Writing Feature Stories Unit 6 Definition and Characteristics

Writing Feature Stories Unit 6

Definition and Characteristics § Feature stories highlight a specific person, place or thing. § Feature stories are informative and entertaining. § Features play a large role in a high school newspaper.

Structure of a Feature Story § A feature story allows more freedom. § Feature stories are timeless so they can be written anytime. § Leads are not written the same as for a news story. § You may begin with an anecdote. § Feature stories allow for creativity.

Subjects for Feature Stories § Fellow students and their achievements are often subjects for feature stories. § Feature sections also contain entertainment stories, from music to movies. § Feature stories are the place in the newspaper for the peculiar or the extravagant. § The element of surprise has its place.

Types of Feature Stories § Human Interest Features – based on something unusual, intended to affect the emotions of the reader § Sights and Sounds Features – what is happening at a certain place and time § Personality Profile – the life, interests, and accomplishments of an interesting person § Historical Feature – holidays or events

Types of Feature Stories § § § Informative Features – requires research News Features – linked to a News story Personal Experience Features – a trip or experience of a student § Photo Features – focus on pictures rather than copy § How-to Features – step-by-step process

Types of Feature Stories § Consumer Report – evaluates products, prices, etc. § Other types of Feature Stories include Adventure, Travel, Society, Humor, and Autobiographical

Leads for Feature Stories § § § Descriptive – creates a vivid picture Narrative Hook – fictional Question – ask a pertinent question to get the reader involved § Quotation – begins with a quote that summarizes the story § Striking Statement – meant to shock the reader

Sources § Some of this information came from a “Start the Press” article written by Auburn University journalism students in 2005. § Other information came from the book, High School Journalism by Homer L. Hall