Writing Feature Articles - Lesson .
Beginner
Modify Instructional Strategy:
Present an example of an effective
angle using the ?rst few paragraphs
of a mentor text from Feature
Articles Packet – Beginner (Handout
1.1a), such as, “In the Middle.”
Modify Instructional Strategy:
Have students use Develop an
Angle – Beginner (Handout 1.3a) to
develop an angle.
Experienced
Modify Mentor Text:
Present an example of an
effective angle using the ?rst few
paragraphs of a suitable mentor
text from Feature Articles Packet –
Experienced (Handout 1.1a), such
as “Fashion Police. “ Ask students to
identify the angle and what makes it
focused and fresh.
Modify Instructional Strategy:
Describe several different types of
angles for feature articles:
• One particular angle (eg,
recycling by people living in
cities)
• A more speci?c idea (eg,
recycling by New Yorkers)
• Variations on one speci?c idea
(eg, recycling by New Yorkers
living in apartment buildings)
• A ridiculous or funny angle
(eg, recycling by New York
artists who turn trash into art)
• A serious angle (eg, recycling
by disabled New Yorkers)
• A men’s or a women’s angle
(eg, recycling by moms vs.
recycling by dads)
• A teen’s or children’s angle
(recycling by New York City
students in their schools).
In the Teacher Model, demonstrate
how to develop alternative angles by
type.
Mini Lesson (
min)
Show lesson visuals, Find Your Angle.
Today’s Strategy: To decide on a unique angle for the article by
trying out multiple approaches to one or more topics.
Introduce the lesson by explaining that students will now
determine what the angle of their feature article will be.
Feature articles are designed to provide the reader with new
information, a new perspective and/or deeper understanding of
a focused topic. Feature articles place emphasis on the people
involved rather than simply on the facts. It is important to help
students think about who their audience is and what they want
their readers to come away with as part of this process.
Explain that developing an angle means writing about
the topic with the writer’s own special spin. This is at the
core of the genre. By presenting his or her own perspective,
the writer offers readers something unique or different, which
is likely to grab readers’ attention. Instead of boring them with
the “same old thing,” the article, in addition to informing the
audience, may surprise, inspire or excite them.
Present an example of an effective angle using a mentor
text from the Feature Articles Packet – Intermediate
(Handout 1.1a.) Read aloud the ?rst few paragraphs of “HighTech Bullies” and/or “Picking Teachers: Should Parents Weigh
In” to demonstrate how authors put an interesting and personal
twist on a topic. Explain that the spin is what makes the article
compelling. For example, a feature focused on why cyberbullies
are a greater challenge to catch than playground bullies is more
focused, fresh and potentially in-depth than a news article that
just gives statistics on the growing number of bullying incidents
now that kids are online.
Clarify the fact that feature articles are not “how-to”
articles. If students want to share their expertise in paper
airplane making, for example, they should not write a how-to
guide for building a paper airplane, but instead they should craft
an article with a unique angle, for instance, an article about the
kinds of people who get excited about paper airplanes or the
world of paper airplane contests.