Need to write a feature article for class but have absolutely no idea where to start? Don’t worry, been there, done that.
Whether you’re cramming or trying to get ahead, here, you’ll get access to a feature article structure guide alongside analysed examples to get you ready and writing.
At Art of Smart, we’ve helped over 93% of our students become more confident in all aspects of their studies. That’s why you can trust that we’ve got all that you need to write that one-of-a-kind feature article!
Now, roll up your sleeves, get your muji pens ready and let’s dive right in!
What is a Feature Article?
How to Write and Structure a Feature Article (Step-by-step)
Examples of Feature Articles
Feature Articles VS News Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Feature Article?
A feature article is a piece of non-fiction that adopt elements of creative writing to explore a particular topic in a more compelling manner. They usually dive deeper into the topic than regular articles do, giving more complexity and depth into events, people or issues.
The Purpose of a Feature Article
A feature article focuses on a specific task — they can be as general or as niche as you like!
Features inform, entertain, and engage with readers on a certain topic. They often raise awareness and inspire action by incorporating research that synthesise with a resonant and human narrative. This is so a level of interest is not only established, but also sustained.
Therefore, when writing your feature article, make sure to use research to provide readers with contextual information concerning your topic. However, you should also employ narrative and creative writing techniques to make your article is actually interesting to read.
How to Write and Structure a Feature Article (Step-by-step)
With introductions out of the way, let’s get you started on writing that feature article!
Step 1: Pick a topic that interests you
Although school curriculums often restrict the topics you can write about, try to choose something within those constraints that genuinely interest you.
This will help motivate you to write a compelling and well-written feature article!
If nothing is jumping out to you, don’t be afraid to use the tools of the internet to help you generate ideas! Consider using Perplexity, Google Trends, or even your day-to-day social media platforms like Twitter or TikTok (this doesn’t mean to start doomscrolling though) to get that ball rolling.
Step 2: Research, research, research
Like all good writing, the key to writing an interesting and compelling feature article is knowing your topic well — this is done through thorough research!
Read up on your topic — if you are unsure what the purpose of your feature article is, read widely. Once you have an idea of what route you would like to take, start narrowing your research into that area.
Research could mean investigating and reading statistics that supports the case of your feature article. However, it could also mean identifying who to contact for interviews, whether that’s someone directly involved in an event or an expert in the field related to your topic.
It is important to consider what type of feature article you are writing, so you can research and beef up its body with content that is relevant and suitable for your topic.
What Should I Research?
Whatever it is you find will become the material and content you use later to support the body of your feature. You may look into:
Case Studies — used to provide detailed examples that often illustrate trends relevant to the topic. When conducted by credible and professional organisations or tertiary institutions, case studies make content more compelling.
Example: A three-year study on the relationship between the seasonal fluctuation of water quality parameters and fish biodiversity indices was conducted in Hasadanga Beel.
Statistics — provide factual, often quantitative evidence of a study. They highlight the scale of an issue and often use visuals to help readers interpret and understand the data.
Example: The Australian Bureau of Statistics found that the Consumer Price Index rose 1.0% this quarter.
Quotes — adds a sense of authenticity to a feature. Often, they are from experts in the field or from individuals involved directly in an event. Quotes add depth and allows writers to provide differing viewpoints.
Example: Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Cleveland Clinic, Shilpi Kheterpal, says, “In order to grow hair, we need to lose hair.”
Interviews — can be used to gather firsthand information, providing a feature with anecdotes or quotes. Using interviews, whether conducted by yourself or utilising already existing ones, can add originality and authority to your feature article.
Example: From Life’s Work: An Interview with Maya Angelou.
While this might seem slightly unusual for non-fiction writing, it’s also a good idea to reflect on your own ideas and opinion as you are conducting your research and making a note of these.
This will help you to choose the persuasive techniques you’ll employ throughout your writing and create a connection between you and your reader.
This step is crucial as the depth and quality of your research directly impacts the outcome and overall success of your piece.
Step 3: Don’t underestimate the power of your headline
A great headline entices the reader to read your article and gives them a broad idea of what the article is about.
When writing headlines make them catchier by incorporating language techniques, try using:
- Imperative language
- Rhetorical questions
- Relevant and impactful adjectives
But, don’t overdo it. The headline should still be short, sweet, and snappy. Let’s take a look at two examples.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles: Are They Really the Future of Transportation?
This is an effective headline because it employs a rhetorical question that provokes the audience to read on and get involved. Additionally, the topic is extremely relevant meaning it could potentially appeal to wider audience.
Bolt: The Journey of the Olympic Star and the World’s Fastest Man
This headline fares well as it engages with the human interest topic of sports, with a focus on a very prominent figure. Whilst the narrative appeal of “The Journey,” and the use of relevant adjectives and descriptors leave readers wanting to know more.
Throughout this page we’ll draw upon the example below to dissect the core structure of a feature article. Keep following and by the end you’ll be able to view the full example.
Firstly, let’s situate the headline! As you can see it’s the first, largest and most prominent piece of text.
| Technique | Definition | Headline Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hyperbole | Exaggerate a sentence. | "Our Earth's Astonishingly Diverse Wildlife Is Vanishing Faster Than Ever—A Catastrophe Beyond Imagination!" |
| Anecdote | A personal story that relates to the topic at hand - provides a real, and more human perspective. | "From Cafés to Car Payments: How Rising Costs Are Impacting Everyday Life" |
| Rhetorical Question | A question asked to create a dramatic effect, does not ask for a definitive answer. | "Can You Imagine a World Without Seeing Green? Science Reveal the Mystical Powers of Colours" |
| Metaphor | To say that one this is another. | "Social Media: The Mirror Reflecting Our Lives Yet Distorting Our Reality" |
| Simile | To say that one is "like" another. | "Using Plastic Water Bottles Is Like Pouring Our Future Down the Drain" |
| Anaphora | A rhetorical device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, sentences, or phrases. | "It's back. It's timeless. Vinyl is becoming the sound of a new generation rediscovering the past." |
| Imperative Sentences | A sentence that demands or requires an action to be performed. | "Cutting ties with Fast Fashion—Embrace Sustainable Choices Now!" |
Want to use more English techniques in your feature article writing? Save our list of Language Features!
Step 4: Introduce your topic
Like other types of writing, your feature article needs an introduction — this hooks your reader and prompts them to read all the way to the bottom of the page.
Whether or not you hook your audience determines whether they continue reading your article. Consider some of the different ways to open your article for a more engaging introduction, this could include:
- Involving the reader by writing in second person.
- Relating with the audience by opening with an anecdote or quote
- Beginning with a surprising fact related to the topic
As the example shows, observe how the introduction follows the headline.
Throughout the process of writing your introduction — and the rest of your feature article — try to develop an authentic tone or voice in your writing.
This does not have to be flamboyant or to spill your emotions onto the page. It should simply make the reader feel like they are reading the words of a real person who is reliable, interesting and engaging.
Previous steps like picking a topic that you’re interested in, reflecting and providing interesting insights all help you to develop your own unique tone when you’re writing your piece!
Step 5: Write and beef up the body
The body contains the bulk of the story and information that is in your feature article. It’s important to organise these clearly — so it is easy for your reader to follow your writing and compel them to reach the end of the piece!
- Organise your body by using relevant subheadings
- Add variety to your paragraphs — start a few with anecdotes or quotes
- Provide relevant background information or context for your chosen topic
- Utilise material gathered through research — Case studies, interviews, etc.
The body paragraphs come right after the introduction.
However, it is important to note that the example above only intends to show the structure of a feature — not the amount of text needed for the body paragraphs.
Reminder! Whilst a data-driven news feature may include a lot of statistics, a profile on a celebrity may tend to use more quotes to fill its paragraphs. Consider your topic and ask yourself which supporting material can more effectively get your point and story across.
One of the most valuable things you can do as a feature article writer is to provide a surprising insight to your reader.
If there is something new that you discover while researching that no one has put together… Write it down! This is your opportunity to shine! Connect those dots for your reader and present the facts to them — that way you combine both persuasiveness with a compelling narrative!
Step 6: Wrap up with a conclusion!
The conclusion should summarise your key points. But, it’s also important to ask yourself — what would I like the audience to take away from reading this?
Make a lasting impression by concluding your article with a:
- Powerful closing quote or statement — leave readers satisfied and more knowledgable on your topic.
- Call to action — compel readers to act for the greater good!
- Thought-provoking question — makes a lasting impression so that audiences continue to think about the topic of your article.
Bolt’s journey from young sprinter in Jamaica to then becoming the world’s fastest man is nothing short of legendary. With eight Olympic gold medals and world-records under his name, he has adamantly solidified his place in history. His unmatched speed and charisma has redefined track and field, inspiring millions worldwide. Now, To Di (The) World, let the story of Bolt you inspire you to keep running towards your dreams, knowing that with passion and commitment, greatness is well within reach.
Lastly, let’s circle back to the structure example one more time to find out where the conclusion is. *spoiler alert: it’s at the end*
Example of Feature Article Structure
Below is the feature article example that we have dissected throughout this guide. The structure and each core section has been marked up and annotated.
Make sure you’re an expert on the essentials for writing an extended response while you’re at it!
Examples of Feature Articles
Feature articles can feature a range of topics — to make it easier for you, we’ve divided them into three different categories.
News
Feature articles can be about current and ongoing news stories.
For example, the media outlet The Conversation typically covers politics and news on society. The Sydney Morning Herald covers sports and breaking global news.
A news feature article goes beyond the mere facts. Your feature article will provide an in-depth analysis, whether it is looking at the broader context around an event, historical antecedents or future impacts.
Common topics of news features include:
- Politics
- Cultural events coming up and their significance
- Ongoing social issues
Profile
A profile feature article provides an in-depth story about a person, organisation or event.
This typically includes things like their experience, goals, values or background. For example, the magazines The New Yorker and Rolling Stone both publish profile features of famous artists and musicians.
Profiles aren’t necessarily about important or famous people. What’s more important is that they are about people who have an authentic story that resonates with people.
Some topics can include:
- Interviews with elderly people or authority figures
- Fundraising events for charities
- Company launching a new initiative
Trend
Feature articles on trends, such as in Bustle, highlight something new and exciting in modern culture.
They look at developments within an area and track why a new trend is emerging or why a current trend may be fading. Like the previous sections, this can be tied into historical events, broader social contexts or extend out into future implications.
Some topics include:
- Fashion
- Entertainment
- Technology
- Lifestyle
Feature Articles VS News Articles
While the aim of a news article is to deliver key facts and information to a reader, the purpose of a feature article is to tell a story.
When writing news articles, it is important for the writer to keep their emotions and opinions away from the facts they are reporting. Feature articles are different — you express your opinions and emotions about the topic, so long as it’s done appropriately and does not detract from the purpose of the article. Let’s explore some examples of feature articles!
Example of a Feature Article from The New Yorker
Feature articles tend to be written in a more conversational tone. Thus, creating an imaginary dialogue or storytelling effect between the writer and the audience.
This helps to build empathy and enables you to slip in your persuasive techniques more easily and naturally.
The tricky thing about feature articles is finding the right balance between telling a story and reporting the facts of the issue.
If too many opinions and narrative elements are placed into the piece, it can end up looking like a fiction piece. However, if too many facts are placed within any narrative elements, it will be dry.
Example of a News Article from Sydney Morning Herald
A well-balanced feature article will educate your reader about the topic, whilst building empathy and greater understanding.
Have a great idea for a feature article but need some help putting it altogether? Our experienced English Tutors can provide 1-1 tutoring support and get you on your way to a great article!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
#1: How long should a feature article be?
The length of a feature article depends on the requirements of each publication. Although, the intended audience and the complexity of the topic could also impact the length of a feature. Follow our tips and you will be well on your way to write a killer feature!
#2: How many paragraphs are there in a feature article?
Again, there are no set amount of paragraphs for a feature article. It could depend on how in depth a feature needs to be, or in the cases of news features, what information is currently available.
Therefore, when writing the body paragraphs for your feature make sure to use subheadings, varied paragraph lengths, and those language techniques!
#3: Should I write feature articles in first, second, or third person?
Feature articles are very versatile in that they can be written in first, second, or third person. Writing in different perspectives affects the mood, style, and tone of the piece.
For example, using second person in a section can be employed to involve the reader — look at the feature article examples above, you’ll observe that most use a mix of all three!
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Tiffany Fong is currently completing a double degree in Media and Communications with Law at Macquarie University. She currently contributes to the university zine, Grapeshot where she enjoys writing feature articles, commentary on current affairs or whatever weird interest that has taken over her mind during that month. During her spare time, Tiffany enjoys reading, writing, taking care of her plants or cuddling with her two dogs.
