feature article conventions Page 867

A proper feature article starts with a punchy headline and a crisp standfirst that tease the ride without giving away the destination.

Lead with a vivid lede, follow with a tight nut graf, then cruise through sections using subheads, sourced quotes, and data that informs without sedating.

Keep voice consistent, transitions smooth, and facts checked; anecdotes are garnish, not the whole meal.

Wrap with a memorable kicker, and deploy sidebars, pull quotes, and captions to guide the skim‑readers who claim they’re “just browsing.”