Magazine Article Conventions

A feature article differs from a straight news story In several ways. A news story provides Information about a (generally current) event or situation. A feature article has more functionality and longevity- It Interprets news, adds depth, opinion or entertainment.

Essay Example on Structural Conventions

Headline: The headline of a feature article uses bold and descriptive language to draw the attention of the reader. Also works to construct a vivid image In the mind of the reader. Headline is always visually appealing: bold and clear.

Can sometimes contain Jokes. Puns or provocative language to entertain reader. Can also ask rhetorical questions.

Structure

Introduction: The introduction entices the reader, whilst clarifying the subject. It establishes the writer’s point of view/thesis. Uses direct quotations, recounts, questions, descriptions or a personal Interest story (the experiences of a person unique to the topic) to encourage readers to read further.

Body: Goes Into further detail about the topic. Answers any unanswered questions raised in the introduction.

Uses direct quotations, expert opinions, interviews, anecdotes, statistics and facts. Avoids lengthy complex paragraphs as articles are often written in columns.

Conclusion: Closes the epic by making final conclusions. Malignant the mood of the story.

Language: The language used in feature articles is persuasive and emotive: intended to create a particular emotional response in the mind of the reader (this could range from sorrow to anger or intrigue depending on the article). Articles can sometimes use “catch phrases” or a repetitive phrase to trigger a response In the audience.

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Selection and omission of detail Is significant. Language can sometimes be bold and exaggerated to create an emotional response: when reading, highlight words with particularly strong connotations.

Makes use of motive language, inclusive language (we, our), rhetorical questions and a mixture of long and short sentences. The language is also well suited to the target audience. For example, a feature article from Girlfriend magazine may use vocabulary that is suited to a young teenage reader, where as The New York Magazine may make specific references to places and words only New Yorkers would know. Images, data, graphs and statistics: Images that are unique to the story are often used to add to the emotion of the story. Photos of the people featured in the human-interest stories are often used.

Graphs ND pie charts are sometimes used as they add a visual element and can often “snack” ten reader. CE rattan Important quotations are Elodea Ana drawn out AT ten text to catch the reader’s attention (even if they do not read the full article, they are aware of the impact through the quotations used). Source and target audience: When analyzing a feature article, you must ask: What source did the article come from (I. E. What magazine, newspaper of Internet source)? Does the writer have an agenda (I. E. Are they trying to promote a particular point of view)?

Who is the intended target audience (you can determine this by tidying the language, and visual cues such as colors and images used)? Is the article free or do you have to pay to access it? Bias and point of view: Bias is the representation of one side of an issue or topic, without exploring or acknowledging an equally valid (but opposing) point of view. The writers of feature articles sometimes face pressure to promote a particular product, way of thinking or political point of view. Feature articles will also present “one side of the story’: writers may omit (leave out) certain ideas to add to the emotional power of the story.