Writing an Interpretive

Feature Article
Learning Objectives
Identify the structural and stylistic conventions of a
1 feature article

Explain the difference between interpretive and

2 persuasive texts

Understand how texts are shaped by context, purpose

3 and audience

Understand how language features and evidence are

4 used to support the author's argument
 Contents:

1 2
Defining the Interpretive Context, Purpose &
Feature Article Audience

3 4
Interpretive vs. Persuasive Language Features & Evidence
Texts
Defining the Interpretive
Feature Article
What is a Feature Article?
A feature article is an article that deals with real events, issues or trends.

They are different from news articles. Where news articles aim to appear
objective and unbiased (although they seldom are), feature articles are
subjective (they can present a particular perspective on the topic) and they
are written creatively, usually placing emphasis on the people involved rather
than on the facts of the news.

Visually, a feature article is also much longer than a news article, which
allows for more detail and background information. They can also contain
graphics and photographs making them eye-catching and engaging.

The purpose of a feature article might be to entertain, persuade or to inform a

target audience on a particular topic.
 Structural Features
Feature articles will usually include the following structural features:

Headline Synopsis Introduction Body Paragraphs Conclusion

A bold, attention- A brief summary An engaging

Outline the Leaves a lasting
grabbing phrase or to hook the reader introduction that
author's sub-points impression and
statement that without giving captures the
and includes a can finish with a
engages the everything away. reader’s interest
range of evidence call to action.
reader. and introduces the
to support.
topic and/or main
argument.
 Stylistic Features
Feature articles will usually include the following stylistic features:

Subheadings Language Features

Creative and engaging use of

Smaller headings to help organise
language including rhetorical
the sections of the article.
devices, descriptive language and
syntax.

Tear Out Sections Images & Graphics Font Styles

Varying font to signpost important

Enlarged quotes from the article Can include photographs, headings, words or phrases e.g.
that are attention-grabbing. illustrations, maps or diagrams. bold, italics, underlining, capital
letters.
Interpretive vs.
Persuasive Texts
What is an Interpretive
Text?
Texts whose primary purpose is to explain and interpret
personalities, events, ideas, representations or concepts.

They include autobiography, biography, media feature

articles, blogs, documentary film and other non-fiction texts.

There is a focus on interpretive rather than informative texts

in the senior years of schooling.
 Persuasive vs. Interpretive Texts
The main similarities and differences between persuasive and interpretive texts are outlined below.

Persuasive Texts Interpretive Texts

Both offer perspectives or
opinions.
Appear more researched
More forceful, assertive and informative and
and emotive (an Both use similar language present more of a
intentional argument put features i.e. persuasive balanced argument
forward with an intent to language features, (considering both sides of
persuade the audience) descriptive language, an issue although they
figurative language etc may still include bias)

Further detail will be outlined on the following slide.

 Further Differences
Persuasive Texts Interpretive Texts
Get the reader to recognize your side of the argument is
Purpose Get the reader to agree with your opinion.
valid or worthy of consideration.
Starting Identify your topic and consider multiple sides to the
Identify your topic and choose your side.
Point issue - You may consider which side you support

• Emotion-based techniques that appeal to pathos e.g. • Logic-based techniques that appeal to logos e.g.
rhetorical question, direct address, emotive facts and statistics, expert opinion or appeal to
language authority
• Ignores counter arguments completely and only • Acknowledges opposing claims to present a
Techniques presents one side - the writer's side balanced argument
• Presents only ideas that help reinforce the writer's • Presents multiple sides but can subtly sway the
perspective reader towards the writer's side
• Uses evidence to convince the reader that the writer • May compare ideas to establish a position
is "right" • Uses evidence to show the writer makes valid points

Tone Emotionally charged, assertive or even aggressive. Calmer, reasoned, educated, informative
 Research Task
Conduct research and make a list of ten potential topics for an interpretive feature article. Consider:

News Sites Search Engine Social Media Social Justice Issues Areas of Personal
Trends Interest

What are some What are some What’s trending at What do you care What do you
recent events popular searches the moment? What about? What are enjoy? What are
featured in the at the moment? are people talking you passionate your hobbies?
world, national about right now? about? What interests
and local news? you?
Context, Purpose &
Audience
 Context, Purpose & Audience
Context, purpose and audience are upper school syllabus concepts. It is crucial to understand these terms
if we are to analyse how feature articles are shaped or constructed and if we are to write our own feature
articles. The following slides will outline these terms.
Context
Context refers to the environment in which a text is created and responded to. When analysing or
creating a feature article we might consider the following:

1 Authorial Context Who is the writer? What do we know about their background, their life,
their style and other work etc. How do these influence the text?

2 Situational Context Where and when is the text published (i.e. the publication)

3 Historical Context How does the text reflect the historical, social, cultural or political
period in which it was written? How have certain events or issues
influenced the text?
Purpose
Purpose refers to the reason for which a text is created. A text might be
constructed to achieve one or more of the following purposes:

• Persuade
• Advise
• Inform
• Comment
• Analyse
• Satirise
• Protest
• Parody
• Reflect
• Imagine
• Entertain
Audience
Audience refers to the group of readers that the writer is addressing. In
other words, a specific group of people with shared characteristics who
are most likely to be readers of a certain publication or people interested
in a certain issue. When identifying audience or constructing a text for a
particular audience, consider the following:

• Gender - male, female, all genders

• Age group - 0-15 16-25 26-45 46-60 60+
• Relationships - single, couple, married
• Income level - low, medium, high
• Hobbies - gardening, playing basketball, craft
• Geography - town, city, country, climate
• Employment - businessman, tradesman, nurse
• Wants and needs - be healthy, happy, loved, successful
Language Features &
Evidence
 Language Features & Evidence
When analysing the construction of interpretive feature articles it's important to consider the choices that
the author has made in regards to their language and rhetoric and how these are catered to a particular
context, purpose and audience.

Knowing these language features can also help us be persuasive and engaging writers when we construct
our own feature articles.
 Persuasive Language Features
An effective feature article will include persuasive language features to engage the audience and position them to
view the subject in a certain way. Some common techniques are as follows:

Direct Address Inclusive Language Rhetorical Question Jargon

Speaking directly to an Using first person Asking questions that Using subject–specific
audience using plural words like ‘we’, imply their own logical language that makes
pronouns such as ‘us’ and ‘our’ to create answer to force the the author appear as an
‘you’, ‘your’ and a sense of unity audience to make a expert in their field.
‘yourself’. between author and decision or think about
audience. an issue.
E.g. You wouldn't want E.g. The defendant has
your children to E.g. We need to act E.g. Can we really pleaded guilty to three
experience schoolyard now if we want to afford to ignore this counts of aggravated
bullying either. preserve the Earth for problem? assault (legal jargon).
future generations.
 Persuasive Language Features
An effective feature article will include persuasive language features to engage the audience and position them to
view the subject in a certain way. Some common techniques are as follows:

Repetition Tricolon Figurative Language Emotive Language

Repetitive use of A three-part sentence Using words or Using words with

particular words or that is effective because expressions with a strong emotional
phrases to create the human brain more meaning that is connotations to
emphasis or draw readily processes ideas different from the encourage a particular
attention. in groups of three. literal interpretation to response from the
create imagery or reader.
E.g. We're sorry for illustrate an idea.
being messy, we're E.g. The culling of E.g. Some poor little
sorry for being moody kangaroos is cruel, E.g. He glided through puppies are beaten,
and we're sorry for wasteful and a disgrace the water like a neglected and starved.
being lazy. to our nation. dolphin to win gold.
 Evidence
An effective feature article will also include evidence to support the author's argument or both sides of a
balanced argument. The four main types of evidence are as follows:

Facts & Statistics Expert Opinion

These make an argument sound scientific and help to make Adds weight to an argument by quoting a respected figure
it seem credible and well-researched. or organisation.

E.g. 85% of Australia's population live in urban areas. E.g. Professor Howard Ong's extensive research in this
area leaves little doubt that the pill works.

Anecdotes Real Life Examples

Adding a brief personal story to form a connection with the Including examples of real people, places or events to
reader through illustrating the writer's experience. support the author's argument.
E.g. In my local community, I started a recycling E.g. Famous fashion model Marceline Anderson only uses
awareness program. ethical brands.
Your Turn
Now you have the tools to do the following:

Look at a range of different types of feature articles and

1 assess their style, structure, language and overall
effectiveness in achieving their purpose and engaging their
audience.

Create your own interpretive feature article on a topic of

2 your choice that reflects a clear sense of context, purpose
and audience.

Good luck!
Elements Used:
Elements Used: