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Have you ever wondered what a feature article is? Or how you go about writing a great one?
Maybe you just need help for an important school assignment or are looking to improve your general writing skills? It’s easier than you might think and with only a little bit of effort you can produce a high quality feature article (and get the grade to match!).
The following hints, tips and ideas will apply to all types of feature articles.
Overview
Articles aim to inform, entertain and persuade readers. But most articles will do all three to some degree. Online articles require you to be able to grab the reader’s attention quickly and hold that attention. Writing a great article isn’t always easy and there are many aspects that come together to make a great article.
Purpose
Feature articles are detailed pieces of writing that explore a range of issues, opinions, experiences and ideas.
The purpose will vary depending on the media it is meant for. Regardless, it should appeal to the particular audience being targeted.
For example if a magazine was targeted at middle aged women, then the articles, advertising, and pictures within would reflect their interest in lifestyle, career, money, health and relationships.
Types
Feature articles can be informative, entertaining, persuasive, or 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 Unlike news reports, which can quickly go out of date, feature articles have a more general focus and may interest readers long past the date they’re published.
Feature writers are often regular contributors who have a particular expertise or interest in their subject or topic. Writers go beyond just the facts on the surface and add colour, detail, background and personal comment. The appeal of these articles is usually the personal touch and viewpoints that they offer.
Types Include:
- Analysis and opinion on current issues.
- Profiles of, or interviews with well known-people.
- Humorous reflections.
- Personal experience or anecdotes.
- Online articles (HubPages!).
- 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, they provide story and information from a unique angle.