how to write a feature article introduction

The Byline Club

The University of Strathclyde's media and journalism blog

How to write a feature introduction

By Erin Kelly. 

Has anyone ever told you about the difference between dogs and cats? Dogs love people and want their attention. Cats prefer to avoid people and will only do things on their terms. News and features intros are dogs and cats. A good news introduction will often pop into a journalist’s mind screaming “Look at me!” much like an over-excited Labrador. Feature intros prefer to slink around the mind of their author like a black cat in the shadows.

Thankfully, you can like both cats and dogs; you can write good news and feature introductions.

What should an introduction do?

Simply put intros must grab the reader’s attention. A feature intro needs to entice the reader enough that they want to read the entire article. The most important pieces of information in a feature don’t have to be in the intro as the inverted pyramid structure isn’t used.

Types of feature introductions

Features and the topics they cover are incredibly varied. This naturally requires different ways to write an intro. The best intro for a feature depends on the subject matter. It’s important to experiment.

The most common ways to start a feature are:

Specifics of a feature intro

Length – Unlike a news intro there is no ideal length for a feature intro. This is because features are generally much longer than news stories and don’t have to convey the most important information at the beginning. The only rule for the length of a feature intro is to keep it in perspective to the rest of the feature. A 500-word piece shouldn’t spend 200 words introducing the topic.

Grammar – Features are normally written in the present tense and this extends to the introduction. There may be some cases that the introduction could be written in another tense, but this should be done carefully as a sudden change in tense can disrupt the flow of a story.

Tips for a good feature intro

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Published by The Byline Club

We are the University of Strathclyde Byline Club! We aim to widen opportunities of industry experience for students, particularly in Journalism/ Media/ PR. Here we publish articles written by students for students about all things Journalism. View all posts by The Byline Club

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Writing An Interesting Feature Article Introduction

Table of contents.

A feature article is a piece of writing that explores a topic of current importance and presents information in a narrative. The introduction of a feature article is a vital part of the article. It lures readers in and entices them to read the rest of the piece. This guide on  feature article introduction  will teach you how to write an excellent introduction for your article. 

The introduction sets the tone of the article and tells the reader what to expect. A good introductory paragraph steers the article in the direction that the author wants it to go. An effective introduction paragraph draws the reader in with a hook, elaborates on the topic, and ends with the author’s main point. 

What is A Feature Article?

A feature article is written to provide more depth to issues, topical events, or people. It provides background information on a newsworthy topic in addition to the writer’s personal experience.

Feature articles combine facts and personal experience, provide a perspective about the topic, and include catchy titles and images. They’re written in short paragraphs and commonly found in newspapers, online blogs, magazines, and news sites. Some examples of feature articles are: 

How to Write A Feature Article Introduction

The introduction of a feature article is one of its essential sections. It helps the reader decides whether or not to read the whole article. The introduction sets the stage for the information you’re going to share . It should establish the topic and present interesting details that grab the reader’s attention.

The first impression is key, so writing a simple, compelling introduction is essential. Here are the basic parts of a feature article introduction.

1. Hook/Opening Sentence

Draw the reader’s attention with an interesting and provocative opening statement. Keep it concise, clear, and exciting. The opening sentence should set the scene, spark the reader’s curiosity and establish a connection with the audience. You may state a shocking fact or statistic, offer an interesting anecdote, present a joke or ask a thought-provoking question. However, your hook must relate to and adequately introduce the subject of discussion.

2. Background Information

Provide more details on the article’s topic. Include some background information to give the reader a better understanding of the topic. The background may include a historical, social, or geographical context or a summary of relevant theories about the topic. Explain the purpose of the story and why it is relevant.

3. Concluding sentence

The ending sentence of your feature article introduction should allow for a smooth transition into the body of the article. It should summarize the article’s main points or central focus, which will be presented in the body. 

person holding on red pen while writing on book

Writing a good introductory paragraph can be challenging. The benefit of having a well-knit introduction is that readers will feel more compelled to continue reading. 

Begin with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention and provides background information on the topic . This guide on  feature article introduction  will help you write a compelling introduction to your article.

Writing An Interesting Feature Article Introduction

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Abir Ghenaiet LinkedIn

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How To Write An Amazing Feature Article In 5 Steps

Matrix Blog

English 7-8.

Need to write a feature article for class? Don't worry, in this article, we show you how to write an amazing feature article in 5 steps!

how to write a feature article introduction

Unsure of the difference between a feature article and a newspaper report? Well, it’s time to find out! We will show you the different characteristics of an amazing feature article and how to write one!

To show you how to write an amazing feature article, we’ll discuss:

Characteristics of a feature article.

Language used in feature articles

What is a feature article?

A feature article is a non-fiction piece of writing that focuses on a particular topic. You will find them in newspapers and news sites, online blogs, or magazines.

However, they are not the same as news reports! Whereas news reports are more factual…

Feature articles are more subjective and emotive.

They commonly present information in a more narratorial manner to make them more engaging.

Now that we have a general understanding of what a feature article is, let’s take a detailed look at their characteristics.

A feature article should,

Different types of feature articles:

There are many different types of feature articles. Each one has a different focus and purpose.

So, let’s see a few examples of feature articles!

Note : There are many more different types of feature articles. You’ll want to research the genre specific for the task you’ve been set.

Before we go into the nitty-gritty details for writing feature articles, you need to know what skills and techniques you need to acquire in order to write a feature article!

blog-english-how-to-write-a-killer-feature-article-opinions

Ready to improve your feature article writing skills?

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how to write a feature article introduction

How to write an amazing feature article in 5 steps

Now that we know what a feature article is, let’s see what you need to do in when writing an amazing feature article:

Step 1: Research and Planning

Remember, feature articles are still based on factual information. So, it is vital that you research your topic very well and that you carefully plan out what you want to write.

We will need to research, plan and research again!

Once you’ve thought about the topic you’ve begin, or decided which issue you would like to discuss, you’re ready to get stuck into researching.

a. Research the general topic

This step is all about reading different perspectives and information about your chosen topic.

Doing this will help you take an informative stance on your topic.

See which perspective interests you most, or which one you agree with most. Also, take into account of the amount of strong evidence you can find for your feature article.

b. Narrow your focus and plan

Now, it is time to take a stance and start planning your feature article!

Here are some points you need to consider when you are planning:

Note : The purpose of your feature article can be to convince, evoke sympathy or anger, praise or even to educate. It is up to you to figure out what you want to say about the topic.

c. Research evidence

Now, it is time to research some more and gather some evidence to support your feature article.

Feature articles are supposed to help readers really understand and feel your story.

So, to do this, you must ensure that you spend this time to really flesh out your story and get a good grasp of what you are writing about.

Here are some examples you should look for:

blog-english-how-to-write-a-killer-feature-article-hero-quotes

Step 2: Header / Title

Feature articles are known for their eye-catching headers!

Let’s take a look at 2 headers. Which title would you click on first?

“ Rising film director, Sherrice, just released a provocative stop-motion piece that will change your view about fast food! ”

“ Film director, Sherrice, just released a stop-motion piece about fast food ”

The first line is more catchy because it uses emotive language and it directly addresses the readers.

So, how do you write catchy headlines?

Step 3: Introduction

Like your title, your introduction also needs to ‘hook’ in the readers.

They set the scene and draw interest from the audience.

Think about a narrative’s 3 Act Structure:

Feature articles function in the same way.

However, unlike a narrative, feature articles’ introductions are very brief and short. They should never be longer than 15% of your whole article.

So, how do you write effective introductions to feature articles:

Take a read of ABC journalist, Stan Grant’s introduction from  ‘Anger has the hour’: How long must Indigenous Australia Wait for Change? 

“How long must Aboriginal people wait? How many “turning points” must there be, before we stop believing?

Time is something Indigenous people do not have, not when we die 10 years younger than the rest of the population. Every year lost is counted in graveyard crosses.

Yet the Federal Government says there will likely be no referendum on Indigenous constitutional recognition this term of Parliament. Three years since the Uluru Statement from the Heart laid out a vision for Australia — Voice, Treaty, Truth — and we are told still to wait.

That is three years lost; a wasted opportunity to finish our unfinished business. First Nations people asked Australians to walk with us for a better future, yet we cannot get beyond those first steps.”

You see, Grant draws the audience’s interest by asking provocative rhetorical questions that hints at his stance about the topic.

He then provides background information about his topic to inform his audience about the issue. However, notice how he does this in an interesting and engaging way.

Grant uses literary techniques like tricolon (eg. “Voice, Treaty, Truth”), metaphors (eg. “year lost is counted in graveyard crosses” and “First Nations people asked Australians to walk wth us for a better future, yet we cannot get beyond those first steps”) and the motif of steps (eg. “walk with us” and “first steps”).

blog-english-how-to-write-a-killer-feature-article-relationship

Step 4: Body

Now, let’s move onto the main part of your feature article.

The body of your feature article is where you write all of your juicy information.

This is where the story unfolds and you share your opinions.

So, let’s get started and see what you need to do in your feature article body paragraphs.

a. Show don’t tell

‘Show, don’t tell’ is a commonly taught writing technique. It requires students to describe and ‘show’ what is happening, instead of simply recounting (‘telling’).

Let’s take a look at an example:

Notice the difference? The second line is much more engaging and descriptive, and we feel more connected to the character.

As such, you need to ‘show’ your information to make your article more engaging and interesting to read.

Remember, a feature article is much more colourful than a newspaper report.

So, let’s learn how to ‘show, not tell’:

b. Be creative

In other terms, use rhetorical and literary techniques! Using these techniques will help you achieve your purpose and simultaneously engage the audience.

For example, if you want to evoke sympathy from the audience, you can use emotive language and hyperbole:

“Big, brute boys brutally beat small neighbourhood boy until he was unrecognisable” 

Or, if you want to convince the audience, you can use high modality words and an imperative voice:

“The time to take action is now! Get your phones and fill out the survey now”

So, what are some techniques that are commonly used in feature articles:

If you want to find more techniques, or learn more about the listed techniques, take a read of our English Literary Techniques Toolkit .

c. Support your opinions

Remember, a feature article isn’t just a story… it is also an article! This means that you will need a set of strong evidence to support what you are saying.

We already went through the various types of evidence you need for a feature article:

So, ensure you use a variety of different evidence and use it across your whole feature article.

blog-english-how-to-write-a-killer-feature-article-evidence

Step 5: Conclusion

We are at the final stage of your feature article!

Too often, students neglect the conclusion because they think it’s unimportant in a feature article.

However, it is quite the opposite.

Conclusions are especially important in feature article because they summarise your ideas and stance, and ultimately inspire your readers to take action.

So, take your time to quickly summarise your article and add a call to action (i.e. tell your audience to do something, either explicitly or implicitly).

Let’s take a look at News.com journalist, Emma Reynold’s conclusion: “ Craziness Behind the Scenes at the White House ”

“ Three levels of the imposing White House are visible above ground, with the rest beneath. The basements include workrooms, bombs shelters and a bowling alley.

I’m told to look out for the famous red-tailed hawks that live in the rafters of the building. While squirrels are a common sight outside the gates, not many survive within.

Back on Pennsylvania Avenue, I note the absence of sewer grates or rubbish bins, a precaution against bombs.

Clearly, there is a strong consciousness of danger here. But it’s covered with a Disney smile. “

Here, Reynold summarises her experience at the White House and comes to a final conclusion.

She also uses rhetorical and literary techniques to engage her audience and make her conclusion more memorable.

For example, we see a metaphor with “while squirrels are a common sight outside the gates, not many survive within [the White House]”, drawing links between squirrels and common people.

She also uses framing (her introduction refers a ‘Disney star’), allusion and metaphor in her final line: “But it’s covered with a Disney smile”.

Furthermore, Reynolds also implicitly warns us to be aware and critical of what is truly happening in the White House. This is her call to action.

This is what you need to do with your conclusions too!

Written by Tammy Dang

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© Matrix Education and www.matrix.edu.au, 2018. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Matrix Education and www.matrix.edu.au with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Tips on Writing a Good Feature Article

Woman looking at magazines as tip for writing a good feature for magazines

A feature article is the main news-related article in a magazine that highlights a particular person, place, or event in great detail. Typically, these nonfiction articles dive deeper into a story than regular articles. If you’re in need of some tips on writing a good feature article, get ready to have some fun. You’re going to be developing a human interest story that will appeal to a wide variety of readers.

Steps to Writing Feature Articles

Like most articles, a feature story follows a specific format and outline. There will always be a title/headline, deck, introduction, body, and conclusion. A good feature article contextualizes the story so it’s relatable and immediately relevant to the reader. Why should they care? What’s the angle? What direction are you taking?

In a way, a notable feature article will resemble a short story. You want tension and plot, a sense of progression, with some sort of payoff toward the conclusion. Who are the “characters” in your story? What is the central conflict? For more on that, check out Get Creative: How to Write a Short Story .

1. The Headline

The headline or title of the article should grab the readers’ attention quickly so they’ll keep reading. It needs to highlight the general topic of the story. If you’re featuring a person, don’t just use their name as the headline. Include a unique detail that will be uncovered as they read on. For example:

David Young: The Man Who Restored Faith to the Darkest Village in Nepal

2. The Deck

The deck , also known as a subhead or standfirst, is your second chance to entire readers. While the title of the article will pop with a unique angle, the deck consists of one or two short sentences that’ll leave no question in the readers’ minds; they must read this article. It should capture the gist of the story. For example:

For years, the people of Nepal lived under a dark cloud of oppression. That is, until David Young instigated a faith movement that would completely reshape their lives.

3. The Introduction

Your ability to “hook” readers into the story continues in the introductory, or first, paragraph. The introduction should tell the reader why this story is important or worth their time, but in a sort of oblique way. This is your last chance to “hook” a reader before they flip the page or click away.

Be sure to keep your sentences short. Use this as an opportunity to say something attention-grabbing or something that’ll spark the reader’s interest. Always remember - the WHY is important. You establish the tone of your article in the introduction.

4. The Body

The body of the feature should be broken into sections with several headings for easy organization.

This section contains most of the details of the story. It includes names, places, times, and quotes related to the person, event, or organization. The opinions of the writer, those at the location of the story, and experts are presented in the body of the article. This is also the place to include any pictures that illustrate the story, as well as diagrams, charts, and other visual elements.

5. The Conclusion

The conclusion should leave a lasting impression on the reader and provoke some sort of reaction. It should prompt action on the part of the reader, encourage a change of opinion, or encourage the reader to make a decision.

Useful Feature-Writing Tips

The leeway an author is given in the style of a feature article is much greater than in other types of news writing. Human interest is key. You want to lure readers into a particular setting and allow them to partake in an experience.

Here are some tips to help you achieve that goal.

Be Conversational

A feature article should always be very professional and buttoned-up. However, since this is a human interest story and you want to draw readers into an experience, you don’t have to be overly formal or stiff. Consider things like colloquialisms , first-person narratives, and an authoritative yet conversational tone.

Don’t Be Afraid of Opinions

Instead of presenting hard-hitting facts as you might in a typical news story, you’re able to take on a bit of a persuasive bent and pose a few rhetorical questions in features. Avail yourself of the added freedom to write a feature that you would want to read if you were on the other side of the print.

Remember You’re Still a Reporter

Don’t forget to include all the facts and comment on the location of the story. Facts and statistics will add authority and context to your story. Extensive research is critical! You can also sprinkle in relevant jargon to add authenticity to the facts as well as the opinions of those interviewed. The use of quotes from people involved makes your story more personal and real, eliciting an emotional response in the reader.

Paint a Picture

To enhance the relationship with your audience, make use of creative descriptions that will draw on the reader's imagination. Really paint the scene and work to contextualize what you’re trying to say.

If you’re interviewing a person, describe the setting . If you’re describing a major event, relay small details like the wispy pink sky and the smell of cotton candy in the air. The imagery that you create will captivate the reader and hold them with you until the end.

Types of Feature Articles

Since these articles can highlight a person, place, or event, there are a few different styles of feature articles.

Any time you browse your favorite news outlet, you’re bombarded with news stories. So, how is a news report different from a news feature? News features tend to root out in-depth details, such as the background and history of the people impacted by the story. They may also discuss the potential implications of the event.

For example, when Notre Dame caught on fire in April 2019, every news outlet was littered with stories on the tragedy. But, in the wake of the fire, several news features also appeared. They focused on the artwork and relics inside the cathedral, the repercussions of the fire, and the response from the people in Paris and around the globe.

News features will highlight specific details that are otherwise glossed over in a shorter inverted pyramid article that places tremendous focus on the most important details.

Then, we have the profile . This is where you present an in-depth story about a person, organization, or event. There should be a history section, including their background and upbringing, education, challenges, and life experiences. You’ll also want to offer tantalizing behind-the-scenes details that people can’t get through a cursory Google search.

A trend feature will highlight something new and exciting in modern culture. Your editor might feature this type of feature in the lifestyle, fashion, or entertainment section. It’ll detail things like when this new trend popped up, why people are embracing it, and where they will start to see it.

Live-in features are “day in the life” stories. They detail what it’s like to be someone for a day, or what it’s like to be somewhere for a day. You can cover anything from a county jail, to a posh mansion on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, to a corporate office environment, and more. The topics are endless.

What you’ll do is spend a day interviewing, exploring, and shadowing someone else’s typical day. This is where your short story skills will come into play. You’ll take readers on a journey to some setting they may never personally experience and, in doing so, you’ll expand their horizons.

Feature the Finest

Feature stories are a joy to write because, again, you can reach a much wider audience. A fantastic article on a modern-day hero or heroine can touch the lives of people from every race, religion, and political affiliation. Take care to paint a vivid scene, relay all the facts, and dabble in an expressive opinion or two.

Another outlet that can impact people from all walks of life is creative writing . Interested in trying your hand in a short story? If so, check out Plot of a Story Examples . It’ll help you shape your tale and allow your internal meanderings to reach out and touch somebody today.

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10 Simple Ways to Write Stronger Introductions

Neil Patel

Updated: September 20, 2022

Published: July 30, 2019

There's a lot of material out there about writing great headlines . Hey, g etting someone to click on your article is a critical part of your blogging strategy. But what about writing introductions?

simple-ways-to-write-stronger-introductions

C ompelling readers to actually read the article is an art form in and of itself -- and if you don't do it well, then you're denying yourself potential promoters, subscribers, leads, and even paying customers.

→ Download Now: 6 Free Blog Post Templates

Take a look at the following graph from Schwartz to see what I mean. It shows where people stopped scrolling in an experiment covering many articles across the web.

Every time someone landed on an article, Chartbeat analyzed that visitor's behavior on a second-by-second basis, including which portion of the page the person was currently viewing. E ach bar represents the share of readers who got to a particular depth in the article.

percent-of-article-content-viewed.jpg

Image Credit: Slate

Of everyone who landed on an article, 10% never scroll down.

So how do you get more people to scroll? One way is by writing a powerful, compelling introduction.

So, let’s see about making it better now, shall we? In this post, I'll share with you how to write powerful introductions that turn casual browsers into readers. Article introductions matter, and here’s how to make them count.

How to Write a Good Introduction

1. Keep your first sentence short.

I’m a big fan of short sentences. I love them because people can understand them easily. There's an insane amount of value in short sentences that are readable, digestible, and punchy.

But often, writers get so caught up in the stress of their introduction that they come out with long, garbled sentences. The problem with long, garbled sentences is that it makes readers work hard. Readers don't want to work hard to understand your article -- especially at the beginning. Lead off your introduction with a bite-sized sentence or two.

2. Say something unusual.

You've probably heard advice like "create a hook" and "grab the reader's attention." But what kind of stuff actually grabs someone's attention? I can think of a lot of things, actually, but they probably wouldn’t be appropriate for an introduction.

What these oft-repeated phrases boil down to is this: say something unusual. Something unexpected, even. If your very first sentence is odd enough to make people want to read the next one, then you've done a good job. If you start off with something boring or expected, you might lose potential readers.

3. Don’t repeat the title.

Assume that the reader already read the title. You don’t need to write it over again. Instead, take advantage of your chance to reinforce that title and to set the stage for the remainder of the article.

4. Keep the introduction brief.

There is no definitive answer for how long an introduction should be. But, like the Slate study told us, readers have short attention spans. They're impatient to get to the meat of the article. Your readers are looking for information, so don't bury it deep in your article. Cut to the chase.

5. Use the word “you” at least once.

The word “you” is a powerful word. It tells the reader that you, the author, are writing the article with them in mind. You empathize with them, you care about them, and you want your piece to resonate with them. It's a simple trick that establishes a crucial connection with your reader.

Here's a great example from CloudPeeps' Shannon Byrne:

shannon-byrne-intro.png

6. Dedicate 1-2 sentences to articulating what the article covers.

Your English teacher would call this the "thesis." This is where you tell the reader what the article is about. What will you be discussing, in order? What will the reader learn? Lay it out to help set the reader's expectations and help her decide whether she wants to read the article in full, scroll to different parts, or not read it at all.

Don't be afraid of writing, literally, "This article is about X " or "In this article, I'll talk about Y ." Here are some variations on this theme to get you started:

7. Dedicate 1-2 sentences to explaining why the article is important.

It may be obvious to you why the content of your article is important to your readers, but it may not be obvious to them. Let them know loud and clear why it's important for them to know the information you cover in your article. You might compel readers who would otherwise have bounced to keep on reading.

In the introduction to this particular article, you'll recall the following sentence:

I f you don't [write introductions] well, then you're denying yourself potential promoters, subscribers, leads, and even paying customers.

My goal here was to connect the topic of blog post introductions to the broader issues of readers, customers, and revenue.

8. Refer to a concern or problem your readers might have.

If you can pull a pain point into the introduction, even better. Everyone in every field has their set of problems. You should have some listed already from when you created your buyer personas . Communicate your awareness of those problems in your introduction and you're more likely to gain a sympathetic reader.

Here's a great example from Buffer's Alex Turnbull, whose intro here is a story format with a problem twist:

alex-tumbull-introduction.png

People want to solve their problems, and articles that explain how to do this will help you earn readership.

9. But ... be careful telling stories.

A lot of people will tell you that you need to write a story in the introduction. Stories can work , as in the example above, but there are good and bad ways to tell stories in your intro.

Do use storytelling to spark the reader's curiosity and empathize with her. But don't get carried away and write a long-winded story that loses readers along the way. Remember the tip about keeping introductions short? That still applies when you're telling a story.

Here's an example from one of my own QuickSprout blog posts:

neil-patel-introduction.png

Notice that I highlighted the "empathy" section -- the first sentence. Here, I helped form a connection with my readers. Then, I told a short story about my own experience. After that, I finished the introduction with "what's next."

If you do begin your article with a story, here's a tip: Don't reveal the conclusion until the reader is deeper into the article, or even until the very end.

10. Use a stat or a fact to convey importance.

When journalists begin a news story, they often give readers an eye catching stat or fact about what's going on. As a blogger or any other type of writer, a really interesting stat or fact will draw your reader in and show them why your topic is really important.

For example, say you're a plumber writing a blog post on pipe replacement. You might pull in more readers if you start a post by explaining how frequently old pipes burst in the winter. If readers see that this is a common annoyance that others face, they might keep reading to learn how they can avoid it.

Introduction Takeaways

The next time you write an article introduction, think about what kind of introduction would make you want to read the article.

Would a long, wordy first sentence make you want to read more? No. You might find yourself thinking, Yikes, is this what the rest of the article's going to be like? and bounce from the page. What about a story or question that doesn't really apply to you? No, probably not.

To compel you to read past the introduction of an article, you want to read something unique, fresh, and engaging. You want to hear about yourself and your problems. You want to be put in a position where the remainder of the article is a must-read experience that will help you solve those problems and change your life.

Introductions are hard, and writing effective ones take time and practice. Sometimes, you might find yourself having to re-write them several times before you're satisfied. Remember, it's all worth it if it means keeping the attention of a few more of your readers.

Don't forget to share this post!

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Chris Wheal

Hello Mr Wheal. Am former sports editor in Daily newspaper. I will be making presentation on sports reporting in digital era, challenges and opportunities. What I have are right types of intros? Reference will be made.

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i will do feature writing about a teacher ,can you please help me on it

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Hey, I need to write a feature article on white privilege and stereotyping. Could you give me any tips? Thank you.

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I write for a newspaper, I need help in the wring formats and how to implement them. can you help.

I write for a newspaper, I need help in the wring formats and how to implement them.

Pingback: OPINION: The ideological attack on fundraising, Part 1 – happenstance, coincidence, or enemy action? | Critical Fundraising

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i would like to request for an introduction of a feature story,thank you

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i need help. I’m supposed to make a feature article about an acquaintance party and a new building. Can you give me some tips?

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hie mr Wheal i would like to learn more about feature writing, i am an upcoming sports writer. pliz forward me any notes that can help me improve my writting skills.

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Thanks Mr. Wheal. I’ve gained useful points about intros of features that i had’nt had before, despite I miss the explanation of other Intros such as , fragmented intro,parody intro, and question Intro. I don’t have any idea about these intros so if you could help me I would appreciate it.

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how to write a feature article introduction

How To Write a Feature Article: A Step-by-step Guide

Have you dreamt of becoming a famous feature article writer do you acquire your muse from writers like maya angelou, ketaki desai , rishab raj, shivani vig, and other popular feature writers have you ever felt writing as a tool for reflection then, this article will teach you the fundamentals of what makes a good feature article and how to write one. .

It is better to learn more about feature articles before learning the strategies on how to write a feature article. So, here we go!

how to write a feature article

What is a Feature Article?

A feature article, according to Dictionary.com, is a daily or fortnightly article or report about a person, event, frontage of a major event, or the like. This writing adds a personal touch, and quite often, it is written in a discrete style. It can be a news story, the main or most prominent story in a magazine.  

A feature article is no doubt an article inscribed to give a piece of in-depth knowledge to events, people issues, or news. A proficient person or a journalist can write a feature article. Their writings will provide background information on a significant or a noteworthy topic, and the article will include the writer’s angle or his/her experience. 

Difference between News Article and Feature Article

It is not a news item or advertisement. It is a common fact that people get confused with news articles and feature articles. We get confused with news and features and always think of the dos and don’ts of writing a feature article. All are aware of feature articles in Sunday newspapers, but where does the difference lie?

News  is always instant information, and this needs to reach the mass as breaking news without wasting time. A news article should be concise and clear and finally, the writer should stick to the point directly. A news story offers information about an event, idea, or situation. 

The article should cover all the “W” (who, what, when, why, where) and “H” questions, which any reader would like to know. News items generally do not add much spice or any additional information to entice the reader. Readers are spared with extra material or statistics, and as far as possible a writer will use adjectives sparingly. In a nutshell, the introduction will summarise the story for the benefit of the reader.

The source and slant of the writer can include slight variations but should not cover more than one approach. The news writer or a journalist can use an inverted pyramid structure. The writer prefers to present the most important information as an introduction or they can be considered as a conclusion as well. This will help a writer exemplify how the news can be prioritized and structured.

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A feature article  could be news-related, but it adds human interest and the writer’s viewpoint. To write a feature article, you have to remember it should be original, inquisitive, vociferous, unconventional, and witty. Even a piece of dull news can be made into a thought-provoking and matter of interest. 

A feature writer adds depth, wisdom, and color to the story and may entertain or instruct. In short, writing a feature article can be like adding jaggery to gulp bitter gourd. It can be like a stimulant or a catalyst. A feature article is a longer article compared to the news. It is all about lettering a human-interest story to match the target audience. A feature article is written after an event. So, naturally, they try to provide more and more information about the event, or else they give a different perception or a changed viewpoint. 

The main aim of a feature writer will be to analyze, broaden the understanding, and give different approaches to a reader. Remember to note that a feature article is a non-fiction piece of writing. 

Where do we find feature articles? 

A feature article is published in newspapers, magazines, and online blogs , and they add an emotional touch. They are more personal. As a writer, when you write a feature article, it is good to make it more narrative and more appealing for the readers.

If you want to become a professional blogger, then learn from the experts with the Best Online Content Writing Course

Different Types of Feature Articles:

Before starting to write a feature article, different articles and their characteristics will give you the insight to decide, which type to choose before you pen your thoughts to words. Every article should be the voice of a writer and the other characters or places or incidents. Now start thinking of writing a feature article and understand the different types before you shake your thoughts into words.

Types of feature stories : Each article has a divergent focus, and the motive also changes.

⮚      Human interest stories:  In this kind of feature article, the emphasis is given to a person or a set of people. Such an article emphasizes a dramatic incident. Normally, the focal point will be emotion first and later on the information.

⮚      Colour Stories : Describe a location using life and blood, so that the reader can visualize the same in this kind of feature article. A news story can be written in this form to transport the feel.

⮚      News Feature: This is the m ost popular kind of feature article in the newspapers. It conveys news, motives and implications, and consequences.

⮚      Informative Feature:  For this article, the writer conducts an interview, research, data compilation for data, and of course, relies on personal observation. The writer tries to add human stories and give information and education. It offers interesting information and guides the reader.

⮚      Historical Feature:  This type of feature article is for those, who are good at dates, chronology, turning points in history. The main motive of this feature article is to rekindle memory to invoke interest. 

⮚      Lifestyle Feature:   The most widespread feature articles people look for. How to live healthily? How to grow vegetables?

⮚      Scientific Feature : As the name suggests, this feature article voices on science policy and topics related to current topics.

⮚      Interpretative Features:  Political, social, and economic problems could be touched upon, while writing this feature article. Interpretative feature articles provide details, direct, and shed light on the context of specific issues.

⮚      Review:  Review of books, film, and music, etc. This article should highlight why a particular genre is good or extremely good and the specific reason for this extraordinary or ordinary nature.

⮚      Behind the scenes:  This article gives a reader a revelation about the backdrop scenes, or the reader can pry into the behind scenes.

Now you are familiar with different types of feature articles and the next step is to progress a set of skills required to write, organize and edit a feature article before writing a feature article and get set to write a feature article.

Why do you write a feature article ? It is either to instruct, persuade or entertain the readers. Do not miss the fact that feature articles are longer pieces of writing that range from opinions, issues, experiences, and ideas. 

How to Choose and Tempt the Audience When You Write a Feature Article?

It is a common fact that there are thousands of newspapers, magazines, and print media in the market flooding articles with online material. It can be considered as an uphill task to pitch the right audience and to get noticed in this market.  

How to break this discord and attract the audience is to offer the target audience a noteworthy article that is of interest which speaks a lot. Once the target audience is decided, think of their age, status, attitude, culture, and lifestyle. As a writer, you have to know their thought process, language, and vocabulary. 

As a next step, you have to analyze the topics of interest for that selected audience. Technology, travel, health, home travel are striking topics for features since they can be used in specific sections of newspapers or weekend magazines. Feature stories are frequently published in trade publications, usually as special supplements.

Steps to writing a feature article to keep the reader on tenterhooks

● The first point is to  choose the right topic  and the word limit of the feature article. Is the topic relevant and of interest or can this topic hold the breath of the audience until the last word? Do not exceed the word limit (minimum 1500 and maximum 4000 words). 

Briefly, discover a topic of existing importance. Further to that, think of a topic that sells and start forming great ideas that are exclusive.  The brainstorming  technique will help you bring out the best, and this technique will ensure you have a free flow of ideas. Understand the purpose of writing that can take you to the next step of writing.

●        Research the topic  and it all depends on your research. Find out what strikes and how well you can produce it. Read, read, research all aspects and perspectives of the topic, and give an edifying stance. 

Mind mapping techniques will allow you to channelize your ideas and thoughts. How do you do that? After your research and free flow of your ideas or overflow of ideas, create a central theme that will allow you to write. Of course, you can branch your central idea with different color codes and keywords, and colorful images to start with a bang and get inspired. 

More and more branches will make you more confident and with an organized flow of thoughts. Establish your principle and remember that is the meat of your article.

●        Narrow down your plan : Think of the target audience and what type of attitude do they like and what is your attitude towards that topic? Start thinking of all the  Ws and H  (who, why, what, when) and find out the answers for these common elements. Your battle is half won if the major reason for writing this article or the drive to write this feature article can answer all these questions.

●        Structure your astute ideas : Sequence them logically and according to the level of significance.

Now you are ready to start painless writing. Your writing process is also complete, and now time to start writing a feature article of your choice, your passion, and your ideas at your fingertips. Before you put words into life, it is better to know the language used to write a feature article.

Linguistic or language usage in feature articles:

● Use semi-formal language (not formal and not informal) with a human touch 

● Sprinkle sentiments, emotions, and feelings

● Use second person singular when you address the audience

● Adjectives and adverbs can be used sparingly but use action verbs

● Do not forget to use statistics, facts

● Quotes give a better edge or slight superiority to your writing

● Write in active voice

● Use literary techniques to create a special effect for a deeper meaning. This divulges the authors’ motivation.

● Rhetorical questions can invoke interest and allow the reader to think and increase certain insight.

● Anecdotes, imagery, and certain jargon are other language techniques that you can try.

Now you are ready to start writing with  more tips  to chisel and delve deep into writing.

How will you structure and organize a feature article?

This paragraph develops the hook and sets the tone for the rest of the article and defines the tone and focus of the article. The opening paragraph opens with a scheming, plot, or intrigue. You can win the heart of the reader and make them hold their attention with this paragraph. Do not forget to set the section and bring life into those words.

●        Paragraph two of the body: the first main topic . A description of how this person or problem has benefited society. In the author’s own words, this should be an interpretation of events or how to stick to the genre you have selected. Show and try not to speak.

●        From paragraph three onwards , more major points are offered to clarify to inform about vital events or accomplishments about the person/issue. The reader is more clear with more details using facts, evidence, and quotations. 

These pose difficult questions to the reader and include their responses. Paragraphs, photographs, tables, diagrams, and graphs are frequently used to present information in feature articles to present facts or proof to back up the content or support the author’s interpretation and explanation of the text person/issue/events.

●        Summary:   Now you are ready to summarise the article. The final paragraph should create a lasting impression by reminding the reader, the article’s core point and suggesting a suitable course of action, and promoting a shift in standpoint or attitude. 

This should prompt the reader to take a feat or encourage taking a deed. The reader should be able to confirm that the article is ready for a conclusion. Now, you have gulped the capsule to set and write a feature article.

●        Reread and Edit:  This is the most important step of the writing process before you write a feature article.                                                        

Revision and editing are important processes of writing. Editing suggests the chance to see a clear picture, evidence, specifics, fix the language glitches, and polish the article. 

Editing will help you to find out grammatical errors, typos, repetitions, and even dull writing the bugs in writing. This is sure to guide and bucket the thoughts to give a long-lasting impression of the feature article. Final editing and polishing will help you to find out whether you have put in your ideas succinctly and impactfully and whether you were able to connect the dots.

Learn about editing and proofreading here.

4 Personalities of Writing to Reduce Writer’s Block .

Madman, Architect, Carpenter, and madman. 

A madman creates ideas exactly like a madman. The architect gives the writing structure by moving paragraphs around and looking at the plot. The sentences, phrases, and word choices are being crafted by the carpenter. The judge removes elements of the document that aren’t required. This article will remove the block and help you to write a feature article.

Here are additional tips to become an ace before you write a feature article: 

▪ Be relaxed and conversational

▪ Keep it simple

▪ Short sentences and vary sentence length

▪ Paint a picture

▪ Spice up your writing

▪ Voice your opinion

▪ Smooth your writing by using transitions

▪ Don’t judge the first draft

▪ Always rely on peer editing

▪ Don’t write in the same tone

▪ Don’t put all the interesting facts at one go

▪ Harness the power of comma and punctuation

▪ Don’t dump information

Now you have the style, grace, and power of expressing your thoughts clearly and enlivening your writing with vivid images. It is an inborn talent that requires a knack and relevant guidelines to convert your thoughts into words that become a reader’s delight. This article is to reinstate the writing process and try to refresh your memory and change your writing blocks and procrastination habits to write a feature article.

Now you are ready to start your dream job or have a go. Good luck and best wishes!

Scope of Feature Article Writing:

Newspapers, magazines, and social media are employing freelancers and regular columnists. Print and online media depend on freelancers for making their publications interesting and noteworthy. 

The work from home concept is gaining momentum. Hence, it is beneficial for a featured columnist to be in their comfort zone and earn at leisure. Any individual with a flair for writing and a good grasp of language and creativity can make a decent living. 

A feature article writer can choose any genre of your choice and if you are consistent and stick to the timeline with utter sincerity, then nothing can pull you behind. Freelancers are in demand and make use of your painless writing techniques.

                                                                                                     

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a feature article different from a blog?

Yes, it is different. While feature articles are published digitally and in print, blogs are published only online. 

2. Is feature writing well as a career?

Yes. With the present changes in the world, it has got ample scope. If your writing style is exclusive, then you have more possibility to be popular. 

3. What are the basic steps for new writers?

✔ Include all the fundamentals of writing (who, what, where why, when, and how)

✔ Plan and organize your writing

✔ Include your viewpoint

It is a fact that writing entails basic principles. It is good to master the rules. This will help you make your foundation before you venture into different kinds of writing. As stated before, writing a feature article is more than facts and includes interesting facts, and recall the points stated in this article before you write a feature article. 

It is of paramount importance to add a dimension of human touch and make it more pleasing. This article has guided you through the steps to write a feature article and touch the chords of the readers. 

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An Introduction to Feature Article Writing

Feature reporting diverges from straight news reporting because it blends facets of journalism with aspects of creative nonfiction. As it emphasizes the human interest element of a relevant news story, it tends to utilize more lyrical and descriptive prose to frame a creative and engaging narrative. In this one-day class, we will review several short feature articles and discuss what contributes to a successful feature story including setting, structure and format. Students will be expected to bring either their own rough draft or outline for a feature article they are interested in writing or an idea or two for a topic they'd like to write about and list of facts and data related to that/those topic/s.

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  5. TAGLISH VERSION: HOW TO WRITE THE INTRODUCTION: with EXAMPLES

  6. Tips on How to Write Effective Feature Article

COMMENTS

  1. What Are Some Examples of Feature Articles?

    Feature articles look at news stories in-depth rather than delivering breaking news. One example is a human interest story that discusses someone’s experiences. Other feature article examples include:

  2. How Do You Write an Introduction for a Story?

    Ways to write an introduction for a story include keeping the intro short, using it to captivate the reader, promising positive things for those who stick with the story, and encapsulating all of it in language that is witty without being o...

  3. How Do You Write an Introduction to a Project?

    An introduction to a project, paper or verbal presentation engages an audience and provides a concise preview that includes the background of the project, clarifies the points examined and explains the conclusions. An introduction sometimes...

  4. How to write a feature introduction

    Simply put intros must grab the reader's attention. A feature intro needs to entice the reader enough that they want to read the entire article.

  5. Writing An Interesting Feature Article Introduction

    The introduction of a feature article is one of its essential sections. It helps the reader decides whether or not to read the whole article. The introduction

  6. How to Write an Amazing Feature Article in 5 Steps

    Step 3: Introduction · Make an interesting and provocative opening statement to draw reader's attention · Briefly introduce the topic and purpose · Establish a

  7. 5 Tips for Writing a Captivating Feature Article

    5 Tips for Writing a Captivating Feature Article · 1. Do your research. Feature stories need more than straight facts and sensory details—they

  8. Tips on Writing a Good Feature Article

    Be sure to keep your sentences short. Use this as an opportunity to say something attention-grabbing or something that'll spark the reader's interest. Always

  9. Writing of Feature Articles Explained with Examples. Watch this

    Receive Comprehensive Mathematics Practice Papers Weekly for FREE Click this link to get: ▶️▶️▶️ https://iitutor.com/email-list/

  10. Feature Article Introduction Tutorial

    √ Writing of Feature Articles Explained with Examples. Watch this video to find out! · Lord of the Flies Intro Paragraph · How To Write A

  11. 10 Simple Ways to Write Stronger Introductions

    How to Write a Good Introduction · 1. Keep your first sentence short. · 2. Say something unusual. · 3. Don't repeat the title. · 4. Keep the

  12. How to write feature intros

    You delay talking about your subject until a little way into the text. Start the feature with other interesting facts or commentary, usually related but always

  13. How To Write a Feature Article: A Step-by-step Guide

    Headline: A good introduction is the root of your writing. The publicity of your article lies in those first lines. Grab the attention of your

  14. An Introduction to Feature Article Writing

    Students will be expected to bring either their own rough draft or outline for a feature article they are interested in writing or an idea or two for a