Q&A for How to Write a Feature Article

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What are powerful ways to end off a feature article?

Community Answer

You may connect your conclusion to your lead or you may reveal the mystery behind your article at the end.

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Question

Is it okay if the feature article is long?

Dion Cyrus Geva

Community Answer

Yes it is. Just remember that you are following a certain format and try to relate everything you write to the topic of your article.

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Question

How do I start a feature article?

Community Answer

Try to make sense on what happening in your country, such as a large volcano explosion. Use that as a basis for your article.

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Question

Is it okay to put a quote from my interviewee at the very start of my paragraph?

Community Answer

Yes, but make sure you don't overdo the quote. Also, since you're just starting the paragraph, use an explosive quote that will hook your readers and convince them to continue reading your article.

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Question

Can I write a feature without interviewing anyone?

Community Answer

Yes you can, but you wouldn't get their advice and feedback, which would be really helpful for you. Additionally, if you do not interview anyone, you wouldn't gather quotes from them to use in your feature. So yes, you can, but it is a good idea to interview someone for best results!

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Question

Is it okay to ask questions about my topic instead of a quote on the first paragraph?

Community Answer

You may ask questions about your topic.

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Question

How do I write an ancedote?

Community Answer

You interview people or simply listen to people's stories. Just write something said by a real person. It is story, not a quote.

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Question

How do I start a featured story off without the quotes?

Community Answer

Simply introduce the topic and why it is important using your own words.

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Question

What's the difference between features and news stories?

Community Answer

News stories are usually short accounts of events that may or may not offer detailed information, depending on what's available. A feature is a longer, more detailed article that's not usually focused on current events, but rather something like a person or notable event.

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Question

Is a feature article like a story?

Community Answer

Yes, it's like a story, but features have a knowable lead and not many quotes. There is a difference but there are a lot of similarities.

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Question

What background color would be the best for a feature article?

Community Answer

White with black lettering would be best, but sometimes a pale cream/parchment shade will work. Your words should be the attention grabbers; you don't want bright colors and decorations to detract from your readers' attention! However, if white or cream do not go with a set color scheme, for example, using a muted version of one of the minor colors (with contrasting font color, if the shade is dark) is probably a safe bet!

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Question

Is a feature article different from a news article?

Che Bruno

Community Answer

Yes. Feature articles focus on particular issues or people. It could be an article on politics, culture, religion or any social phenomenon, but news articles are reports of day to day activities that are of public interest. An article about Emmanuel Macron's election victory is a news article, but an article on the challenges awaiting the new French president is a feature article.

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Question

Does the headline need to be catchy?

Community Answer

It depends on what you mean by "catchy." It doesn't have to rhyme or contain a pun or anything, but it should capture the reader's interest.

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Question

Can I write a feature article about my cat, or does it have to be about a person?

Community Answer

Assuming you have a story to tell about the cat, then I don't see any reason why you couldn't.

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Question

Is it really necessary to have a sub headline?

Community Answer

No, you do not need a subtitle. This is only for people who wish to convey more information in the title. Otherwise, you can keep it short and sweet to keep people interested.

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Question

Does a feature article have a specific structure?

Community Answer

To quote directly from the explanation: "Feature articles do not have a particular formula the way hard news articles do... Instead, choose a more inventive way to write a story."

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Question

Can I write a feature article about a place?

Community Answer

Yes, you can write your feature article about a place, but you should still follow the steps detailed in this article.

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Question

What are some of the things that I need to mention in my article?

Community Answer

It depends on your story. Remember, you should be relatable and write about what the latest popular topics are.

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Question

How do I write a feature article in short period of time?

Community Answer

Just do it. Do as much important research as possible. Use only the key words and convey only what you need. Draft a plan to help you stay on track and have a good idea of what your topic is about.

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Question

How can I know if I've written a good article without asking anyone?

Community Answer

Look around on the internet for similar articles and compare them to yours.

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Question

How do I make a catchy headline?

Community Answer

Try the methods in Write Effective Headlines .

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