Now Featuring . . .
Module 1, Activity 5.1 - Introduction to Feature Writing
Student Page
(teacher lesson for this page)

Activities:

Task One - Researching the Feature

Once you have chosen a class topic, brainstorm a list of more specific questions under your original broad topic.

For example, if you were to choose the topic Teen Drug Use, then you might generate questions such as:

1. What are the number one causes of teen drug use?
2. What effects does drug use have on teens?
3. What are the most commonly used drugs by teens?
4. How do teens get access to drugs?

Once you have generated a substantial list of questions (approximately 10), split into groups of 3-4. Each question is a central idea within the broader topic and each group is responsible for researching one of the questions.

Need a review on effective researching skills?
See the following websites.
1. Media Awarness Network - How to search the internet effectively
2. Bright Planet's Guide to Searching - Guide to effective searching of the internet

Your group needs to find a minimum of 5 different articles that relate to your question. You are responsible for finding as much information from within those articles that might relate to your groups' specific question. If you find any information that might help another group, be sure to give them the article or URL.

Objectives:

You will be able to
- state and evaluate an author's theme, tone, and viewpoint
- assess an author's ideas and techniques
- compare, contrast, and evaluate texts

Once you have answered the questions, participate in the class discussion regarding researching.

Task Two - Finding the Angle
The feature story's purpose is to hook the reader and interest them in a more in-depth look at an issue. The writer must decide on a central question to answer. Read the feature article written about smoking in college dorms or choose one of the indepth news stories from CBC as an example of a feature. Pay close attention to the lead paragraph. After reading, answer the following questions:

Task Four - Writing the Angle
Choose your favorite narrative poem or song.

A narrative poem or song tells a story focusing on details of plot or actions.

Find the lyrics/words for that song/poem and read through them carefully.

Decide, as a journalist, what your angle for this story would be. Experiment and try writing two different leads for a feature story dealing with the events from your poem or story.