WorksheetsFeature Writing
Total questions: 13
Worksheet time: 7mins
Some writers follow the so-called “40-40-20 rule” when writing features, which outlines how to divide their time. What does each number represent?
40 percent of time on writing, 40 percent on background research and 20 percent on reporting
40 percent of time on background research, 40 percent on reporting, and 20 percent on writing
40 percent of time on reporting, 40 percent on writing and 20 percent on fact checking
40 percent of time on writing, 40 percent on sleeping and 20 percent on exercising
True or False: “Always get the name of the dog” is a reminder to gather all the details while reporting.
True
False
The best way to conduct interviews for features is:
in person
Skype or Zoom
Phone
Whatever works for the interviewee
Of the following sentences, the second one best illustrates the principle of “show not tell.”
Sentence #1 “Hannah sank into the old office chair, the green vinyl quietly squeaking as she slumped down and dropped her head back, loudly exhaling into the still–dark room.”
Sentence #2 “Hannah was tired after a long night at work.”
True
False
Why is finding the theme important to the feature writing process?
It helps the writer decide what details to include in the story.
It helps the writer pitch the story to editors for publication.
It helps the writer decide what music to listen to while writing.
It helps the writer pen a good headline.
What two reporting skills help a writer create a story setting?
Observation and interviewing
Quick thinking and good judgment
Photography and recording
Organization and time management
What element or elements should be at the heart of a feature story?
Facts and information
Descriptive language
People
History and background
Which of the following isn't a function of dialogue in feature writing?
Conveying a character’s personality and authenticity
Creating a change of pace in the writing
Moving the story along
Allowing the writer to try out script-writing abilities
It is best to avoid verb forms of “to be” such as “she is” or “he was.”
True
False
Which of the following sentences contains a metaphor?
Her smile shone like sunshine.
A heavy fog lingered over the hill.
The cat’s meow sounded like a squeaky door.
This test was a breeze.
In a feature story, action...
propels the narrative forward
shows more details about the characters
Feature writing is the closest journalism gets to fiction.
True
False
Feature writing allows the writer to include more of their opinion than a regular news story.
True
False
