Writing a Feature News Article

Unlike a lead news article that typically focuses on events and issues that have occurred within the past day or two, a feature news article may be written to shed light on a serious issue that needs attention but not necessarily immediately. A feature news article can also be a human interest story that’s heartwarming, tragic, or just plain entertaining. Feature news articles many times

• do not have to be printed as quickly as a lead news story
• use creative leads and endings
• lack the inverted pyramid style
• use many sources and lively quotes
• use descriptive writing to tell the story.

Based on only the headlines below, try your hand at identifying whether or not these articles would probably be feature news articles. (Hint: think of the timeliness of the event or subject.)

1. Baltimore Ravens Win the Superbowl

2. Crime Rate Increases by 10% Over Past Decade

3. Bad Weather Predicted for 2004 Winter

4. Car Crash Injures Family of Seven

5. New Year's Resolutions Don't Last Past February

6. Wrong Glasses Can Cause Headaches

7. Train Derails in Ohio; 16 Injured

8.Life for Lottery Winner Not All Smiles

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