Here is a very quick guide to what to look for when reading/analysing/responding to a feature article. When you’re annotating your feature articles, use this a checklist of what to look for, what to annotate.
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.
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). 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.
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:
- 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.
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.
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.