- EXPLORE Coupons Tech Help Pro Random Article About Us Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
- EDIT Edit this Article
- PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
- Browse Articles
- Learn Something New
- This Or That Game New
- Train Your Brain
- Explore More
- Support wikiHow
- About wikiHow
- H&M Coupons
- Hotwire Promo Codes
- StubHub Discount Codes
- Ashley Furniture Coupons
- Blue Nile Promo Codes
- NordVPN Coupons
- Samsung Promo Codes
- Chewy Promo Codes
- Ulta Coupons
- Vistaprint Promo Codes
- Shutterfly Promo Codes
- DoorDash Promo Codes
- Office Depot Coupons
- adidas Promo Codes
- Home Depot Coupons
- DSW Coupons
- Bed Bath and Beyond Coupons
- Lowe's Coupons
- Surfshark Coupons
- Nordstrom Coupons
- Walmart Promo Codes
- Dick's Sporting Goods Coupons
- Fanatics Coupons
- Edible Arrangements Coupons
- eBay Coupons
- Log in / Sign up
- Education and Communications
- Article Writing

How to Write a Feature Article
Last Updated: April 29, 2023 References Approved
This article was co-authored by Mary Erickson, PhD . Mary Erickson is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Western Washington University. Mary received her PhD in Communication and Society from the University of Oregon in 2011. She is a member of the Modern Language Association, the National Communication Association, and the Society for Cinema and Media Studies. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 41 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,433,248 times.
Writing a feature article involves using creativity and research to give a detailed and interesting take on a subject. These types of articles are different from typical news stories in that they often are written in a different style and give much more details and description rather than only stating objective facts. This gives the reader a chance to more fully understand some interesting part of the article's subject. While writing a feature article takes lots of planning, research, and work, doing it well is a great way to creatively write about a topic you are passionate about and is a perfect chance to explore different ways to write.
Choosing a Topic

- Human Interest : Many feature stories focus on an issue as it impacts people. They often focus on one person or a group of people.
- Profile : This feature type focuses on a specific individual’s character or lifestyle. This type is intended to help the reader feel like they’ve gotten a window into someone’s life. Often, these features are written about celebrities or other public figures.
- Instructional : How-to feature articles teach readers how to do something. Oftentimes, the writer will write about their own journey to learn a task, such as how to make a wedding cake.
- Historical : Features that honor historical events or developments are quite common. They are also useful in juxtaposing the past and the present, helping to root the reader in a shared history.
- Seasonal : Some features are perfect for writing about in certain times of year, such as the beginning of summer vacation or at the winter holidays.
- Behind the Scenes : These features give readers insight into an unusual process, issue or event. It can introduce them to something that is typically not open to the public or publicized.

Interviewing Subjects

- Schedule about 30-45 minutes with this person. Be respectful of their time and don’t take up their whole day. Be sure to confirm the date and time a couple of days ahead of the scheduled interview to make sure the time still works for the interviewee.
- If your interviewee needs to reschedule, be flexible. Remember, they are being generous with their time and allowing you to talk with them, so be generous with your responses as well. Never make an interviewee feel guilty about needing to reschedule.
- If you want to observe them doing a job, ask if they can bring you to their workplace. Asking if your interviewee will teach you a short lesson about what they do can also be excellent, as it will give you some knowledge of the experience to use when you write.

- Be sure to ask your interviewee if it’s okay to audio-record the interview. If you plan to use the audio for any purpose other than for your own purposes writing up the article (such as a podcast that might accompany the feature article), you must tell them and get their consent.
- Don't pressure the interviewee if they decline audio recording.

- Another good option is a question that begins Tell me about a time when.... This allows the interviewee to tell you the story that's important to them, and can often produce rich information for your article.

Preparing to Write the Article

- Start by describing a dramatic moment and then uncover the history that led up to that moment.
- Use a story-within-a-story format, which relies on a narrator to tell the story of someone else.
- Start the story with an ordinary moment and trace how the story became unusual.

- Check with your editor to see how long they would like your article to be.

- Consider what you absolutely must have in the story and what can be cut. If you are writing a 500-word article, for example, you will likely need to be very selective about what you include, whereas you have a lot more space to write in a 2,500 word article.
Writing the Article

- Start with an interesting fact, a quote, or an anecdote for a good hook.
- Your opening paragraph should only be about 2-3 sentences.

- Be flexible, however. Sometimes when you write, the flow makes sense in a way that is different from your outline. Be ready to change the direction of your piece if it seems to read better that way.

Finalizing the Article

- You can choose to incorporate or not incorporate their suggestions.

- Consult "The Associated Press Stylebook" for style guidelines, such as how to format numbers, dates, street names, and so on. [7] X Research source

- If you want to convey slightly more information, write a sub-headline, which is a secondary sentence that builds on the headline.

Sample Feature Article

Community Q&A

- Ask to see a proof of your article before it gets published. This is a chance for you to give one final review of the article and double-check details for accuracy. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

- Be sure to represent your subjects fairly and accurately. Feature articles can be problematic if they are telling only one side of a story. If your interviewee makes claims against a person or company, make sure you talk with that person or company. If you print claims against someone, even if it’s your interviewee, you might risk being sued for defamation. [9] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
You Might Also Like

- ↑ http://morrisjournalismacademy.com/how-to-write-a-feature-article/
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/learning/students/writing/voices.html
- ↑ http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20007483
- ↑ http://faculty.washington.edu/heagerty/Courses/b572/public/StrunkWhite.pdf
- ↑ https://www.apstylebook.com/
- ↑ http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/166662
- ↑ http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/libel-vs-slander-different-types-defamation.html
About This Article

To write a feature article, start with a 2-3 sentence paragraph that draws your reader into the story. The second paragraph needs to explain why the story is important so the reader keeps reading, and the rest of the piece needs to follow your outline so you can make sure everything flows together how you intended. Try to avoid excessive quotes, complex language, and opinion, and instead focus on appealing to the reader’s senses so they can immerse themselves in the story. Read on for advice from our Communications reviewer on how to conduct an interview! Did this summary help you? Yes No
- Send fan mail to authors
Reader Success Stories

Kiovani Shepard
Nov 8, 2016
Did this article help you?

Sky Lannister
Apr 28, 2017

Emily Lockset
Jun 26, 2017

Christian Villanueva
May 30, 2018

Richelle Mendoza
Aug 26, 2019

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Do Not Sell or Share My Info
- Not Selling Info
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

How to write a feature article

Feature story writing is a type of journalism that goes beyond the standard news report. It tells a complete story, often using real-life examples, to help readers understand a complex issue or event.
While there is no one formula for writing a great feature article, there are some basic steps you can follow to make sure your story is well-written and engaging. In this guide, we will outline the key steps involved in writing a feature article, as well as provide some tips and tricks for making your story stand out.
What is a feature article?
A feature article is a news story that does more than report the facts of a news event. A feature article appeals to human emotions and is written in a creative, entertaining way while still giving accurate information. The main objective of a feature article is to inform and entertain the reader.
How to write a news article
A feature article may include:
- an element of fiction or creativity, such as writing it in first person, using dialogue, describing characters’ feelings, etc.
- background information about the subject that provides context and helps explain why events happened as they did
- a personal experience related to the subject
- a question that the article leaves the reader wondering after reading, such as “What will happen next?” or “How has this affected people?”
Characteristics of a feature article
Now that we know what a feature story is, let’s explore what characteristics it may have.
A feature article should:
- Have a strong opening paragraph that draws the reader in.
- Be focused on an individual or individuals.
- Have quotes throughout to support narrative and show perspectives.
- Use descriptive language which almost gives the appearance of nonfiction.
- Address unique ideas, aspects or points of views that are special about a certain individual or event.
- Be specific and detailed to make for a better story.
- Have elements of humor, surprise, drama, tension and emotion to keep readers engaged.
Different types of feature articles
There are different types of feature articles or stories. Some types are used more frequently than others.
Various examples of types of feature stories include:
- Behind the scenes : The reporter gives a glimpse behind the scenes into an industry or company. This is used to give insight into corporate strategy, or provide information that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.
- Human interest : The reporter focuses on a person or situation that is interesting, typically because it is unusual or unique.
- Instructional : The feature story is intended to help or guide the reader. The story might provide information about how to do something, or might describe a process.
- Profiles : A profile tells a story about a person. It might provide background information, or might describe the experiences of the person, as well as their personality and character traits.
- Personal : The story is about one person, and how they rose to success. It might also discuss their family life or other personal details.
- Thematic : A thematic story tells a larger story than the lives of one person. The thematic article explains an idea, trend, or theory through multiple examples of anecdotes that support each other in illustrating the theme.
- Seasonal : A seasonal story looks at a current event or subject through the lens of history.
These are just some examples of what you could write about for your feature article.
Remember that creative writing is all about thinking outside the box! So, think hard about what you’d like to write about – but also consider if there’s enough information available to you and how much effort you’ll need to put into researching it. This might help you narrow down your topic choice to something specific.
Language to use when writing a feature story
Language used when writing a feature story is generally more formal than ordinary language. It is written in complete sentences with correct spelling, capitalization and punctuation.
At the start of a feature story, use an active voice. A good opening sentence tells readers what the story is about with the most important information first. It also presents an interesting idea that makes them want to know more.
How to write a feature article in 5 steps
Since we have defined a feature article and described its characteristics, we need to know how it is written and the elements, which make up a feature article.
- Plan and outline your story.
- Research and collect information.
- Write a catchy heading title.
- Select the best structure.
- Write and proofread.
Let us now see what each of the step entails:
Step 1: Plan and outline your story.
It is very important plan and outline your feature story before you start writing. This means that it’s important to think about what you want to write, then plan how you can write this text in an interesting way. The main part of the planning is to define your angle and then structure the article in a logical order.
While planning your article, you need to find an angle of your story. Every feature article has a main subject and it also has a secondary subject, which is the ‘angle’. The angle is what you want to write about – it could be something that your readers will find interesting or controversial. Some common ways of making the secondary subject into an angle are, by introducing a character, providing information, including the 5Ws or making a comparison.
Step 2: Research and collect information.
This means that you need to do some research, which helps you with both finding content and thinking about what you want to write about. You can use different texts, images, videos or any other kind of material to create an interesting article. Gathering facts and information is usually easier compared to creating a coherent structure of your article.
To create a research list, you can use different sources which are available to you. These may include books, magazines, newspapers or the internet. You can also use your own experiences and knowledge of topics that interest you. This makes it easier for you to write an article quickly once your deadline is near.
When researching on the internet, you will find that there are many different kinds of research tools. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, Wikipedia is often used because it contains a lot of information on almost any topic. However, the quality of this information varies, so bear in mind that it is not always reliable.
Step 3: Write a catchy heading title.
This part of the writing process is probably the most difficult task because you have to draw attention to yourself and your story with a good opening paragraph. This means that it’s important to give the reader some information about what he or she can expect in your article.
A good feature story must have a catchy title and interesting opening paragraphs. A reader should be able to see some of the articles contents in this paragraph, but not too much. It is important to make them wonder what you are telling them about the article while still giving some sort of introduction of what they can expect. This will encourage the reader to read on and not lose interest.
Step 4: Select the best structure.
This means that you need to decide which parts (introduction, body and conclusion) will be included in the text and which information should be mentioned in each part of the article. This depends on what you have found out about yourself, your angle and also something specific you want to put in the article.
- Introduction : The introduction should be short and tell your readers what they can expect in the rest of the article. It’s also good not to introduce too many different topics because this confuses your reader.
- Body : In the body of the article, you have a chance to expand on each detail you have decided to include in the text. You should mention some details and examples when writing the body paragraphs. The body should be composed of three paragraphs (minimum); each paragraph should attempt to answer one of the questions stated in the introduction (i.e., what, why, how). Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that sums up the main idea of the paragraph and then have two – six further sentences
- Conclusion : In the conclusion, you can say whatever you want to say about your main topic and what your article is about. It’s important that you conclude by tying up all the loose ends and summarizing everything in your written feature story. However, it doesn’t need to be too long or complicated!

Step 5: Write and Proofread.
This step will involve:
- Writing the first draft.
- Writing the final draft.
First draft: The first draft of any paper is just that: rough, unannotated, and probably full of errors or unclear text. You should write each sentence as an idea comes to you, without stopping to revise anything.
The second draft would be the last, polished version of your work after it’s been revised and proofread.
It is good to start with the most important points of your article first, so it would be a good idea to create an outline of what you want to say. This will help you determine where everything goes in your article and if anything gets left out or if you have to put anything in a different place.
Second draft : Once you have a first draft, it is time to revise your work so that you can convey what you want to say in the clearest possible manner. Work on one paragraph at a time until it is perfect. Then move on to the next one. The order doesn’t matter, but stick with one topic or main idea to avoid confusion.
Proofreading: When you have finished revising your rough draft, it is time to read and correct your work carefully.
The last part of this process means that you need to polish everything that you have written before you publish it on your blog or submit the assignment for grading. This means, for example, that it’s important to check if spelling and punctuation are correct and also if the article flows well.
You also need to make sure that you have incorporated all of the necessary information into your article.
If you are writing a feature article, then there is one more thing that you should do: add pictures and videos if it is practical or possible. If it’s not practical or possible then adding pictures and/or videos isn’t compulsory – but it is advisable.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to write a feature article, get started on your own! Think about what the topic is and why it’s of interest. Consider who will be reading this piece – are they people interested in finance or marketing? Once you have an idea for the kind of information you want to share with readers, start brainstorming some topics. You can use free tools like Google Docs or Evernote to help organize your thoughts while writing so that everything stays organized. You should also draft out the introduction before starting work on any other section of your article. This way you can introduce all important points without missing anything out by accident-or having too many different ideas competing for attention at once. Finally, proofread carefully after finishing the first draft to avoid getting overwhelmed when proofreading your final draft.
Proofreading should be done carefully so you can make sure that all of the sentences are in the correct order, the spelling is correct and there aren’t any grammatical or factual errors. This has been a guide on how to write a feature article, thank you for reading!
Need help writing a feature article?
If you’re a college student who needs help to write a feature article, don’t worry – you’re not alone! At Tutlance, essay writing service , we have online tutors who guide will walk you through each step of the process so that you can write your essay for cheap or feature news article that is both informative and interesting.
You can also hire an essay writer who will help you to create a top quality piece of article writing that you can be proud of.
If you’re a teacher who is looking for an interesting project for your students, consider asking them to write a feature article about a topic they are interested in – it’s a great way to get teenagers excited about writing and hopefully make the process as easy as possible.
Feature writing a form of journalism that focuses on in-depth storytelling and exploration of a particular subject. Unlike traditional news reporting, which typically provides the basic facts of an event or situation, feature writing dives deeper into the nuances, emotions, and context surrounding a topic. It often incorporates personal anecdotes, interviews, and descriptive language to engage and captivate readers. Feature writing allows for a more creative and narrative approach, aiming to inform, entertain, and spark thought in its audience.

Author: tutlance
Types of statistical analysis, wilcoxon signed rank test, related guides.
- What is Matrix+ Online?
- Selective Test Prep
- English ADV
- Maths EXT 1
- English STD
- Maths STD 2
- Maths EXT 2
- Trial Exam Prep Online Courses
- HSC Exam Prep Courses
- UCAT Prep Courses
- OC Exam Prep Course
- UCAT Prep Course
- Trial Exam Prep Courses
- OC Prep Course
- For aspiring students
- Inspirational Teachers
- Great Learning Environment
- Proven Results
- Customer Reviews
- For future team members
- Work at Matrix
- Jobs at Matrix
- Primary School Survival Guide
- K-6 Reading List
- K-6 Spelling Words List
- Opportunity Class Guide
- Selective Schools Guide
- NSW Primary School Rankings
- Year 3 NAPLAN Guide
- Year 3-5 Grammar Guide
- ATAR & Scaling
- Get HSC Ready in 28 Days
- High Schools Guide
- NSW High School Rankings
- Online Learning Guide
- Student Wellbeing Guide
- Student Success Secrets
- Survival Guides
- VCE School Rankings
- Year 6 English
- Year 7 & 8 English
- Year 9 English
- Year 10 English
- Year 11 English Std
- Year 11 English Adv
- Year 12 English Std
- Year 12 English Adv
- HSC English Skills
- How to Write an Essay
- English Techniques Toolkit
- How to Analyse Poetry
- Year 7 Maths
- Year 8 Maths
- Year 9 Maths
- Year 10 Maths
- Year 11 Maths Adv
- Year 11 Maths Ext 1
- Year 12 Maths Std 2
- Year 12 Maths Adv
- Year 12 Maths Ext 1
- Year 12 Maths Ext 2
- Year 11 Biology
- Year 11 Chemistry
- Year 11 Physics
- Year 12 Biology
- Year 12 Chemistry
- Year 12 Physics
- Physics Practical Skills
- Periodic Table
- ATAR Calculator
- Help Centre
- Maths Exam Book
- Term Courses
- Holiday Courses
- Trial Exam Prep
- HSC Exam Prep
- Year 3 English Online Course
- Year 3 Maths Online Course
- OC Test Prep
- Year 4 English Online Course
- Year 4 Maths Online Course
- Year 5 English Online Course
- Year 5 Maths Online Course
- Year 5 Selective School Test Online Course
- Year 6 English Online Course
- Year 6 Maths Online Course
- Year 6 Selective School Test Online Course
- Year 7 English Online Course
- Year 7 Maths Online Course
- Year 8 English Online Course
- Year 8 Maths Online Course
- Year 9 English Online Course
- Year 9 Maths Adv Online Course
- Year 9 Science Online Course
- Year 10 English Online Course
- Year 10 Maths Online Course
- Year 10 Science Online Course
- Year 11 English Adv Online Course
- Year 11 Maths Adv Online Course
- Year 11 Maths Ext 1 Online Course
- Year 11 Biology Online Course
- Year 11 Chemistry Online Course
- Year 11 Physics Online Course
- Year 12 English Standard Online Course
- Year 12 English Advanced Online Course
- Year 12 Maths Standard 2 Online Course
- Year 12 Maths Advanced Online Course
- Year 12 Maths Ext 1 Online Course
- Year 12 Maths Ext 2 Online Course
- Year 12 Biology Online Course
- Year 12 Chemistry Onlne Course
- Year 12 Physics Online Course
- Trial Exam Preparation Online Courses
- HSC Exam Prep Online Courses
- Year 7 English Live Online Course
- Year 7 Maths Live Online Course
- Year 8 English Live Online Course
- Year 8 Maths Live Online Course
- Year 9 English Live Online Course
- Year 9 Maths Adv Live Online Course
- Year 9 Science Live Online Course
- Year 10 English Live Online Course
- Year 10 Maths Live Online Course
- Year 10 Science Live Online Course
- Year 11 English Advanced Live Online Course
- Year 11 Maths Advanced Live Online Course
- Year 11 Maths Ext 1 Live Online Course
- Year 11 Biology Live Online Course
- Year 11 Chemistry Live Online Course
- Year 11 Physics Live Online Course
- Year 12 English Advanced Live Online Course
- Year 12 Maths Adv Live Course
- Year 12 Maths Extension 1 Live Course
- Year 12 Maths Extension 2 Live Online Course
- Year 12 English Standard Live Online Course
- Year 12 Biology Live Online Course
- Year 12 Chemistry Live Online Course
- Year 12 Physics Live Online Course
- Online Learning
- VCE High School Rankings
- Student Success Secrets Guide
- Year 11 Maths
How To Write An Amazing Feature Article In 5 Steps
- How To Write An Amazing Feature Article In 5 Steps1111
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!

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.
- Different types of feature articles
Language used in feature articles
- Research / Planning
- Header / Title
- Introduction
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,
- Explore a topic or issue of current importance
- Follows narratorial conventions (i.e. There is a plot, complication, and conclusion)
- Written in short paragraphs
- Combine facts and opinions
- Provide a perspective or angle about the topic or issue
- Includes catchy features (eg. Catchy title, images etc.).
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!
- eg. ‘ Charlie Kaufman’s debut novel, ‘Antkind’, is just as loopy and clever as his movies ‘
- eg. ‘ A Former High School Football Player Dove and Caught a Child Dropped From the Balcony of a Burning Building’
- eg. ‘ How to Tie Dye ‘
- eg. ‘ My 2019 UCAT Experience ‘
- eg. ‘ Why Australia Day is really held on 26 January and the push to change the date ‘ or ‘ Thanksgiving 2020 – Date, history behind the holiday and what time is Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ?’
- eg. ‘ Craziness behind the scenes at the White House ‘ and ‘ Two Former McDonald Employees Spill Insider Secrets About Working at the Fast Food Chain ‘
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!
- Share your opinions
- Show your personality (eg. humourous, serious…)
- Use semi-formal language (i.e. some colloquialism)
- Use emotive language
- Refer to the audience in second person language (eg. “you”)
- Use literary and rhetorical techniques to engage the reader (eg. rhetorical questions, anecdotes, imagery…)
- Don’t overuse adjectives or adverbs . Use strong verbs and nouns to describe, instead of adjectives and adverbs.
- Use facts, quotes and jargon to add authenticity
- Make sure you write in the active voice

Ready to improve your feature article writing skills?
Join 4000 students who already have a head start. Learn from subject expert teachers, access high-quality resources and gain actionable feedback to ace your writing. Learn more about our Year 9 English Courses now.
Want to start acing English?
Expert teachers. Comprehensive resources. Proven results. Boost your English marks with our On Campus Course.
Learn more →

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:
- What type of feature article do you want to write?
- What is your stance on the topic?
- Who is your target audience?
- What is your article about?
- Why are you writing about this topic? (i.e. purpose)
- Chronologically?
- Level of importance?
- Like a narrative?
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:
- eg. “ According to Cancer.org , 1960 Australians died from skin cancer in 2016 “
- eg. “ Brendan Thomas will not be deported to New Zealand because he is an Indigenous Australian and is protected by the new law “
- eg. “ Professor Gabriel Leung, Expert on COVID-19 Epidemic from Hong Kong University , says that COVID-19 could ‘infect 60% of global population if unchecked'”
- “ From the live interview with Holocaust survivor.. “

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?
- Keep it short and snappy
- Directly address the reader
- Use adjectives / adverbs
- Tell readers what your content is about
- Ask a question
- Give an imperative
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:
- The opening act sets the scene and captivate the audience’s attention
- Act 2 is where the action and the major complication occurs
- The 3rd act is the conclusion. It ‘solves’ the problem.
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:
- Make an interesting and provocative opening statement to draw reader’s attention
- Briefly introduce the topic and purpose
- Establish a relationship with your reader through your language (eg. second person language, rhetorical questions…)
- Create intrigue and interest by foreshadowing your points or challenging your audience
- Provide background information about your topic
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”).

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:
- Tell : Johnny was tired after he ran up the hill.
- Show : Johnny’s legs were aching as he forced himself up the hill. He was struggling to catch his breath and his cheeks were red and puffed up.
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’:
- Write vivid descriptions and imagery
- Rely on the different senses to describe (i.e. sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste)
- Use literary techniques
- Don’t state emotions (eg. ‘He is happy’, ‘She was excited’ or ‘That was scary’)
- Use strong verbs and nouns, instead of adverbs and adjectives (eg. ‘sprinted’ instead of ‘ran fast’)
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:
- Case studies
- Quotes from critics or experts
So, ensure you use a variety of different evidence and use it across your whole feature article.

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

© 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.
People who read this also read
Overcoming an english slump in years 9 and 10, subject selection and work experience | open day panel, the ultimate holiday reading list for students.
- How To Analyse A Related Text
- 8 Common Mistakes HSC English Students Make In Exams
- How To Ace the UMAT Exam – Varun Gopi
- 6 Common Errors In Year 12 Maths Extension 2 Integration
- All About ATAR & Scaling
Get free study tips and resources delivered to your inbox.
Join 75,893 students who already have a head start.
- Your Name *
- Your Email *
Our website uses cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies. Read our cookies statement .
OK, I understand

IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
How to Write a Feature Article. 1. Write a hook to open your story. Your first paragraph is your chance to hook your reader and draw them into your story. If the opening paragraph is ... 2. Expand on your lead in the second paragraph. While your lead might draw people in, your second paragraph (and ...
How to write a feature article in 5 steps Step 1: Plan and outline your story.. It is very important plan and outline your feature story before you start writing. Step 2: Research and collect information.. This means that you need to do some research, which helps you with both... Step 3: Write a ...
You have an excellent idea for a feature article that you would like to publish: you know that the topic is relevant; you’re sure the audience would be interested; you can access the facts and statistics; and you know that you could source a great interview or two.