Writing Feature Articles

Feature Article Overview

• Feature articles inform, entertain, and persuade
• Feature articles explore issues, opinions, experiences, and ideas in detail

Steps to Writing Feature Articles (BWR-GKL)

• Brainstorm ideas to start the writing process
• Define the purpose to give direction to the article
• Research the topic to provide credible information
• Grab the reader’s attention early in the article
• Keep the reader's attention throughout
• Leave a lasting impression with the conclusion

Structure of a Feature (TIDC)

• Start with a title and headline to engage readers
• Provide an introduction to draw readers in
• Include details or the main article for the body
• End with a conclusion to summarize the piece

Title & Headline Details

• Designed to grab attention and persuade reading
• Highlights the article's central theme

Introduction Details

• Provokes interest with unique statements or hooks
• Provides necessary background information
• May invite debate by presenting controversial viewpoints

Details/Main Article

• Use subheadings to organize for readability
• Incorporate facts and statistics to support claims
• Present personal viewpoints to connect with the reader
• Include expert opinions to build trust
• Use quotes and interviews to add credibility
• Incorporate anecdotes and stories for engagement

Conclusion Details

• Reminds the reader of the article's main idea
• Suggests a course of action to give the reader guidance
• Encourages changing attitudes or opinions

Language in Feature Articles

• Use a personal tone with informal language and first-person narrative
• Include relevant jargon to add authenticity
• Use anecdotes to keep the reader engaged
• Include facts to validate the viewpoints
• Pose rhetorical questions to engage the reader
• Use emotive words to create a personal response
• Employ imagery and description to engage the reader's imagination
• Use direct quotes to add a personal touch to the topic

News vs. Feature Article Styles

• News articles use a bold, clever headline
• News introduce the main idea upfront
• News include paragraphs elaborating on the lead with examples
• News utilize tear-out sections to highlight information in a larger font
• Feature articles use a column format
• Feature articles mix facts with emotional content
• Feature articles use emotive and descriptive language, jargon, or technical terms
• Feature articles may include authoritative quotes from important people
• Feature articles include graphics to enhance the content

Steps for Science Feature Articles (CDC-BW)

• Choose a topic that blends scientific complexity with human interest
• Identify an engaging "hook"
• Research by consulting reputable sources is necessary
• Balance in-depth information with accessibility in language and tone
• Fact-check meticulously to maintain credibility
• Craft a compelling headline and introduction to entice readers
• Use a catchy headline to grab attention
• Start with a strong opening paragraph to highlight the "hook"
• Build the body of the article with a logical structure
• Use storytelling techniques to engage readers
• Emphasize human involvement to create relatability
• Write a satisfying conclusion that summarizes key points to leave a lasting impression
• Offer insights into future implications or open questions for further exploration
• End with a thought-provoking statement or call to action

Techniques & Tips for Science Feature Articles (UHAMP)

• Use metaphors and analogies to translate complex ideas
• Highlight the "wow" factor to emphasize aspects of science
• If relevant, address potential controversies to ensure balance
• Maintain objectivity by avoiding personal opinions unless relevant
• Proofread and edit rigorously to ensure accuracy and clarity

Editorial Defined

• Expresses the author's opinion
• A column represents one person's voice, not the newspaper's
• A column can take a stance on any topic

Importance of Editorials (IPA)

• Editorials influence public opinion
• Editorials promote critical thinking
• Editorials advocate for change

Types of Editorials (PEC)

• Persuasive editorials convince readers to think or act in a certain way
• Explanatory editorials explain complex issues
• Commendatory editorials praise or celebrate individuals or initiatives

Choosing an Editorial Topic

• Select current events and hot topics
• Address matters of public concern
• Ensure significance to the readership

Researching an Editorial Topic

• Use credible sources for gathering information
• Verify facts and statistics to ensure integrity of the work
• Understand different perspectives by considering opposing viewpoints
• Acknowledge counterarguments to address biases effectively

Formulating an Editorial Opinion

• Develop a clear stance by being specific about your position
• Ensure your position is defensible and rational with logical evidence
• Draw from personal experience where relevant

Structuring Editorials

• Introduce the issue and your opinion
• Provide evidence and arguments in the body
• Reinforce your stance and suggest action in the conclusion

Strong Opening

• Capture attention immediately
• Set the tone for the rest

Persuasive Argument Elements

• Ethos: Establish credibility
• Pathos: Appeal to emotions
• Logos: Use logic and facts

Writing Style

• Use clear, concise language to promote understanding
• Maintain a consistent and appropriate tone based on the subject matter
• Stylistic devices like metaphors, analogies, and anecdotes enhance writing
• Avoid clichés and jargon for clarity

Headlines and Subheadings

• Headlines must be impactful, provocative, accurate and use action words
• Subheadings break up text and guide the reader

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Avoid libel and defamation with fact-checked writing
• Disclose conflicts of interest to maintain integrity

Developing an Editorial Voice

• Have a distinctive voice that reflects your brand
• Maintain a consistent tone throughout
• Experiment with different writing styles to convey the message effectively

Editorial Writing Guide

• Choose a topic, develop a thesis, and research

Structure

• Introduction, body, and conclusion

Editorial Cartoons

• Graphic commentary on current events or social issues
• Uses imagery and text to convey a pointed message
• Found in campus publications

Qualities of Effective Cartoons (SESIH)

• Simplicity: Instant message
• Exaggeration: Emphasize features
• Symbolism: Uses recognizable representations
• Irony: Highlights absurdities
• Humor: Engages audience

Cartooning Techniques

• Caricature: Exaggerates features for likeness
• Analogy: Compares unlike things
• Labeling: Identifies cartoon elements
• Symbolism: Incorporates symbolic representations

Cartooning Tools

• Traditional: Pencils, inks, brushes, and paper
• Digital: Tablets, pens, and graphic software

Satire

• Satire uses humor, irony, and exaggeration
• Common in editorial cartoons
• Use carefully to avoid misinterpretation

Ethical Cartooning

• Respect dignity of individuals and groups
• Avoid stereotypes
• Consider the impact on audience

Campus Paper Parts

• Headline: Grabs attention
• Byline: Writer's name
• Lead: Opening paragraph summary
• Body: Main text

Layout Qualities

• Clarity: Easy to read
• Balance: Even visual distribution
• Contrast: Elements stand out
• Unity: Cohesive layout

Layout Types

• Modular: Organized blocks
• Circus: Mix of stories
• Picture-window: Dominated by large image

The Dummy

• Preliminary layout
• Plans placement; visualizes
• Sketches on paper or uses software

Desktop Publishing Overview

• Software designs documents
• Precise layout control
• Common programs: Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher

Philippine Layout

• Influenced by aesthetics and standards
• Balances text, images, and white space
• Often bilingual

Integrating Photos

• Adds visual interest
• Placement affects balance
• Captions provide context

Typography

• Fonts set tone
• Headlines and body require treatments
• Consistency maintains look

Color Theory

• Evokes emotions
• School colors reinforce identity
• Balance overuse

Conclusion

• You shape the campus news
• Creativity and ethics influence discourse
• Impact the community