Feature Article

Definition

A feature article is a detailed and in-depth piece of writing that goes beyond just reporting news; it tells a story, offers insight, or explores a subject in a comprehensive manner. This type of article typically includes rich descriptions, quotes from sources, and a narrative style that engages readers, making it a key component in various genres of magazine writing, from consumer publications to special editions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feature articles often explore human interest stories, providing depth and context that typical news articles lack.
2. They can be structured around various themes, making them adaptable for different issues or special editions of magazines.
3. Feature articles usually have longer word counts compared to standard news articles, allowing for more thorough exploration of the topic.
4. Engaging visuals and strong headlines are crucial for feature articles to attract and retain reader interest.
5. They often involve extensive research and interviews to provide authentic perspectives and insights on the subject matter.

Review Questions

• How does a feature article differ from a standard news report, particularly in terms of content depth and storytelling techniques?
  • A feature article differs significantly from a standard news report by focusing on storytelling and offering deeper insights into its subject. While news reports deliver facts quickly and succinctly, feature articles use narrative techniques to engage readers through descriptive language, anecdotes, and emotional connections. This allows feature articles to explore human interest angles, societal issues, or thematic elements that resonate more profoundly with readers, thus providing a richer reading experience.
• Discuss how editorial calendars influence the topics chosen for feature articles in magazines and their relevance to current events.
  • Editorial calendars play a pivotal role in determining the themes and topics selected for feature articles in magazines. These calendars outline publication schedules and help editors align content with seasonal trends, holidays, or significant events. By planning ahead, magazines can ensure that feature articles remain relevant and timely, addressing current interests or issues that capture readers' attention while also contributing to the overall thematic coherence of the publication.
• Evaluate the significance of visuals and layout design in enhancing the impact of feature articles within magazine publications.
  • Visuals and layout design significantly enhance the impact of feature articles by making them more engaging and accessible. A well-designed layout draws readers in, while complementary images or infographics can illustrate key points or evoke emotions tied to the article's narrative. Effective visual storytelling not only helps clarify complex topics but also elevates the reader's overall experience, making feature articles memorable and encouraging further interaction with the publication.

Related terms

Inverted Pyramid: A writing style used primarily in news articles where the most important information is presented at the beginning, followed by supporting details in descending order of importance.

Lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of an article that grabs the reader's attention and summarizes the main point.

Narrative Structure: The organizational framework used in storytelling that arranges content in a way that follows a logical sequence and engages the reader emotionally.