Feature Writing

✍️Feature Writing Unit 1 – Introduction to Feature Writing

Feature writing goes beyond basic news reporting, offering in-depth, engaging articles that explore topics, events, or people. It aims to entertain and inform readers through storytelling, descriptive language, and unique writing styles. Writers craft compelling narratives that provide deeper understanding and emotional connections. Key elements of feature articles include attention-grabbing leads, engaging storytelling, and descriptive language that paints vivid pictures. Writers develop well-rounded characters, incorporate relevant facts, and wrap up with satisfying conclusions. Various types of features exist, from human interest stories to investigative pieces, each requiring thorough research and interviewing techniques.

What's Feature Writing?

  • Feature writing focuses on crafting in-depth, engaging articles that explore a particular topic, event, or person beyond straight news reporting
  • Aims to entertain, inform, and captivate readers through storytelling techniques, descriptive language, and a unique writing style
  • Covers a wide range of subjects (human interest stories, profiles, trend pieces, and more) to provide a deeper understanding and emotional connection for readers
  • Requires extensive research, interviews, and observation to gather information and create a compelling narrative
  • Allows writers to showcase their creativity, voice, and ability to bring a story to life through vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and insights
  • Offers flexibility in structure and format, enabling writers to experiment with different approaches to engage readers and convey their message effectively
  • Provides an opportunity for writers to explore complex issues, shed light on unique perspectives, and create a lasting impact on readers

Key Elements of Feature Articles

  • A strong, attention-grabbing lead that hooks readers and sets the tone for the entire article
  • Engaging storytelling that draws readers in and keeps them invested in the narrative
  • Descriptive language that paints a vivid picture and helps readers visualize the people, places, and events being described
    • Use sensory details (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures) to create an immersive experience for readers
    • Employ figurative language (metaphors, similes, and analogies) to make the writing more evocative and memorable
  • Well-developed characters that readers can relate to and care about
    • Provide background information, motivations, and insights into the characters' thoughts and feelings
    • Use dialogue and quotes to bring characters to life and reveal their personalities
  • A clear theme or message that ties the story together and leaves readers with something to think about
  • A satisfying conclusion that wraps up the story, provides closure, and leaves a lasting impression on readers
  • Incorporates relevant facts, statistics, and expert opinions to provide context and support the narrative

Types of Feature Stories

  • Human interest stories that focus on the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of individuals or groups
  • Profiles that delve into the lives, personalities, and achievements of notable or fascinating people
  • Trend pieces that explore current social, cultural, or technological phenomena and their impact on society
  • Explanatory features that break down complex issues, processes, or concepts for readers
  • Historical features that examine past events, people, or places and their significance today
  • Investigative features that uncover wrongdoing, expose social problems, or shed light on hidden truths
  • Travel features that showcase unique destinations, cultures, and experiences from around the world
  • Seasonal features that tie into holidays, events, or time-specific themes

Research and Interviewing Techniques

  • Conduct thorough background research using reliable sources (books, articles, reports, and online databases) to gain a deep understanding of the topic
  • Identify and reach out to relevant experts, witnesses, or individuals directly involved in the story to gather firsthand accounts and insights
  • Prepare a list of open-ended questions that encourage interviewees to share their experiences, opinions, and emotions
    • Avoid yes/no questions and instead use prompts that elicit detailed responses
    • Be flexible and allow the conversation to flow naturally, while still covering key points
  • Practice active listening during interviews, paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues to pick up on important details and emotions
  • Take detailed notes during interviews and record conversations (with permission) to ensure accuracy and capture key quotes
  • Observe and document the environment, setting, and any relevant sensory details that can help bring the story to life
  • Verify information gathered from interviews and research to ensure accuracy and credibility

Structuring Your Feature

  • Choose a structure that best suits the story and engages readers (chronological, thematic, or a combination of both)
  • Begin with a compelling lead that captures attention and sets the stage for the rest of the article
  • Use the inverted pyramid structure, presenting the most important information first and then delving into supporting details and background information
  • Employ narrative techniques, such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, and cliffhangers, to create suspense and keep readers engaged
  • Use transitions to smoothly connect ideas, scenes, and sections of the article, maintaining a logical flow
  • Incorporate dialogue, quotes, and anecdotes strategically to break up long passages, add variety, and bring characters to life
  • Conclude with a strong ending that ties together the main themes, leaves a lasting impression, and provides a sense of closure or resolution

Crafting Compelling Leads

  • Start with a strong, attention-grabbing statement or question that immediately hooks readers and makes them want to continue reading
  • Use descriptive language to set the scene, introduce a character, or create a mood that draws readers into the story
  • Begin with a surprising fact, statistic, or anecdote that relates to the main theme of the article and piques readers' curiosity
  • Employ dialogue or a quote that encapsulates the essence of the story or introduces a key character
  • Pose a thought-provoking question that challenges readers' assumptions or invites them to consider a new perspective
  • Create a sense of urgency or tension that compels readers to find out what happens next
  • Avoid clichés, generalizations, or overly broad statements that fail to capture readers' attention or provide a specific focus for the article

Developing Your Writing Style

  • Find your unique voice and let it shine through in your writing, allowing your personality and perspective to come across
  • Use a conversational tone that engages readers and makes them feel like they are having a dialogue with you
  • Vary sentence structure and length to create a rhythmic flow and avoid monotony
    • Combine short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones to maintain interest and momentum
    • Use fragments sparingly for emphasis or dramatic effect
  • Choose words carefully to convey precise meanings, evoke emotions, and paint vivid pictures in readers' minds
  • Develop a consistent style that reflects your target audience, the publication's tone, and the subject matter of your article
  • Read widely and study the techniques of successful feature writers to learn from their approaches and adapt them to your own writing
  • Continuously refine your writing skills through practice, experimentation, and seeking feedback from editors, colleagues, and readers

Editing and Polishing Your Work

  • Set aside your first draft for a day or two before revisiting it with fresh eyes to identify areas that need improvement
  • Read your article aloud to catch awkward phrasing, repetition, or sections that disrupt the flow of the story
  • Cut unnecessary words, phrases, and sentences that don't contribute to the main message or narrative of the article
  • Ensure that your article has a clear focus and structure, with each paragraph and section serving a specific purpose
  • Check for consistency in tone, style, and voice throughout the article, making sure it aligns with your intended message and target audience
  • Verify facts, names, dates, and other details to ensure accuracy and credibility
  • Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, using tools like spell checkers and style guides to assist you
  • Seek feedback from trusted colleagues, editors, or beta readers to gain fresh perspectives and identify areas for improvement


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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