Features are EVERGREEN stories, unlike news stories. News stories occur within a close timeframe, while feature stories are long lasting.; generally, you can use them any time in your publication. In addition, features appeal to our EMOTIONS!

Some of the categories of feature stories are:

• The profile or interview: Because people are inherently interested in the lives of those around them, one the most popular features is the profile. The profile or interview focuses on one person WHO HAS MADE A NOTABLE IMPACT. This person is of interest to the reader because of a role he has played in the news, a tragedy he has experienced, has a unique hobby or talent, a problem he has to overcome, or a success.

• The trend piece or informative news story (also called the In-Depth Report): offers insights on society and the way we live. Informative features can focus on many subjects, and must rely on SOUND RESEARCH! Trend stories document, explain, and analyze new developments in society. They often articulate and explain movements that have not been so clearly noted before. Hard news stories often lend themselves to related feature stories (remember "Officer Slain" led to "too Few Moments Together").

Examples of trend stories include "The New Extended Family: Divorce Reshapes the American Household." A story like this would use documented facts, such as the fact that 2 out of 3 American marriages now end in divorce, and more than 50% of all American children do not live with both their natural parents. These facts would be combined with quotes from interviews with 50% of all American children do not live with both their natural parents. These facts would be combined with quotes from interviews with experts and families who fit the profile.

• Service and How-to Articles: Examples of service pieces are stories on how to find work as a babysitter, how to study for the SATs, etc. This kind of article is the workhorse of journalism. People always want to know how to improve the way they do things, or learn how to do something new.

• What other categories can you define? Features come in many shapes and sizes. Think about the stories that interest you.

1. Primary purpose is to entertain, usually to read in leisure moments.
2. More emphasis on human interest.
3. Use of VIVID words to create images and stimulate the 5 senses.
4. Use of MORE QUOTES.
5. More freedom in form and structure. Feature stories rarely have a news summary lead.
6. Can usually be written in any style that is appropriate to content and purpose of story.
7. Does not have to pass the cut-off test. The article is rounded out by linking up the conclusion with the beginning; it reads like a good essay!

1. Biographical sketches of people
2. Historical places and events
3. Unusual events
4. News Feature – focus in on a human interest angle of a news event

1. Contrast
2. Shocker
3. Question
4. Quotation
5. One Word
6. Descriptive
7. Narrative

On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions. You may work with a partner if you wish! Use the newspaper you have been given to help you answer the questions.

1. Find three different feature stories in the paper. Explain briefly how each fits the different type of story we discussed. Provide the headline and explain how the content and style support your answer.
2. What rhetorical devices do these feature stories use? Explain what is being used and how.
3. Suggest three topics (6 if you are working with a partner) that would make interesting feature stories for The Schreiber Times.