The Art of Feature Writing

FEATURE

actual not fictitious

ntertaining

ppealing to the emotions

imely or not timely

nusual

eader-oriented

xplanation, extrapolation – extending or projecting known info

Organization of Ideas1. Tease me.

2. Tell me what you are up to.

3. Prove it.

4. Help me remember it.

Core Components1. Headline

2. By-line

3. Feature Lead a.k.a. Introduction

4. Body

5. Kicker a.k.a. Conclusion

Grabs the audience’s attention and persuades them to read on

Highlights the main ideas of the article

Headline

Example Hindi Pa Kami Laos Don’t Smoke Your Life Away The Rape of the Forest A Tale of Horror – Population Explosion

States the writer’s name

Example

By-line

by Jesper Silva by Zinnia Jane Fabre by Ronald Candy Lasaten

The opening sentence must grab and hold the reader’s attention by using specific, interest arousing words

The lead must catch the spirit of the story and create the proper tone: serious, sarcastic, ironic, flippant, and melancholy

Outlines the subject or the theme of the article Create a relationship between the writer and

the reader

Feature Lead

Do not use cliches

Do not use “Imagine this”

Stating the obvious

Avoid 1st and 2nd person

Remember!

Common Leads Narrative Lead – tells a story usually an

anecdote

Descriptive Lead – describes a scene, person or subject

Direct Quote – begins with a powerful quote

Provides vital information while it educates, entertains, and emotionally ties an audience to the subject

Expand the body with: Facts and statistics Personal viewpoint Opinions from authorities and experts Quotes and interviews Anecdotes and stories Specific places/names/dates

Body

Transition It is when one paragraph moves smoothly

to the next one

PEEL

oint

xplain

vidence

ink

Paragraph Structure

2 common styles A powerful quote

Tie the ending back to the lead

The kicker should be memorable.

30 #

Kicker a.k.a. Conclusion

Guidelines Active voice Precise and colorful words/language Emotive, dramatic and descriptive language Personality, flavor and style Accuracy, clear, concise sentences Selective use of facts to persuade or entertain Comments by experts or important people Statistics

WorkshopTHE CTE BULLETIN

Zinnia Jane FabreManaging Editor, The CTE Bulletin

Topic Does Forever

Exist? Love Is Sweeter

The Second Time Around.

Love Knows No Boundaries.

ContestTHE CTE BULLETIN

Jesper SilvaChief Correspondent, The CTE Bulletin