Feature

WRITING
PREPARED BY: DAMASO I. EDUCALAN
Feature WRITING

 Feature article is based on that

mysterious ingredient in journalism
called HUMAN INTEREST.

 Itis also a non-fiction work which

reflects on various human
experiences and interests.
Feature WRITING

Itis a combination of
creative writing and
facts. Hence, it is not
the same as novels
and short stories
 Feature WRITING
 It is simply not a news story
The differences being:
1. Treatment of issue (news have no room for opinions, feature stories
can be opinionated);
2. The depth of research (news are somewhat shallow, features go in-
depth);
3. The style of writing (news are formal, features can be flashy,
informal); and
4. Structure of the piece (inverted pyramid for news, normal pyramid
for features)
Feature WRITING

It is not an editorial or opinion piece

Features can use either the perspective

of a first person to project
engagement or the second or third
person to maintain distance.
Feature WRITING

It is not an academic paper

Features are written in a way that
avoids the use of jargons and
complex language that cannot be
easily understood by a general
audience.
 QUALITIES
1. It contains an introduction, body, and conclusion.
2. The contents are based on the writer’s development
of ideas.
3. Can have complex narration or presentation, if
“suspended interest structure is used.”
4. It often reflects the personality, tendencies, beliefs,
and aspirations of the writer.
 QUALITIES
5. It includes quotations from principal characters,
experts, and variety of sources.
6. It can use the elements of fiction and informal
writing.
7. It can use photographs, charts, sidebars or boxes,
drawings, diagrams, among others to reinforce the
message and bring life and color to the subject.
TYPES
1. NEWS BEHIND THE NEWS STORIES
An in-depth look at the stories behind a current news.
2. PERSONALITY SKETCH/PROFILE
Profile stories of the rich and the famous. Readers want to know the hidden traits
and lives of famous personalities.
3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STORIES
They concentrate on the latest advancement in science and technology with the
aim of informing the readers and arousing their interests
4. HUMAN APPEAL STORIES
They are also called “concerned stories.” They expose burning issues which need
urgent solutions. These stories show the magnitude of the problem through cases,
TYPES
anecdotes, and quotable quotes. These features highlight the dramatic
condition and experiences of certain groups of people. They are written
using heart-piercing presentations which evoke emotional responses the
readers.
5. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES
Historical events and sites can provide readers a sense of identity. By
comparing the present to the past, they can see how time has changed
their environment, culture, values and perspectives.
6. HOW-TO AND WHAT-TO-DO FEATURES
They are educational in essence. They provide knowledge about process or
activity.
TYPES
7. BUSINESS AND DEVELOPMENT FEATURES
They provide a glimpse and insight on the business world and the
development of certain sector or area. This writing requires a working
knowledge and special interest on the workings and operations of the
business community.
8. LIFESTYLE FEATURES
Changing fashion trends and life-styles makes an interesting reading.
9. ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES
Movie stars, pop singers, and show business events are common subjects.
The goal is to entertain and give relief to people.
TYPES
10. HOBBY FEATURES
They interest the readers who are into exceptional hobbies.

11. CAREER FEATURES

They focus on career guidance, tips or issues.

12. SEASONAL THEMES

These articles magnify the significance and relevance of
holidays, anniversaries, and special events.
TYPES
13. TRAVEL FEATURES
These features highlight the beauty of interacting with people and places.
They offer endorsements and guidelines on places where money would be
worth spending. Travel feature writers demand exceptional descriptive and
narrative skills.

14. INSIDER FEATURE

Insiders look at unusual occupations, issues, or events which are hidden from
the public. Readers are attracted to unusual details or “well-kept secrets”
about procedures or activities they might not ordinarily be exposed to or
allowed to participate in.
STAGES OF WRITING

PRE-WRITING
Before setting the first draft, plan,
research, gather data, organize
information. Planning involves finding out
what you should write about and your
purpose. WHAT TO SAY & HOW TO SAY IT.
STAGES OF WRITING

Limit the topic. Choose the theme. Narrow down and focus.
(THEME, SUBJECT, TOPIC)

WRITING
Know the level of consciousness and knowledge of your
audience. Find out if they read for entertainment, information,
analysis, or commentaries. This will make your article more
responsive and sensitive to the issues and concerns of the reader.

Observe the normal pyramid structure.

INTRODUCTION

Should be able to hook the readers. The body

should sustain the interest. The conclusion should
help the reader remember the story.

AN INTRODUCTION WITH A PUNCH

The introduction serves as a taste test for the rest
of the article.
 WAYS TO DEVELOP THE LEAD

1.Question lead asks the reader’s questions

which the article will try to explore and
discuss.
Who doesn’t know Facebook?
Do you know that malls are not exactly
safe?
 WAYS TO DEVELOP THE LEAD

2. Startling statements or exclamation leads

to compel attention.
a. Finally free!
b. A college graduate at 12 years old –
that’s what Doug Howser is!
 WAYS TO DEVELOP THE LEAD

3. Striking statement lead is enticing piece

of information in a short punchy format. It
adds suspense.
If you think that children do not
understand Google maps, think again.
 WAYS TO DEVELOP THE LEAD

4. Descriptive lead can draw the reader into the story by

creating a strong image in his or her mind. The words
are colorful and concrete enough for the reader to
appreciate and feel the ideas presented in the story.
The island wears a human face. Its tranquility is
mirrored by the blue ocean. Its white sand and waving
palm trees can comfort a tired soul.
 WAYS TO DEVELOP THE LEAD

6. Anecdotal lead relies on a conversational tone to create an

intimacy between the reader, the writer and the characters in
the article. It is loaded with specific details.
David met Grace in a five-star hotel bar in Bangkok. David, in his
tuxedo, was mesmerized by the beauty of the Chinese-looking
female in red gown. “Can I offer you a drink?” the bachelor
asked with confidence. The woman did not refuse the gentle
offer. They talked and smiled. That was three years ago. They
are now married and now have two lovely daughters.
 WAYS TO DEVELOP THE LEAD

7. Quotation lead relies on an arresting

quote. The selected quotes reinforce the
message of the article.
“You get what you deserve.” This was
probably in the minds of the victims of the
abusive governor, who is convicted for
graft and will be imprisoned for 30 years.
 WAYS TO DEVELOP THE LEAD

8. Contrast lead, the writer sets off his subject with two
apparently contradictory pieces of information. This is
to emphasize two contending ideas or events.
Three days ago, Mang Domingo was driving his boss to
work. This morning, he was seen driving his own car, the
very first souvenir he bought for winning the jackpot
prize of 342 million pesos, the largest in the history of
Philippine lottery.
 WAYS TO DEVELOP THE LEAD

9. Break formal lead leaves to the

reader ‘s imagination the things that
happened in between events.
Richard Gutierrez said he would return
soon. And he did.
 WAYS TO DEVELOP THE LEAD

10. Character lead, which introduces the central

person in a story. These are most common in
personality profiles or stories in which you use an
individual to represent a larger topic. Here's an
example tied in to the national park setting:
Marvin Wells always seems to have a smile on his
face - even when his truck won't start in the
morning.
 PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT

Some techniques used to develop paragraphs and

sentences:
1. Improve the simple narration strategy by magnifying
the character of a person or an event.
Instead of saying that Pedro is happy, sad or angry try
to reconstruct the sentence by saying that, “Peter was
so happy that he kissed the forehead and cheeks of
Mario and hugged him tight.”
 PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT

2. Avoid using ambiguous modifiers

such as “tall,” “short,” “fat,” “thin.”
Say: “Chad was so short that he had
to climb up the acacia tree to see
the parading soldiers.”
 PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT

3. Animate verbs and work for sounds. Add color to the

actions of the characters. Instead of “drank quickly,”
write “gulped,” walked quietly – tiptoed.

4. Use the active voice.

5. Avoid clichés by reconstructing them.

 PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT

6. Play with figures of speech.

a. simile
b. metaphor
c. personification

7. Vary sentence length. This is to emphasize thought.

 CONCLUSION

It is a rule that the ending of a feature

story should be glorious and must show
the reader that the time they invested
in reading the piece was well-spent. It
must remind them of the main message
and idea of the article.
WAYS IN ENDING YOUR STORY

1. Summarize the key points of the story.

Ex.: Emilia’s message is simple: We, the hope of
the future, must prepare our glasses to catch
each and every single precious drop of
knowledge.
2. The argument conclusion mentions the main
point of the article for the first time based on
previous discussions.
 WAYS IN ENDING YOUR STORY

3. Straightforward question is effective in challenging the

readers and making them think through the story.
Ex.: Would you let drug addiction take the better of us?

4. Offering solutions and recommendations help the readers

make informed choices.
Ex.: It is never wrong to give ourselves some time to relax in
this busy world.
 WAYS IN ENDING YOUR STORY

5. Forecast or prediction shows a good understanding of the

arguments and the implications of current situation to the future. This
conclusion offers inferences on the future based on the foregoing
arguments.
Ex.: Given his determination to conquer his fears, it is never impossible
for Dave to become the person he wants to be.

6. Appropriate quotations are effective in dramatizing the main points

raised by the article.
Ex.: Indeed, honesty is still the best policy.
TECHNIQUES

ADDING SPECIFIC
INFORMATION
 It gives concreteness
to your story.
TECHNIQUES

Specific Info
 Identify specific activities and behaviors
 Name and describe the characters
 Describe the setting
 List other attributes
TECHNIQUES

CREATING
SENSORY IMAGES
A good feature article appeals to
the readers five basic senses.
OTHER TECHNIQUES

CHOOSING WORDS
CAREFULLY
USING FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
WRITING DIALOGUE
 A WRITER SHOULD HAVE
THE PRECISION OF A Poet
AND THE IMAGINATION
OF A SCIENTIST
 VLADIMIR NOBOKOV
TIME TO WRITE