WHAT IS A FEATURE ARTICLE?

(LATHALAIN)

It is hard to define a feature article because it can take so many forms and can cover so many
subjects. However, a reader may easily distinguish feature stories from news stories through its different
characteristics.

A feature article is an essay based on fact. It’s a virtual drop bag. It is never fictitious. This makes it
different from ordinary essay you study in your literature class.

Like an editorial, a feature article is hung on a newspeg.

Feature stories, like news stories, are written to inform but they enlarge news in a leisurely and
entertaining way. They are written to add life to the paper and therefore their style lends more to the
creativity of a writer.

The main objective of news is to inform while that of a feature article is to entertain. But feature
articles may also instruct, advise, influence, inform, and entertain at the same time.

The matrix below compares and contrasts news, feature and editorial articles.

COMPARISON NEWS EDITORIAL FEATURE

Definition Report an event Interpretation of an An essay based on

event/issue facts
Main Purpose To inform To interpret To entertain using
present human
interest stories
Timeliness Timely Timely Timeless
Length Short Around 300 words (2000 Depends upon the
computer characters) needs

Use of Words Simple, precise, Simple, forceful, direct May be descriptive,

concrete flowery, colorful

Use of Sentences Short, simple, 15-25 May be longer May be longer

words average
Paragraph No topic sentence, one With topic sentence, With topic sentence,
idea, one paragraph longer longer
Use of Literary of Journalistic, direct to the Journalistic, direct to the Literary, can be
devices point, no idioms, no point, may use idioms, journalistic; idioms,
figures of speech figures of speech if figures of speech
properly handled used freely
Use of Uses adjectives Uses opinion, never As much as desired
Adjectives/Opinion sparingly Adjectives used freely,
primarily opinion
 Parts Lead, (Bridge), Body Introduction (newspeg, Introduction, body,
reaction), body, ending
conclusion (clincher)
Style Follows style-sheet Follows style-sheet Composition style or
newspaper style newspaper style newspaper style

Structure Inverted pyramid Hypothesis, Suspended interest or

arguments/stand on pyramid structure
issue, conclusion
Title/Headline Short (subject-verb; Shorter (at most three Any length as long as
telegraphic sentence words) it is appealing to the
form) reader/topic

Comparative Analysis of the Basic Differences Between Straight News and Feature

Hard news Soft News

(straight news) (feature)
1. Time element timely timeless
2. Language direct/simple indirect/elegant
3. Appeal to the physical the emotion
4. Structure inverted pyramid pyramid/square
5. Function to inform to entertain
6. Presentation objective subjective
7. Contents facts/factual facts but can be interpreted
8. Effect passing lasting/permanent
9. Theme parochial universal
10. Scope/reach limited unlimited

***

How to keep the Reader’s Interest

1. Choose an interesting subject.
2. Decide your purpose and keep it in mind as you write. Features may aim to:
3. Use special devices to pinpoint highlights.
4. Be specific.
5. Use specific vivid words
6. Get the reader involved. Use the “you” approach.
 7. Use quotations
a. to move the story along
b. to establish a characteristic or mood
c. to make the person come to life
d. to bring the reader close.
8. Use analogies.
9. Use vivid, fresh figures of speech.

Writing the Feature

Feature writing, like any expository or narrative writing makes use of 1) an introduction or a lead,
2) the body, and 3) the conclusion.
The lead. The feature, like the news story, should attract the attention of the readers in the first few
sentences. The lead for a feature article may be any one or a combination of two or more.

How to introduce (begin) the Feature article

Unlike straight news, a feature article may begin in any form and in any style. It depends on the topic or
purpose of the writer. Most features, however, may be introduced by any of the following:

1. Rhetorical question
WHO says that age is an obstacle to education?

Take it from Dimakulangan of San Miguel, Iloilo who stopped going to school 50 years ago after finishing
the elementary grades. This year, he enrolled as a first year evening student at Andres Bonifacio High, Iloilo
Scholastic Academy’s adopted school.

2. Startling statement
“HINDI pa kami laos!”

Ito angpahayagngmga “young once”—mgaguro, pinunongpaaralan at mgamagulang—

nangkanilangipinagdiwangangArawngAteneo, Agosto 17, at lumahoksilasaiba’tibangpalatuntunan at
paligsahanupangbigyang-buhay at kasanayanangpagdiriwang.

3. Narrative statement
MRS. NELLY Marie Pradas, a fourth year evening student sends herself and her six children to school,
acting as mother and father at the same time.

Every day, Mrs.Pradas takes her tentative place between the half-time tindera tending her sarisari store
during the day and the half-time student studying at night.

4. Quoted remarks
“I EARN while I learn.” He smiled at me as the interview reeled off. “How can you work, have a part-time job
as an exotic dancer, and at the same time go to school?” I asked.
“Well, it is easy, she explained. “I don’t do all of these at the same time.”

5. An old maxim, an aphorism or a “salawikain

“TUBIG, tubigsalahatngdako, ngunitkahitisangpatak ay walangmaiinom.”Itongsinipingsabini Samuel
Coleridge satulang “The Ancient Mariner” nawalanangbisangayon. Kahitnatubignagalingsabaha ay
maiinomna.Paano?Ganitoangparaan.

6. History or background of the subject

ISLAMS throughout the world, including our Filipino Muslim brothers observe the holy month of Ramadan,
starting Sept. 17. Ramadan is the ninth lunar month of the Muslim calendar. It is observed by Muslims as
the Lenten Season is commemorated by Christians.

7. Problems to be discussed in the article of fact to be established

THIS IS the answer to the rising cost of vegetables: raise your own.

***
Ending the Feature article

1. A summary of the whole article

MAKINIG kasadalubhasa: angpaninigarilyo ay lubhangmasamasakalusugan.
Maaringmaturingankangtunaynalalakidahilsapaninigarilyomo,
subalithinditatagalangbuhaymoupangmapatunayanmoangiyongpagkalalaki.

2. An announcement of the main point for the first time

THEREFORE, a major part of the development communications effort should be directed at strengthening
the character of the people and developing in them moral values, particularly by self-discipline, self-
reliance, strength of character, and fortitude.

3. A question left in the reader’s mind

ANG KAMAY ngmakabagong Pilipino ay
handangmarumihan.Pinaiikoitniyaanggulongngpangkaunlaran.Iwina-wagaywayniyaangbandilangkalayaan
—kalayaanlabansapaghihikahos, at kalayaansakamangmangan.

4. Suggested results or significance

LET US conserve our forests now if we want to save the future of our country and of our children.

5. A forecast or prophecy
IN SIX-AND-A-HALF centuries from now, if population explosion would not be checked, there would be one
person standing on every square foot of land on earth. By that time, people would be devouring one
another for there would be no more space for plants to grow.

6. A repetition of the introduction

ASKED if he had formal training in photography, Lovely Sepe finally answered, “Ah, it is now the reverse. It
is here where I learn as I earn, not earn as I learn.” (the lead of the feature article is, “I learn while I earn).

7. A repetition of a sentence or slogan, or a reference to the title

AFTER four years of working as a houseboy, working during the day and going to school at night, Jose
Bonifacio will soon graduate as a first honor student.

Now, who says that poverty is a hindrance to education?

(The title of the feature article is “Poverty, not a hindrance.”)

8. An appropriate quotation
NESTOR claims that he is poor. But when asked why he gave his last centavo to the old man, he
answered:

“Not what we give, but what we share

For the gift, without the giver is bare,
Who gives himself with his alms feeds three
Himself, his hungering neighbor and me.”

Kinds of Feature Articles

1. The feature story (or news feature) – takes its material from a subject of current interest. Unlike the news
story, it is less concerned with information than with the deeper meaning of the incident. The feature story is
not meant to supplant the news story, but to add variety and contrast and to play up the substance of the
news.
2. The human interest story – has its origin in some minor happening that merits attention only because of
some dramatic, humorous, tragic, odd, or sensational angle caught by an alert imaginative reporter.
3. The interview article
4. The interpretative feature – instructs, informs, makes clear to the reader the background and significance of
social, economic, political problems and other problems of everyday life.
5. The informative article may deal with scientific facts presented in non-technical language, or some
interesting or useful facts in other areas. In a school paper this may deal with instructions, rules,
procedures, office personnel, policies.
6. The practical guidance article (“how-to-do-it” feature) is usually meant to inform. Occasionally, a how-to-do-
it article is written as a spoof and aims merely to entertain.
7. The seasonal or holiday feature – is presented from some new angles on an old theme or with some fresh
insight or information.
8. The entertainment article
9. The travelogue
10. The historical feature
11. The personal experience or accomplishment story – must deal with an usual experience. Unusual hobbies
make good subjects for the school paper.
12. Personality sketch (Profile) brings out some distinctive trait or traits of a well-known personality.

Source of Feature-Article Ideas

1. News 11. movies

2. Magazine articles 12. Files of old materials like bulletins
 3. Books 13. Museum
4. File of ideas 14. Casual Conversation
5. Scrapbooks 15. Travel
6. Experience 16. Familiar faces
7. Special events like anniversary, etc. 17. Fads
8. Advertisements 18. Interview
9. Speeches 19. Observation
10. TV Radio 20. Imagination

***
A good feature writer should possess the following:
1. a keen observation
2. an intellectual curiosity
3. ability to find features in everyday happenings
4. cupboards of descriptive words (using all senses)and everyday idioms
5. the skill to weave words into interesting sentences and paragraphs
6. the ability to write effectively
7. the attitude to “think first before writing” and to “show (suggest), not tell, things”

***
Feature Examples

Topic: Abortion

COME TO me, Mama. Come, touch me and feel my pain. Don’t be afraid now, Mama. You weren’t
when you killed me.

Here, touch this… can you feel it now, Mama? The excruciating pain that consumed my helpless
body? You inflicted that, remember?

Look at my body, now a mass of rotting flesh and coagulated blood. The dregs of what was a tiny
human body. A body that was soft with a tiny head matted with a sheen of baby hair. A tiny body with a tiny
heart that pulsated in time with yours. These were my fingers and ohh!... Here’s my thumb which I sucked
while snugly tucked inside you.

You see, I had long lashes just like Dad’s. My sensitive mouth was just like yours. And here are my
ears that heard your quickening heartbeat when you’re afraid.

I could have been a wonderful child if you’ve let me live.

I could have been baby boy, just what Daddy wanted. A strong, healthy and bubbly bundle in your
arms. My hypersensitiveness would have exasperated you.

Daddy?Hmmm… He could have coached me in playing basketball. He’ll be the passer and I am
the shooter. I could have grown into a writer. You would be proud of me coz I’m gonna join contests.
 Mama, see I was alive but not anymore. So, please let baby brother live. He could also be as
wonderful as me. His life wouldn’t be like mine. A life that never was.

Topic: Abortion

LISTEN TO the cry of the unborn.

Listen carefully and see. He is there—frail, delicate, heart beating with the glorious thump of life.
Blood running in his anemic veins, smooth hands, dainty feet, pink flesh, unseeing eyes all in the protective
shell of his mother’s womb. His soul’s voice cries out in joy as he looks forward to the bountiful harvest he
will reap in life. A fresh breath of life; a new creation carefully molded by the hands of God.

But listen. He is there. Crying out in excruciating pain. He feels the sharp tingle of needles tearing
his flesh. His unseeing eyes roll up. In confusion and rage.His once joyful soul now crying for the need of
life. But no one heard him. No one heeded his call as he plunged into the world of nullity. His last breath
reeked of revenge. The unborn was silent.

Listen to the cry of the unborn.

They stare at you and contemplate their sweet revenge.

Look around you. The guilt-ridden eyes of women carrying this burden state back at you. They
know their child will not be able to feel its parts during the first recital. They know she will not be able to play
Chinese garter or beat up the boys next door because she is gone. They are gone. Millions of unborn
children are presented with the gift of life only to be taken away by selfish ambitions.

The burden they carry is their revenge. The guilt that is locked in their hearts is their revenge—the
revenge of the unborn.

Listen to the cry of the unborn.

Their chances in life were selfishly taken away. Their rights as human beings were unjustly abused.
Their hearts and souls yanked out and were swallowed up in a cloud as dark as ebony. They lust for death
as revenge but they have no voice. They cannot scream.

Listen to the cry of the unborn. They need you.

***
Tomorrow
By Pamela Joy Go, AdI-SMCS
• 700 words in 1 hour
• First Prize masterpiece, DSPC 2002
• Theme: Environmental Problems
• No. of participating schools: 25

HEAL the world,

Make if a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying,
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place
For you and for me

I could only stare at the third-grade pupils as they interpret this Michael Jackson classic for their
presentation during the flag ceremony. They seem to be so full of life, so vibrant. Nothing in this world could
seem to break the unbeatable character they have glowing brightly inside them.

I sigh as my thoughts fall on the degrading society that we are having now. How long will these naïve tots
have the overwhelming spirit in them? How will they manage to smile?

Look around you, human. What do you see? The pressing issues concerning the destruction of
Mother Earth is too real…too hard to ignore.

The huge forest fires that terrorize countless of species both here and abroad.The perennial
garbage problem that embraces the government like a cold pack of harsh ice.The dwindling population of
all sorts of mammals and reptiles…the endangered species. The red list is getting longer and longer. Soon,
I doubt if we’ll ever be able to keep track of all the creatures that have disappeared from the face of the
earth forever.

Yes, we want to escape from these enigmas. We really want to. But listen. It’s also we who are
keeping ourselves chained to the enslaving powers of material riches. We are blinded by the glitter of gold
every time we cut down trees.

However, there are better realities in this issue our ancient mentality should just think about. The
contemporary ambience of people all over the world getting more humane, more environment-friendly,
more real is embracing us. Any maybe, just maybe, we could start from here.

A year ago, I came across this Reader’s Digest article that suggested a different view of this
dilemma. While countless others would rather stick to the old, hopeless sense of presenting these
inevitable facts, the article examined the optimism that, surprisingly, never left us.

We still have a chance. At least, that’s what the article said. People are becoming civilized. We are
no longer a heartless breed of warm bodies out for nothing but earthly wealth. Through time, we have
evolved to be persons with some sense. And Mother Earth is pretty much depending on it. Her whole life,
her whole existence is actually relying on this so-called sensitivity that we are starting to acquire.

These are not made-up facts, ladies and gentlemen. No, this isn’t escapism. We are not merely
creating this news for the sake of lessening the parables that grasp us by the throat. This is reality.

And this is where we could start. Instead of being a wet blanket, why not take a positive paradigm
shift? This maybe is the breakthrough we have been waiting for. And this could take us somewhere in
renovating our home, to say the least.
 Yes, the predicaments around us are more than enough to last us a lifetime. There’s no way they’ll
be solved the moment we put our acts together. They may not even be solved in the entire life of this
generation. They may not even be solved at all. But let us begin. Let us start now.

In John F. Kennedy’s words, “United there’s little we cannot do. Divided, there’s little we can do.” If
we hold hands now, if we open our hearts to one another and disregard those barriers that keep us from
being who we truly are, then maybe we could still hang on to life.

As I watch the children hold hands and dance about the stage, I recognize in their eyes what we
almost lost—hope. The smiles pasted on their innocent faces spell a promise that there will be a tomorrow.
And that tomorrow will surely be better.

Tomorrow, the world will be healed.

Tomorrow, the world will be a better place.
For you and for me and the entire human race.

***
Lathalaingnaglalarawan (Description)

PagdalawsaLawangBulusan
Ni PerlegioPaderes
MataasnaPaaralanng Samar
UnangGantimpala, NSPC 1993

KUNG sinasabingangpluma ay higit ha pakapangyarihankaysaanumangsnadata, sapluma man ay may

higit pang makapangyarihan. Ito anggandangkalikasan.

Kahanga-hanga, makapitlag-puso, makalangit, kapita-pitagan at walangpinag-

iwansaisangtunaynaparaiso. Ito angLawangBulusan, lawaparasasinumangnilalangnaibigmapag-
isaupanglasapinangbiyayangtunaynakatahimikansabuhay o
dilinamankaya’yupanglunasananghapdingpusosapamamagitanngwalangsawangpagmasidsamapang-aliw
at masaganangkagandahanngbuongpusonginihainngkalikasan.

SaakingnasaksihansaunakongpagdalawsalawangitonamatatagpuansadakongtimogsilangannglalawigangS
orsogonna may apatnapu’tlimangkilometromulasapunongbayan ay angmgasumusunod:

Isanglikasnadaan o pilapilnamaaringmapagdaanannatuloy-tuloysabuongpaligid.
Sapampangnamanito ay nakapalibotangmalilinnapunong-kahoyna pawing nangayuko at
animo’ynahihiyangnagbubulungan.

Sapaligid pa rin ay angmgaburolnasiyangnagsisilbingmuogsasinuman o

anumangibigmagsamantalasawalang batik nakagandahannito. Salibisnamanngburol ay para-
paranginihasik and naglalakihan at nag-papaligsahangmgamagagandangbulaklak.
 Tunaynakawili-wili at kahanga-hanga. Angmalamignasimoynghangin ay
nakapagpapadamanawaringangbuhay ay walangkatapusan. Ito
angmgapangunahingkatangiannglawangBulusanna may labinganimnahektaryaanglawak at may
tatlumpu’tdalawang metro anglalim. Anglawa ay tatlongdaan at
animnapu’tlimangtaonggulangna.Ito’ymaaaringmaratingsapamamagitanng bus o
anumangsasakyangpangkalsadasaloobng may humigit-kumulangsadalawa at kalahatingoras.

Ibigbaninyongdumalawdoon? Kayo’ymalugodnainaanyayahan at
buongpusongtatanggapinngmapang-akitnalawangnakahimlaysatuktoknghigantengbulkan.

***
Human Interest Feature Article

George, he’s a hero!

By Emilyn Martinez

IT IS “natural” for women to be lavanderas if that is the best thing that they can do for a living, but
have you heard of a guy who does laundry to support his family? Well, there is such an unusual guy in our
school.

George Francis, a 17-year-old junior, has taken on the difficult responsibility of providing for his little
sister and brother. He is father and mother to them, since both his parents are deceased. His three other
sisters have their own families. Fortunately, his youngest brother is cared for by an aunt.

To be able to feed his siblings and send them to school, George does the laundry of a family in
Moriones. Saturdays he washes their week’s laundry and Sundays, he irons them, a back-breaking job that
assures him P400 a week. And for schooldays, at 5 p.m., when his classes are over, he cleans the house of
his amo for a monthly wage of P500. In one month, he earns a total of P2,100 which he says is enough for
their food, daily baon and monthly rent of P300.

“I’ve been doing this for three years now,” he says. “Mahirap, peronasanaynaako (It’s hard but I’m
already used to it).” Despite his work, he manages to get good grades. And although he has so much to do,
he does his share of the housework because he doesn’t want to tire out his brother and sister “I want them
to concentrate on their studies,” he says.

George Francis is only one of our many students who must struggle daily in order to survive. If
RhonaMahilom, the girl from Negros who saved her younger sisters and brothers when their house caught
fire, is a hero, George is a hero for saving his sister and brother from starvation, for giving them a home
and family to afford them the security they badly need in their formative years.

George’s touching story serves as an inspiration to us. We give you, George, a big round of
applause. We are proud of you and may your tribe increase.