Feature 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 Unlike news reports which can quickly go out of date, feature articles have a more general focus and do not go out of date after a few days.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 color, detail, background and personal comment. The appeal of feature articles is usually the personal touch and viewpoints that they offer.

Types of Feature Articles Include:

?Analysis and opinion on current issues.

?Profiles of, or interviews with well known-people.

?Humorous reflections.

?Personal experience or anecdotes.

?Online articles

?Background information on local, national or international events.

?Magazine articles.

?Human interest stories.

?Newspaper articles.

Background information and personal opinion on your interests.

“Feature articles are not just dry facts, it

provides story and information from a

unique angle.”

The News Feature

The news feature is just what it sounds like - a feature article that focuses on a topic of interest in the news. News features often cover the same subjects as deadline hard-news stories, but do so in greater depth and detail.

And since feature articles are "people stories," news features tend to focus on individuals more than deadline news stories, which often focus more on numbers and statistics.

For instance, let's say you're writing about the increase in heart disease. A deadline story on the topic might focus on statistics showing how heart disease is on the rise, and include quotes from experts on the topic.

A news feature, on the other hand, would likely begin by telling the story of one person suffering from heart disease. By describing he struggles of an individual, news feature can tackle big, newsy topics while still telling very human stories.