Articles (Leaving Cert English): Revision Notes
Feature Article
Understanding feature articles
A feature article represents a unique blend of journalism and creative writing that you'll encounter in your Leaving Cert English exam. Unlike straightforward news reporting, this format gives you the freedom to explore topics with personality, creativity, and insight.
Think of a feature article as combining the storytelling elements of a personal essay with the informative structure you'd find in newspapers and magazines. These pieces tackle contemporary issues, social concerns, or topics of personal interest, using both factual information and narrative techniques to engage readers deeply.
The key difference from hard news lies in the approach - while news reports focus purely on facts, feature articles allow you to inject personal reflexion, creative expression, and a more relaxed tone into your writing. This makes them perfect for exploring complex topics that deserve more than just surface-level coverage.
Building your feature article structure
When writing your feature article in the exam, follow this proven five-part structure that examiners recognise and appreciate:
The Five-Part Feature Article Structure:
- Headline - Attention-grabbing title
- Standfirst - Opening hook paragraph
- Main Content - 3-4 substantial paragraphs
- Conclusion - Memorable ending with impact
- Consistent Voice - Throughout all sections
Creating an engaging headline
Your title should immediately grab attention and give readers a reason to continue. Think clever wordplay, thought-provoking statements, or intriguing phrases that hint at your article's content.
Headline Example: "Generation Pause: Why Young People Are Putting Life on Hold"
This headline uses alliteration and poses an interesting question that draws readers in immediately.
Crafting your opening paragraph (standfirst)
This crucial section acts as your hook - a brief introduction that sits just below your headline. Here's where you establish your topic and give readers a taste of your writing style and perspective. You might start with a compelling quote, an interesting statistic, a rhetorical question, or a personal anecdote that connects to your main theme.
Developing your main content
The heart of your article typically consists of three to four substantial paragraphs, each exploring a different aspect of your chosen topic. Focus on one main point per paragraph, weaving together personal reflections, factual information, relevant quotes, and touches of humour or irony where appropriate.
Consider using subheadings to help organise your thoughts, though these are optional in exam conditions. The key is maintaining clear paragraph structure with distinct focus areas.
Concluding with impact
Your final paragraph should zoom out to provide broader insight or reflexion on your topic. End with something memorable - perhaps a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a rhetorical statement that leaves readers thinking about your article long after they've finished reading.
Mastering language and style
The success of your feature article depends heavily on getting the tone and voice right for this format.
Your writing should feel conversational and engaging, as if you're having an intelligent discussion with a friend. Include wit and personality in your expression, while maintaining a slightly opinionated stance that shows you have something meaningful to say about your chosen topic.
Tone Requirements:
- Conversational and witty
- Engaging and lively
- Slightly opinionated
- Personal yet polished
Voice Options:
- First person using "I" for personal experiences
- Inclusive third person using "we" and "you"
- Must remain consistent throughout
Develop a strong personal voice throughout your piece. You can write in first person using "I" to share personal experiences and opinions, or adopt a more inclusive third-person approach using "we" and "you" to connect with readers. The key is consistency - stick with your chosen perspective throughout.
Incorporate various rhetorical devices to keep your writing lively and persuasive:
- Anecdotes to illustrate points
- Humor to lighten serious topics
- Hyperbole for emphasis
- Metaphors for vivid imagery
- Rhetorical questions to engage readers
- Statistics to support arguments
- Alliteration for memorable phrases
Remember that your purpose extends beyond simply informing readers. You want to entertain them, encourage reflexion, and offer fresh insights - not just present facts they could find elsewhere.
Choosing compelling topics
Successful feature articles often focus on issues that resonate with contemporary life and your target audience. Consider these popular areas that work well for exam writing:
- Modern teenage experiences - unique challenges and opportunities of your generation
- Social media and identity - how online platforms shape self-perception
- Stress and mental health - academic pressure and contemporary wellness concerns
- Celebrity culture - influence of public figures on society
- Technology's impact - effects on attention, learning, and human connection
- Generational differences - perspectives across age groups
- Personal interests - hobbies, dreams, and passions elevated to broader discussions
- Educational systems - combining personal experience with social commentary
Choose topics you can write about authentically. Personal connection to your subject matter will strengthen your voice and make your article more compelling.
Exam writing strategies
When writing your feature article under exam conditions, keep these practical strategies in mind to maximise your success:
Critical Exam Strategies:
Audience Awareness: Remember you're writing for general readers, not just your examiner. This perspective helps you explain concepts clearly and choose relevant examples.
Personal Connection: Make your writing personal by including your own experiences, observations, and reactions. This authenticity strengthens your voice.
Strong Opening: Hook readers immediately with your opening line. Spend time crafting a first sentence that grabs attention.
- Vary your sentence structure throughout the article - mix shorter, punchy statements with longer, more thoughtful ones
- Include rich, specific details that make your piece vivid and grounded in reality
- Avoid sounding preachy or overly academic - show insights through storytelling rather than lecturing
- Stay focused on a clear central message throughout your article
- If time permits, edit by cutting unnecessary words and sharpening your best phrases
Sample opening inspiration
Worked Example: Engaging Feature Article Opening
"I used to think burnout was something that happened to CEOs and over-achievers – not sixth years like me who've spent more time highlighting than actually reading. But somewhere between mock exams and UCAS deadlines, I realised that stress doesn't care how old you are."
Why This Works:
- Uses first-person perspective for authenticity
- Includes specific, relatable details ("highlighting than actually reading")
- Introduces topic with both humour and insight
- Establishes conversational tone immediately
- Sets up the article's exploration of student stress
Final review checklist
Quality Assurance Checklist:
Before submitting your feature article, quickly review these essential elements:
-
Engaging Introduction: Have you created an attention-grabbing opening that draws readers in from the first line?
-
Varied Content: Do your paragraphs explore different angles of the same topic rather than repeating the same point?
-
Personal Authenticity: Have you included personal insights, experiences, or observations that add authenticity?
-
Consistent Tone: Is your conversational yet polished style maintained throughout the piece?
-
Memorable Conclusion: Does your ending leave readers with a thought-provoking insight that extends beyond your specific topic?
Key Takeaways to Remember:
- Feature articles blend storytelling style with informative structure
- Use a conversational, witty, and slightly opinionated tone with strong personal voice
- Follow the five-part structure: headline, standfirst, main body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Include personal experiences and observations to add authenticity and engagement
- End with a memorable insight or thought-provoking conclusion that resonates with readers