Types of Features in Magazine Journalism.pptx

This material is made for UG level Journalism students.

1. Types of Features

2. Descriptive Features Descriptive features are all about painting a vivid picture with words. The primary goal is to immerse the reader in a particular place, event, or experience by appealing to their senses. It's not just about what something looks like, but also what it sounds, smells, feels, and even tastes like. This type of feature relies heavily on sensory language, metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to create a strong sense of atmosphere. Example: Instead of just saying "The market was busy," a descriptive feature would say something like: "The air in the market hung thick with the sweet, cloying scent of overripe mangoes, punctuated by the sharp, metallic tang of fresh fish on ice. A cacophony of sounds filled the space – the rhythmic thud of a butcher's cleaver, the high-pitched haggling of vendors, and the gentle shuffle of hundreds of feet on the dusty floor. Sunlight, thick and golden, streamed through the gaps in the corrugated roof, illuminating the vibrant chaos below."

3. Human Interest Features Human interest features are the heart and soul of feature writing. They focus on the emotional and personal aspects of a story, exploring the lives, struggles, and triumphs of ordinary people. The goal is to create a connection between the reader and the subject, evoking empathy, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of the human condition. These stories often highlight themes of resilience, compassion, and the universal experiences that unite us. Example: A news report might state that a local animal shelter is overcrowded. A human-interest feature would tell the story of a dedicated volunteer who spends their weekends nursing sick kittens back to health. The feature would delve into the volunteer's motivations, the emotional toll of the work, and the joy they experience when a kitten finds a loving home. The story would be filled with anecdotes and quotes that reveal the volunteer's passion and the impact of their work.

4. Profiles A profile is an in-depth look at a particular individual. It goes beyond a simple biography to explore the subject's personality, character, and motivations. A good profile offers a multi-dimensional view of the person, revealing their complexities, contradictions, and what makes them unique. It often involves extensive interviews with the subject, as well as with friends, family, and colleagues to provide a well-rounded perspective. Example: A profile of a successful chef wouldn't just list their accomplishments. It would take the reader into their bustling kitchen, describing the controlled chaos and the chef's intense focus. It would include anecdotes from their childhood that reveal their early passion for food, and quotes from their staff that illustrate their leadership style. The profile would also explore their creative process, their sources of inspiration, and the challenges they've faced in their career.

5. Travel Features Travel features transport the reader to a different destination, offering a personal and immersive account of a journey. They go beyond a simple travel guide to capture the essence of a place – its culture, its people, its atmosphere. A good travel feature is a blend of personal reflection, descriptive detail, and practical information. It should inspire the reader to travel, or at least to see the world in a new way. Example: Instead of just listing the tourist attractions of a city, a travel feature would tell the story of a writer's personal journey. It might describe getting lost in the narrow, winding streets of an old town, the taste of a local delicacy discovered in a hidden cafe, and a chance encounter with a friendly local who shares a story about the city's history. The feature would be filled with sensory details that bring the destination to life for the reader.

6. Entertainment Features Entertainment features cover the world of arts, culture, and entertainment. They can take many forms, including reviews, interviews with artists, behind-the-scenes looks at productions, and explorations of cultural trends. The goal is to provide readers with an engaging and insightful look at the world of entertainment, helping them to discover new things and to better understand the creative process. Example: An entertainment feature could be an interview with a film director about their latest movie. The feature would go beyond the standard questions to explore the director's artistic vision, the challenges of the production, and the personal experiences that inspired the film. It might also include behind-the-scenes photos and anecdotes from the set, giving readers an exclusive glimpse into the world of filmmaking.

7. Aftermath Features Aftermath features, also known as follow-up features, revisit a news story after the initial event has passed. They explore the long-term consequences of the event, the impact on the people involved, and the lessons learned. These stories provide a sense of closure and a deeper understanding of the lasting effects of news events. Example: A news report might cover a major natural disaster, such as a hurricane. An aftermath feature, published months or even years later, would return to the affected community to see how they are rebuilding their lives. It would tell the stories of individuals who have lost their homes, the challenges they face in recovery, and the signs of hope and resilience in the community.

8. Writing Reviews: Books and Restaurants Reviews are a specific type of feature that offer a critical assessment of a product, service, or experience. The goal is to provide readers with an informed and engaging opinion that helps them to make a decision. A good review is more than just a summary; it's a well-reasoned argument that is supported by specific examples and a clear, consistent voice. Book Reviews: A book review should go beyond a simple plot summary. It should analyze the author's writing style, the development of the characters, the effectiveness of the plot, and the overall themes of the book. It should also offer a clear and well-supported opinion on whether the book is worth reading. Restaurant Reviews: A restaurant review should cover all aspects of the dining experience, from the ambiance and service to the quality of the food. It should use descriptive language to evoke the flavors and textures of the dishes, and it should offer a balanced and fair assessment of the restaurant's strengths and weaknesses. It should also include practical information, such as the price range and location.