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Feature and Column Writing MCM 514

LESSON 08

STRUCTURE OF FEATURES

Generally speaking, there might not any significance about the structure of a feature, and people will like

to divide it into three major portions, that is, the Intro, body and conclusion. However, with the passage of

time and considering the reservations and constraints of the readers, one must be giving due attention to

the division, and especially the transition from one portion to another, as a reader must be carried along

with it. Otherwise, he might lose interest in the middle, and would never read that article again.

A feature is seldom written in the traditional inverted pyramid pattern or it can be written in a narrative

fashion, much like a good joke or anecdote. A good feature requires as much organisation as the straight

news story, for the feature has to flow smoothly and parts of a feature story must be kept intact if it is to

succeed. In the well-planned story, every paragraph, every sentence, should add to the total effect.

However, the structure may vary from feature to feature. However, it goes like this when it is written with

the usual standards.

Intro or Lead

The lead must attract immediate attention and pull the reader into the story. Leads can vary in style and

content. You can use description, narration, dialogue, question, unusual statement, call to action,

comparison-contrast. (Discussed in detail in the last lectures).

Transition

No matter how good the lead is, you need a solid transition into the body of the feature. If you think of the

lead as a lure to attract the audience, then the transition sets the hook. It makes the reader want to

continue. And it promises some kind of satisfaction or reward. The reward can be entertainment,

information or self-awareness but has to be something of value to the reader.

Body

Sound knowledge of the subject, coupled with good writing skills, will let you take the reader through a

variety of experiences. You should use the standard writing devices of crisp dialogue, documental but

vivid fact and detail, careful observation, suspense and if appropriate, plot.

Body is the major area

Whenever, one is writing the body of a feature which can carry many short pieces following points

must be kept in mind.

Never fill it, important part

People can try to fill the part only may be thinking that the reader has been gripped into a certain situation

and he will stick to reading the feature. It is never the case as the newspaper reading is a willing one, and

if the reader feels that he is being bored or over-burdened, he might leave it even in the middle of the

feature. So every word and concept must be rightly written and rightly placed.

Should be well-connected, forceful and coordinated

All the paragraphs of the main body should be well-connected with each other. Jumping from one idea to

another should be well-thought and must be seen whether it is getting its connection to the previous or the

following paragraphs. Never take it for granted that the reader is going to form linkages in the thought

process.

Avoid unnecessary details

When we say a particular portion of a feature is the main body, it never means that every detail should be

put in order to fill that body. There must be only relevant details without any stuffing-the-sack idea. The

writer must consider that the main body is as important as the other portions of the feature. Concentrating

in the same manner like the way the Intro or the Lead is written, the reader will remain absorbed in the

story.

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Feature and Column Writing MCM 514

But never omit important if it is required so

If unnecessary details are to be avoided, then it never means that the important should be missed or

omitted from the feature. Obviously the responsibility of keeping this intact and observing the rule lies

with the writer.

Building towards the climax

Main body should be used as a portion, which is building the feature towards the climax. Hence, it must

be planned in this manner that reader is expecting the climax after the main body.

Conclusion

The conclusion should give the reader a sense of satisfaction. You need to tie the conclusion to the lead so

that the story has unity. Often you can do this through a short, tight summary, occasionally, you can

conclude with an anecdote or a quote that sums up the substance of the story. With a narrative approach,

you build toward a climax.

Length

If a reporter asks how long a feature story should be, the editor may reply, 'as long as you keep it

interesting.' Feature stories vary in length from two or three paragraphs to 15 or 20 triple-spaced sheets of

copy. Readers' interest is the main yardstick by which they are judged. And editors are paid to accurately

assess readers' interest.