This document discusses the basics and structure of feature writing. It defines feature articles as special portions of periodicals that provide creativity, subjectivity, and entertainment while also being informative. Effective feature writing uses characters, storytelling techniques, and vivid descriptions to allow readers to see and hear for themselves. Features should have a clear lead, body, and conclusion and may include complementary pictures. They also often involve interviewing characters or experts. The document outlines various types of features and provides tips for generating feature story ideas through observation, reading, experiencing events, and profiling individuals.

1. Feature writing: Basics and
Structure
Farooq Sulehria

2. Definition
• ‘If you take the term literally, a feature is a
special part of something. Feature articles are
often special portions of the periodicals that
publish them’ (Garrison, 2010).
• Difference with news, editorial,
opinion/column.

3. Characteristics
• Creativity.
• Subjectivity (as opposed to objectivity).
• Informative.
• Entertaining.

4. Basic elements
• Characters: put people into the story.
• Story telling (close to fiction).
• Let the reader see and hear for her/himself.

5. Structure
• Lead.
• Body.
• Conclusion.

6. Pictorial aid
• Complement your coverage with pictures.
• Pictorial features!
• Some ethics before you click and print.

7. Interviewing
• Interview-based features.
• Interviews for research.
• Interviews by characters.

13. Types of features
• 1. Descriptive and Colour Writing: ‘It often
requires taking readers to the scene and
recreating it.’
• The Human-Interest Article: ‘true-life drama
story’. ‘Human-interest stories are, at the
foundation, people stories’.
• Profiles and Personality Sketches: Individually
focussed.

14. Seasonal Features: Event-related.
Entertainment Features and Critical Writing: A mix
of objective and subjective writing.
Aftermath, Follow-Up and Depth Series:
‘Reminders’.
Travel Writing: tips, information, investigation.

15. Service Features: ‘help people live their lives better’
[Ladies Home Journal].
Personal Experience Article: Getting involved in the
story writing.
Humor in Feature Writing: Satire, parody
[fictionalising].
New Technology and Science Features:
Specialist/expert writing.

16. How to get Feature ideas
• Observation is the mother of all ideas in
Journalism writing.
• Reading.
• Experiencing.
• Events.
• Individuals.