Feature Article Writing Practice I
Feature Article Writing Practice I
Date : ___________
Article must be typed out in Microsoft Word, font size 12 Arial or Times New
Roman.
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Date : ___________
Preparing to Write
Step 1 - Choose a format for your article.
Feature articles do not have a particular formula the way hard news articles do. You
dont need to follow the inverted pyramid style of writing that conveys the who,
what, where, when and why of a news story.
Instead, choose a more inventive way to write a story.
Step 2 - Write a hook/engaging lead to open your story.
Your first paragraph is your chance to hook your reader and draw them into your
story. If the opening paragraph is dry or difficult to follow, you will lose your reader
and they wont continue on to the rest of your story.
Start with an interesting fact, a quote, or an anecdote for a good hook. Refer to Four
Ways to Write an Engaging Feature Lead.
Your opening paragraph should only be about 2-3 sentences.
Step 3 - Expand on your lead in your next paragraph
While your lead might draw people in, your second paragraph (and subsequent
paragraphs) need to start explaining the reason for the story. Why are we reading
this story? What is important about it?
As you write, follow the outline you have drafted. You can draft this outline on the
structure of the text type you have chosen for your feature article.
Type
How To
Profile
Informative
Alarmer-Expos
Human Interest
Essay, Narrative, or Opinion
Humor or Satire
If there are bullet points provided for you, you should follow the requirements of the
bullet points (for examination questions)
Step 4 Write a satisfactory conclusion
Refer to the notes on Concluding your Essay.
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