepared by:

Leo Improgo Tan IIICampus Journalism Instructor

Feature Writing

Feature Writing

What is Feature?takes and in-depth look at

what’s going on behind the news.

It tires to explain why and how a trend is going on.

It is most varied in scope, purpose and style.

Its dominant purpose is to entertain.

Characteristics of a Good Feature

Creativity- from the most ordinary or common things to the bizarre or most unimaginable subjects.

Human Interest- entertaining, inputs writers own thoughts and emotions.

- explores different points of views.

- it gets into the lives of people.

Characteristics…..

Factual Content- it informs the readers of the situation, event or aspect of life which might not have covered by hard news.

-it explain, inform, and supplement the news.

Characteristics….

Entertainment Value- it breaks the monotony and morbidity of war, murder, rape, scandal, controversy, and corruption that fill the news page.

- Feature articles add color, life and zest of our publication.

Characteristics….

Timelessness/Imperishability- Feature stories can be had for weeks or months without losing their usefulness unlike news stories which gets stale as soon as they are told.

Characteristics….

Entirety- feature stories are read in their entirety, so the writer can place the highest point of interest at the end unlike the news.

Variety of tone and Style- feature stories rarely begin with the summary lead. The writer can use novelty lead and employ any treatment suitable to his material

Characteristics….

Organization- features apply the principles of creative writing to achieve unity, coherence and emphasis.

- sentences may be longer allowing the use of colorful phrases and figurative languages.

Structure of the Feature Story:

The Lead

- it should attract outright the attention of the readers that their interest immediately drawn so they will decide to read on.

Kinds of Lead

1. Question Lead- Asking a the readers a question the answer to which is in the story.

- Ex. Banana Peelings: An ice cream flavor?

2. Exclamation Lead- the opening sentence by its very nature compels attention.

- Ex. Sink or Swim!

A millionaire at ten. Fantastic!

Kinds of ….

3. Quotation Lead-

Ex. “ Gone are the days when children are only seen and never heard.”

“Nothing is rich but the inexhaustible wealth of nature. She shows us only surfaces, but she is a million fathoms deep”.

Kinds of ….

4. Descriptive Lead- gives a vivid description of a person, place or situation so that the reader creates a mental picture of it.

-Ex. Non-stop beating of drums. 24-hour week-long street dancing. Soot-stained faces, arms and legs. Colorful costumes. The shouts of “Hala Bira”and “Viva!”

Kinds of ….

5. Striking Statement- a short snappy statement set off in a paragraph by itself.

-Ex. The boat people are here to stay.

The convict hanged himself.

6. Contrast Lead- this lead points out the opposites and extremes. It should be sharp and witty.

Kinds of….

-Ex. They were given a new house and are Php 100,000 richer but the fire victims could not get over the death of their loved ones in the fire that razed the squatters area in Tondo, Saturday night.

7. Narration Lead- this lead is written in a form of narration.

Kinds of ….

Ex. They activity started with a parade participated in by the different government officials and employees which ended in the tourism sports pavilion, Balbagon, Camiguin. They were celebrating the 32nd lanzones festival.

Kinds of …..

8. Summary Lead- this is the introduction that sums up the subject of the feature story.

The Body

Must have unity, coherence and emphasis.

Must be able to hold and sustain the interest of readers.

A central idea or theme must be carried all throughout the story.

Paragraphs are shorter than those of literary short stories but longer than in news stories.

The Conclusion

Make sure your conclusion has impact.

How? – by giving a condensed summary or

state the salient points in the story.

- by giving the highest point of interest or the most important fact in the feature.

Use your imagination. Be sure you come up with something for the readers to remember.

Types of Feature Stories

1. Informative Feature-

- gives information

- includes stories about subjects of current interest.

- it is based on interview and research

Types of ….

2. Human Interest feature- deals with minor incidents that may deserve attention because of dramatic, humorous, tragic, sensational or oddity angles.

3. Trend Stories- examines people, things or organizations that are having an impact on society.

Types….

Trend stories are popular because people are excited to read or hear about the latest fads.

4. How-to- do Feature- gives information on the process of doing things and how certain products are made.

Types of …..

5. Personality Sketch/Profile- a personality profile is written to bring an audience closer to person in or out of the news. Interviews and observations, as well as creative writing are used to paint a vivid picture of the person.

6. Personal Experience- This type tells of some unusual experience and as a first person account.

Types of ….

7. Humorous Feature- it is written with lots of fun and laughter in it.

8. Interpretative Feature- it instructs, informs and clarifies to the readers the background and significance of social, economic, political and other problems of everyday life.

Types of ….

9. Seasonal or Holiday feature- this includes subjects such as events celebrated at least once a year or during the season like New Year, Christmas, Independence Day, Earth Day , etc.

Types of….

10. Travelogue- An account of one’s travel experiences and a vivid description of the place visited.