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How To Write A Great Feature Article

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Write A Great Feature Article - For Essays, Assignments, Magazines, Blogs and Squidoo

Have you ever wondered what a feature article is? Or how you go about writing a great feature article?

Maybe you just need help for an important school assignment or are looking to improve your general writing skills? It's easier than you might think and with only a little bit of effort you can produce a high quality feature article (and get the grade to match!).

The following hints, tips and ideas will apply to all types of feature articles. This includes magazine articles, newspaper articles, blog posts, online article writing and Squidoo lenses.

Contents

  1. Other Helpful Resources
  2. How To Write A Feature Article - Overview
  3. Purpose - The Mission of a Feature Article
  4. Types of Text
  5. Types of Feature Articles Include:
  6. Feature Article Examples
  7. Feature Article Writing Advice
  8. Feature Article Structure
  9. Title & Headline
  10. Introduction
  11. Details (The Main Article)
  12. Conclusion
  13. Language of Feature Articles

This Page is a Good Example....

of a Feature Article or Feature Story

Other Helpful Resources

For More Feature Article Tips

eHow - Magazine Article
eHow provides a quick run down of the basics to a magazine article.
How To Write A Magazine Article
Hints on making your article into publication standard.
How to Write an Article for a Magazine
Another run-down on the magazine article
Article Publishing
Wikipedia to the rescue, learn about all the different kinds of feature articles.
Newspaper Articles
11 Simple steps to writing a newspaper article.
Firehow - How to Write a Newspaper Article
More newspaper writing hints and tips.

How To Write A Feature Article - Overview

Articles aim to inform, entertain and persuade readers. But most articles will do all three to some degree. Online articles require you to be able to grab the reader's attention quickly and hold that attention. Writing a great article isn't always easy and there are many aspects that combine together to make a great and smooth flowing article.

A Feature Article

Informs, Entertains & Persuades.

Purpose - The Mission of a Feature Article

Feature articles are detailed pieces of writing which explore a range of issues, opinions, experiences and ideas. The purpose of a feature article will vary depending on the media it is meant for. Feature articles should appeal to the particular audience the article is targeting. For example if a magazine was targeted at middle aged women, then the articles, advertising and pictures within that magazine would reflect their interest in lifestyle, career, money, health and relationships.

Types of Text

Feature articles can be informative, entertaining, persuasive or they may simply satisfy the reader's curiosity about a particular topic. A feature article may provide more information about an important issue, offer an opinion about current affairs or simply present a personal or humorous perspective on modern day life. Unlike news reports which can quickly go out of date, feature articles have a more general focus and do not go out of date after a few days.

Feature writers are often regular contributors who have particular expertise or interest in their subject or topic. Article writers go beyond just the facts on the surface and add colour, detail, background and personal comment. The appeal of feature articles is usually the personal perspective on offer.

Types of Feature Articles Include:

  1. Analysis and opinion on current issues.
  2. Profiles of, or interviews with well known-people. (Think SquidWho)
  3. Humorous reflections
  4. Personal experience or anecdotes.
  5. Online articles (Squidoo!).
  6. Background information on local, national or international events.
  7. Magazine articles.
  8. Human interest stories
  9. Newspaper articles.
  10. Background information and personal opinion on your interest!

“Feature articles are not just dry facts, it provides story and information from a unique angle.”

Feature Article Examples

Library Point - Feature Article Examples For Kids
This resource has many great feature articles aimed at children and is updated weekly.
Sample Stories from Robertson's Feature Writing Class
A collection of feature articles.
Feature Stories - Different Kinds of Feature Stories
Feature Stories - Different Kinds of Feature Stories
Weekly Reader - Example Feature Article [PDF]
A good example of a feature story.
Feature Article Examples For Kids
A resource that features downloadable feature article examples for kids.
Magazine Feature Articles Sample
A great visual collection of magazine articles.

Writing Feature Articles

Writing Feature Articles
by TeachingMatters | video info

23 ratings | 36,349 views
curated content from YouTube

Feature Article Writing Advice

Write First, Clean Later: Blogs, Articles, & Writing Advice

Write First, Clean Later: Blogs, Articles, & Writing Advice

by: L.J. Sellers

Amazon Price: $11.65 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

Written by the award-winning journalist that is L.J. Sellers this book is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to enhance their writing skills. It features a massive section about writing, editing, promotional advice and even includes L.J. Sellers personal writing process.

If you are a school, college or university student looking for a single (and cheap) reference book for writing articles throughout your schooling years it is a must purchase. On the other hand it also offers great advice for anyone seeking to become a full time writer (either online or as a novelist).

Steps To Writing A Feature Article

-Brainstorm ideas.
-Whats the purpose?
-Research your topic.
-Grab the reader's attention.
-Keep that attention.
-Leave an impression.

Feature Article Structure

Like any form of writing a feature article follows a standard structure. While it may vary depending on your topic, a feature article should always include a headline, introduction, the main body and a concluding paragraph.

Title & Headline

The headline performs two important functions. An effective headline:
  • Grabs the reader's attention and persuades them to read the article
  • Highlights the main idea of the article.
  • Includes keywords (for online articles).
feature-article-writing

Feature Article Writing 

Introduction

The first paragraph outlines the subject or theme of the article, it may also:
  • Provoke the reader's interest by making an unusual statement.
  • Provide any necessary background information.
  • Invite the reader to take sides by making a controversial statement.
  • Heighten the drama of an event or incident to intensify its appeal.
  • Establish the writer's tone
  • Create a relationship between the writer and the reader.

I can't write about my topic the way anyone else would, I need to put my own spin on it.

Details (The Main Article)

The middle section consists of a number of paragraphs that expand the main topic of the article into subtopics. The usual components are:
  • Subheadings.
  • Facts and statistics which support the writer's opinion.
  • Personal viewpoints.
  • Opinions from authorities and experts.
  • Quotes and interviews.
  • Anecdotes and stories.
  • Specific names, places and dates.
  • Photographs, tables, diagrams and graphs.

... A spin that grabs my readers so they connect with what I am writing.

Conclusion

The concluding paragraph should leave a lasting impression by:
  • Reminding the reader of the article's main idea
  • Suggesting an appropriate course of action.
  • Encouraging a change of attitude or opinion.
feature-article-school

Feature Article Assigment 

Language of Feature Articles

  • A personal tone is created through the use of informal, colloquial (slang) and first person narrative.
  • Relevant jargon adds authenticity to the information and opinions.
  • Anecdotes help to maintain reader interest.
  • Facts validate the writer's viewpoints.
  • In humorous articles, exaggeration and generalisation are used to heighten humour.
  • Rhetorical questions help to involve the reader.
  • Emotive words are used to evoke a personal response in the reader.
  • Effective use of imagery and description engage the reader's imagination.
  • The use of direct quotes personalises the topic.

Don't Forget

-Research & inform.
-Write well.
-Entertain.
-Be Authoritative.
-Be insightful.

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Understanding what a feature article is and how to write a great feature article is an important life skill.
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