ESOL News Network--How to Write a Feature Story

"How to...Write a Feature Story"

Feature stories are different from news stories. They do not have to be about an event that is happening now. Feature stories are in-depth (done in great detail). Feature articles are about ideas, trends, or behind-the-scene stories of major events. ENN looks for interesting stories that bring an ELL student perspective (viewpoint) on local, state, national and international issues.

An example of a feature story is an article about how students feel about school. You can see a feature story of this very kind by clicking on the "Sample Feature Story" button below.

A feature story not only tells the facts of a story, but also explains and interprets (gives meaning to) the facts in more detail. A good writer looks for more background information (why and how), interviews people who know about the story and observes what is happening about the topic. The writer must think about all these things and present the story in an organized way.

A feature story is usally longer and more complicated than a news story.

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