Question 1

Feature stories are often optional, entertaining stories that don't have to be written, but offer an enjoyable reading experience.

Accepted Answer

Feature stories are not required to meet any news value criteria, but are often included for their unique or interesting content that may not be directly related to hard news.

Question 2

Features are non-fiction stories written with the writing techniques of fiction; while the content of feature stories is never imagined or created, the content may be treated imaginatively and creatively.

Accepted Answer

Features are indeed non-fiction stories written using writing techniques found in fiction, but the content of the feature is always based on true events and people. However, writers may use creative writing techniques to present the story in a compelling and engaging way.

Question 3

Like other news stories, features are written under strict deadline pressure.

Accepted Answer

Features are often not written under strict deadline pressure because they are usually more in-depth, focusing on background, context, and the human element, allowing for more time to research and craft the story compared to hard news.

Question 4

What happens when a hard news story is given feature treatment?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What happens when a hard news story...

Question 5

What is a sidebar?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is a sidebar?...

Question 6

Unlike news stories, features do not structure information in an inverted pyramid form, but are more casual, conversational and cleverly written.

Accepted Answer

Features are more informal in style and often use storytelling techniques to engage the reader, allowing for more creativity and personality in their writing. They do not follow the strict inverted pyramid structure used in news articles.

Question 7

In a feature lead, some, if not all, of the usual who-what-when-where-why-how information is omitted and picked up after the lead is finished.

Accepted Answer

In a feature lead, the focus is on drawing the reader in with an intriguing or captivating opening, and the who-what-when-where-why-how details are usually provided in the subsequent paragraphs.

Question 8

Feature leads, more like opening sections of stories, set the direction and tone of the story and are finished when the introductory unit is complete.

Accepted Answer

Feature leads are meant to introduce the direction and tone of the story and are considered complete when the introductory unit is finished.

Question 9

"Feature stories offer particular benefits to public relations writers." Explain how.

Accepted Answer

The answer of "Feature stories offer particular benefits to public...

Question 10

Feature leads are very formal and avoid the use of contractions.

Accepted Answer

Feature leads often use a more conversational tone, which can include the use of contractions, to engage the reader and make the writing feel more accessible and lively.

Question 11

Feature writers are expected to write leads that are clever, entertain readers with creative language, and attract readers into reading the story. How is this accomplished?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Feature writers are expected to write leads...

Question 12

Feature writers have a great deal of latitude in writing their leads. As long as the lead attracts readers to a story, it is considered well written.

Accepted Answer

Feature writing is often focused on grabbing the reader's attention and holding their interest, so leads can be creative and unconventional as long as they achieve that goal.

Question 13

What is involved in creating a narrative story structure?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is involved in creating a narrative...

Question 14

Personal narratives involve individuals telling readers what happened to them, with the exception of reporters, who are never permitted to use the personal narrative format in a news or feature story.

Accepted Answer

This statement is not entirely true. While personal narratives are typically used for individuals to share their own experiences, reporters may use a personal anecdote or story to add context or interest to a news or feature story. However, the focus of the story should still remain on the facts and information being reported, rather than the personal experience of the reporter.

Question 15

What are color stories?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are color stories?...

Question 16

Color features are highly structured.

Accepted Answer

Color features are not highly structured as they can vary widely in intensity, hue, and saturation, making them less predictable and more complex to analyze compared to other structured data types.

Question 17

Sensory language is typical of color features, and color stories are also known for their richness of observed physical detail.

Accepted Answer

Sensory language often includes describing physical details, such as color features, and color stories are known for their ability to incorporate rich sensory descriptions.

Question 18

Some professionals argue that all journalistic stories are human interest stories, since all stories appeal in some way to the human values of readers. Agree or disagree? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some professionals argue that all journalistic stories...

Question 19

While human interest features generally take the form of lengthy interview articles, the journalist must remember he or she is not a stenographer and that the same rules apply for quotes discussed earlier: Keep 'em brief!

Accepted Answer

The answer of While human interest features generally take the...

Question 20

How does a personality profile differ from a news interview story?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does a personality profile differ from...

Quiz 10: Features: Alternative Story Types