Feature-style writing

Definition

Feature-style writing is a narrative technique in journalism that emphasizes storytelling, descriptive detail, and a personal touch to engage readers. Unlike traditional news writing that focuses on facts and inverted pyramid structure, feature writing allows for creativity and depth, often incorporating anecdotes, character development, and emotional resonance to draw the audience in.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feature-style writing often begins with a strong lead that captures attention and sets the tone for the story, making it distinct from hard news leads.
2. It allows writers to explore themes more deeply, weaving together facts and personal experiences or observations to create a compelling narrative.
3. Good feature writing typically includes quotes from sources to enhance authenticity and bring characters to life within the story.
4. Feature pieces can vary in length and are not restricted by the traditional format of breaking news, allowing for more exploration of ideas.
5. Integrating data into feature writing helps ground the narrative in reality while adding credibility; numbers can illustrate trends or highlight significant points in a way that supports the storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does feature-style writing differ from traditional news reporting in terms of structure and content?
  • Feature-style writing differs significantly from traditional news reporting as it prioritizes storytelling over strict adherence to facts. While traditional news often follows an inverted pyramid structure focused on delivering the most critical information first, feature writing tends to open with an engaging lead that draws readers in. It employs descriptive language and anecdotes to create a rich narrative that explores deeper themes and character development, allowing for a more personal connection with the audience.
• In what ways can integrating data enhance feature-style writing, and what techniques can be used to present this data effectively?
  • Integrating data into feature-style writing can enhance the story by providing context and supporting claims made throughout the narrative. Techniques such as presenting statistics within anecdotes or using them to emphasize emotional points can make data more relatable. Additionally, utilizing infographics or quotes from experts can help contextualize data visually or narratively, ensuring it complements rather than overwhelms the storytelling aspect of the piece.
• Evaluate how the elements of narrative arc and descriptive language contribute to effective feature-style writing.
  • The elements of narrative arc and descriptive language are crucial for effective feature-style writing as they create a cohesive and immersive experience for the reader. A well-structured narrative arc guides readers through the unfolding story, maintaining interest while building emotional engagement. Meanwhile, descriptive language enhances this experience by painting vivid images and evoking senses, allowing readers to feel connected to characters and events. Together, these elements elevate feature writing beyond mere information delivery, transforming it into an impactful storytelling medium.

Related terms

Anecdote: A short and interesting story about a real incident or person used in writing to illustrate a point or provide context.

Narrative Arc: The structured framework of a story that includes the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, guiding the reader through the narrative.

Descriptive Language: Language that vividly describes sensory experiences and details to create a strong mental image for the reader.