HOW TO WRITE A FEATURE ARTICLE?
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 combine together to make a great and smooth flowing article.
The following hints, tips and ideas will apply to all types of feature articles, this includes magazine articles, newspaper articles, blog posts, online article writing and Squidoo lenses.
Contents:
1. Purpose - The Mission of a Feature Article
2. Types of Text
3. Types of Feature Articles Include:
4. Structure
5. Title & Headline
6. Introduction
7. Details (The Main Article)
8. Conclusion
9. Language of Feature Articles
10. About The Author
Purpose - The Mission of a Feature Article
Feature articles are detailed pieces of writing which explore a range of issues, opinions, experiences and ideas. The purpose of a feature article will vary depending on the media it is meant for. Feature articles should appeal to the particular audience the article is targeting. For example if a magazine was targeted at middle aged women, then the articles, advertising and pictures within that magazine would reflect their interest in lifestyle, career, money, health and relationships.
Types of Text
Feature articles can be informative, entertaining, persuasive or they may 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 Unlike news reports which can quickly go out of date, feature articles have a more general focus and do not go out of date after a few days.
Feature writers are often regular contributors who have particular expertise or interest in their subject or topic. Article writers go beyond just the facts on the surface and add colour, detail, background and personal comment. The appeal of feature articles is usually the personal perspective on offer.
Types of Feature Articles Include:
1. Analysis and opinion on current issues.
2. Profiles of, or interviews with well known-people.
3. Humorous reflections
4. Personal experience or anecdotes.
5. Online articles.
6. Background information on local, national or international events.
7. Magazine articles.
8. Human interest stories
9. Newspaper articles.
10. Background information and personal opinion on your interest!
Writing Feature Articles
Structure
Like any form of writing a feature article follows a standard structure. While it may vary depending on your topic, a feature article should always include a headline, introduction, the main body and a concluding paragraph.
Title & Headline
The headline performs two important functions. An effective headline:
Grabs the reader's attention and persuades them to read the article
Highlights the main idea of the article.
Includes keywords (for online articles).
Introduction
The first paragraph outlines the subject or theme of the article, it may also:
Provoke the reader's interest by making an unusual statement.
Provide any necessary background information.
Invite the reader to take sides by making a controversial statement.
Heighten the drama of an event or incident to intensify its appeal.
Establish the writer's tone
Create a relationship between the writer and the reader.
Details (The Main Article)
The middle section consists of a number of paragraphs that expand the main topic of the article into subtopics. The usual components are:
Subheadings.
Facts and statistics which support the writer's opinion.
Personal viewpoints.
Opinions from authorities and experts.
Quotes and interviews.
Anecdotes and stories.
Specific names, places and dates.
Photographs, tables, diagrams and graphs.
About the Author: this articles has been written by RUCHI SINGH, a web content writer, working for bbw accounting services pvt ltd.
Please check my Profile:
http://in.linkedin.com/in/ruchisingh22
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