JOURNALISM 7

Name of Learner: _______________________________________ Grade Level: _______

Section: ______________________________________ Score: ____________
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
FEATURE STORIES: ITS NATURE, PURPOSE AND KINDS
Background Information for Learners
Feature Story: Its Concepts and Nature
If defining news were a hard task for many writers due to its many perspectives, feature
stories would be less difficult. Many writers agree on the concepts and nature of feature stories.
A feature story is an interesting article that focuses on certain people, places, events or
subject matters like career, relationships, money, health, lifestyle, among others. Because it is
so elaborative, a writer is “free as a bird” in crafting his ideas, in weaving his ideas and in
presenting his ideas. Again, redundant as it may, feature writing breaks the box of rules where
news writing is incarcerated.
With such a concept in mind, you may think that feature articles are longer, more in
depth and more elaborate than hard news stories. They make use of the upright triangle style
rather than the inverted triangle approach most of the time. However, as a writer, you must still
keep in mind that feature stories are lodged under the umbrella of journalism, whose
foundations are facts, facts, and facts. Hence, feature stories are not opinion essays or editorials
and should not be confused with creative writing or works of fiction.
A feature story primarily banks on special human interest that may or may not be
closely tied to a recent news event. It goes into great detail regarding concepts and ideas of
specific market of interest.
Take this comparison. A feature story is like a spotlight in a concert hall. Everyone in
the concert hall may become the subject. Once the spotlight strikes a member of the audience,
he or she becomes distinct and eventually grabs the attention of everyone.
According to Okoye (2012), a feature story is an in-depth and factual write-up on a
topical issue which seeks to give comprehensive information in a more captivating and relaxed
style than straight news.
Meanwhile, Reuters Handbook of Journalism says that a feature story is “...an insight
into a trend or an issue or personality. It enlightens the reader about that trend, issue, or
personality in a broad context. It uses specific examples to illustrate that trend or issue and puts
them in-a broad framework that allows the social, economic, corporate, and/or political
implications to shine through, whether sectoral, national or global.”
A feature article, therefore, relates to so many forms and subjects. Its forms include
narrative stories, poems, essays, tales, anecdotes, and others. Its subjects, on the other hand,
may include love, hatred, jealousy, emotions, war, friendship, and other human forms of
experiences. With its diverse forms, many campus papers believe that feature page is the same
with literary page. That is why there are campus papers which have a section titled as
“literary/feature” page. It must be clear to both beginning and developing campus papers that
literary and features are NOT similar.
 Finally, writing a feature is a war of creativity on the use of language. It is so stylistic
that it entails a writer’s constant reading and interminable practice.
Characteristics of Feature Stories
1. Variety of subject matter
As discussed previously, a feature story can take any topic under the sun. The kindling
of the reader's interest on such a topic primarily depends on the writer’s creativity on using
the language.
2. Variety of tones
Since feature stories are meant to entertain other than to inform, the feature writer may
use variety of dramatic tone, say a creepy story, exciting narration, suspensive drama, angry
letter, morbid experience, and the like.
3. Variety of form and style
Feature stories may use any form and any style depending on the writer’s judicious
judgement to easily capture the reader’s attention. One may use acrostic or literary
techniques in crafting stories, so long as the content is factual.
4. Well-organized
A feature story is actually an essay. Therefore, it follows a general format of having an
introduction, body, and ending. Its contents, like all other pieces of writing, should be
logically arranged such that a smooth flow of ideas is attained. Hence, it still follows the
rules of thumb in effective writing.
5. Strikes keynotes in a first sentence
The secret of arousing reader’s attention is to intrigue him at the beginning. That is why
feature stories need to be very striking at the first part. It does not necessarily mean, though,
that the first sentence summarizes the important details in the first sentence like in straight
news. If one does this, suspense is forfeited, excitement is lost.
6. May or may not be timely
Unlike news articles, feature stories may skip immediacy because it is up for the
writer’s dexterous use of the language to make the antiquated subject rise from the tom and
capture the attention of the current readers.
Types of Feature Stories
As stated previously, feature stories have a wide array of forms and styles, hence, the
following types.
1. Informative feature. This gives information on subject of current interest. This feature is
usually based on interview and research.
2. Human interest feature. Sometimes called “concerned story,” it deals with minor
incidents that deserve attention because of dramatic, humorous, tragic, sensational, or
unusual (odd) angle of the story. This kind of feature story appeals to the emotion; it may
have a lesser news value, but it enjoys wide readership because of its human appeal.
Primarily, it exposes burning issues which need urgent solutions. It also shows the
magnitude of the problem through cases, anecdotes, and quotable quotes. This feature
highlights the dramatic condition and experiences of certain groups of people. Further, it is
written using heart-piercing presentations, which evoke emotional responses to the readers.
3. News feature. It gets its materials from current events, covering details that were omitted
by the news.
4. Personal experience. This tells of some unusual true-to-life experiences written in the first-
person account.
5. Personality sketch. Some books differ in nomenclature; others regard this as profile
feature. Silver screen celebrities, political figures, athletes, beauty titlist, there are the
popular choices for personality sketch. Notably, people are interested in people, so much
so, articles written about them, especially about their private lives, and secrets are much
sought-after and read by their fans. However, simple persons may be highlighted through
the use of this kind of feature story.
6. Humorous feature. The primary objective of feature stories is to entertain. So, what is
more fitting than making people laugh and be relieved of the stress of life while reading
your article?
7. Interpretative feature. This feature helps the reader understand the background and
significance of social, economic, political, and other problems of everyday life.
8. Seasonal or holiday feature. This feature story includes subjects like events celebrated
once a year. It primarily magnifies the significance and relevance of holidays,
anniversaries, and special events.
9. Travelogue. It is an account of one’s travel experience and a vivid description of places
visited. Also, it highlights the beauty of interacting with people and places. It offers
endorsements and guidelines on places where money would be worth spending. Travel
feature writers demand exceptional descriptive and narrative skills.
10. Science and Technology feature. It is concentrated on the latest advancement in science
and technology with the aim of informing the readers and arousing their interests.
11. Historical and cultural feature. Historical events and sites can provide readers a sense of
identity. By comparing the present to the past, they can see how time has changed their
environment, culture, values, and perspectives.
12. How-to and what-to-do features. They are educational in essence. They provide
knowledge about process or activity. Most often, they showcase step-by-step procedure in
doing something.
13. Business and development feature. It provides a glimpse and insight on the business
world and the development of certain sector or area. This writing requires a working
knowledge and special interest on the workings and operations of the business community.
14. Lifestyle feature. The quick change of fashion trends and lifestyles makes an interesting
reading.
15. Entertainment feature. Movie stars, pop singers, and show business events are common
subjects. The goal is to entertain and give relief to people.
16. Hobby feature. This type of feature primarily interests the readers who are into exceptional
hobbies.
17. Career feature. It is a type of feature that focuses on career guidance, tips, or issues.
18. Insider feature. Take note, insiders look at unusual occupations, issues, or events which
are hidden from the public. Readers are attracted to unusual details or “well-kept secrets”
about procedures or activities they might not ordinarily be exposed to or allowed to
participate in.
Learning Competency
SPJ7FTR-IIIa-58: Explain the nature and purpose of feature stories.
SPJ7FTR-IIIa-60: Distinguish among various kinds of feature stories.
Exercise 1: Tell Me If I Am
Directions: Read the following texts below and put a √ mark in the space before the statement
that shows the characteristic of a good feature story.
______1. He has a way with words and humor, the kind that stirs you out of stupor on a
Saturday afternoon.
______2. We know it’s nutritious. We know it’s delicious. But can malunggay really heal
wounds?
______3. Senators slammed yesterday Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II for his remarks
that invite attacks on members of the Senate.
______4. Watching him work, witnessing his easy interactions with all sorts of people, you’d
be hard pressed to guess that Johnny is legally blind.
______5. On a sunny Thursday morning, newly-arrived M/V Sun Cruiser entices some 60
members of a familiarization tour. Daring to beat the city heat? Well, come on!
Exercise 2: True or False
Directions: On the blank before the number, write T if the statement is true according to what
you know about feature writing and F if it is false.
______1. A feature story is written on a varied subject of human interest.
______2. It may not be factual.
______3. It uses specific nouns, adjectives, and verbs to create vivid images, sounds and
feelings for the readers.
______4. The inverted triangle fits the purpose of a feature.
______5. The primary purpose of a feature story is to inform, advise or instruct readers.
______6. Feature stories need to be always timely.
______7. It may be written in any form and style appropriate to the content and purpose of
the story.
______8. It usually has a very striking opening sentence that attracts the reader’s interest.
______9. It simply provides information in a straight manner.
______10. A feature story is another output of a literary work.
______11. In a feature story, the arrangement of facts is similar to a news article.
______12. A typical person may become a source of a feature story.
______13. Feature stories have a limit on the number of words and length of paragraphs.
______14. Like news, a feature story needs a vast array of facts on the subject but does NOT
need quoted statements anymore.
______15. In feature writing, a reporter is given the freedom to choose his subject and theme
but is limited on the style he may use.
Exercise 3: Match ‘Em Up
Directions: The following are types of feature stories and their definitions. Match the types of
feature stories that are in the box by writing the letter before each definition in the items below.
You are allowed to use the choices twice.

A. Informative G. Personality Sketch

B. Human interest H. Humorous feature
C. News Feature I. Travelogue
D. Personal experience J. How-to and what-to-do
E. Career feature K. Insider
F. Business feature L. Hobby
______1. It gets its materials from current events, covering details that were omitted by the
news.
______2. This tells of some unusual true-to-life experiences written in the first-person
account.
______3. It showcases step-by-step procedure in doing something.
______4. It is an account of one's experience from a trip and vivid description of places
visited.
______5. This gives information on subject of current interest. It is usually based on
interview and research.
______6. This kind of feature story appeals to the emotion; it may have a lesser news value,
but it enjoys wide readership.
______7. This feature focuses on unusual details or “well-kept secrets” about procedures or
activities that might not ordinarily be exposed to or allowed to participate in.
______8. Also known as profile feature, it showcases the characteristics of a typical or a
famous person.
______9. This writing requires a working knowledge and special interest on the workings
and operations of the business community.
______10. This type of feature primarily interests the readers who are into exceptional
pastime.
Exercise 4: What’s My Style
Directions: Read and analyze the feature article below. Then answer the following questions
intelligently and substantially. Write your answer on the space provided.
Culture and arts on wheels
By Purita S. Licas
Cagayanos have found a way to promote its culture and arts in an unlikely medium
uniquely Ibanag: the horse-drawn rig public transport kalesa.
Unlike the rest of kalesa elsewhere in the country, the Ibanag kalesa is made of a
combination of rubber, wood, and GI sheets. Add to that is its full passenger capacity of
eight persons unlike, again, the other kalesas where it can only accommodate two
passengers.
No one knows who made the first kalesa in Tuguegarao City and who first owned one
but the more than 200 kalesas now plying the concreted barangay roads and those in the
poblacion can be your best bet to promote and conduct a massive information and education
campaign on almost anything, at the same time preserve and promote the Ibanag culture,
arts, and traditions.
While it is now relegated to the minor streets of the city to ease monstrous traffic the
Ibanag kalesa definitely has seen better days. Its history is the history of the Iabanags. Its
existence is the existence of a culture of a culture, many believe, may soon be at the verge of
extinction.
Simply said, its possible disappearance on the streets of the premier Ibanag city may
likewise be the demise of a culture, researchers from the academe warned.
This is the reason why, according to Sangguniang Panglunsod member Esterlita
“Mimi” Dayag, the city government of Tuguegarao passed a resolution for the preservation
of the kalesa and to allow it to continue serve the public.
Yet, despite its historical and cultural values, the kalesa has received flaks from
people who seem irritated by its presence along the city streets.
“There have been cases where the kalesa has caused traffic jam and even accidents,”
a traffic enforcer said.
 In the 1950s and onward to the 1960s when only a few thousands live in the city, the
kalesa is the undisputed King of the road. The late Gorio Mabatan, a cochero all his life and
until his death can be one of the proudest rig driver in the country during his tme
In a casual pep talk with him in the late 1990s, Tio Gorio said he has no less the
President of the Philippines, His Excellency Ramon Magsaysay, as passenger when the latter
visited the province a year after he was elected.
Despite the invention and arrival of a contributor to the alarming global warming
scenario called tricycle, the kalesa has remained environment-friendly.
It uses no gas and its power machine, the horse, is fuelled only by grasses which
when entitled can be converted into organic fertilizer when mixed with other degradable
materials.
At a time when people started to see the kalesa as a traffic nuisance, the kalesa
metamorphosed into another useful public transport and invaded the medium of
communication.
It started in the 1990s when a tertiary school painted on the body of the kalesa its
curricular offerings. It became a walking billboard for the school that enrollment in that
school dramatically increased, according to the school’s officials.
In Tuguegarao City, one of the earliest agencies to acknowledge the power of the
kalesa as an IEC medium is the Commission on Population when it started to bring messages
on Family Planning and later responsible parenthood on the public transport.
Soon, business establishments, the private sectors and government agencies started
to utilize the kalesa for their promotions and publicity.
Things have never been the same again for the cochero (Ibanag term for rig driver)
who could hardly paint his own.
“I could hardly paint my kalesa now. When I was identified as one of the
beneficiaries, I grabbed the opportunity. I was paid a modest amount and my kalesa is now
beautifully painted by students. Proud people are taking notice of our kalesa these days,”
Eddie, 45 years old of barangay Annafunan, said.
The cochero was referring to the Kalesa painting contest initiated by the National
Nutrition Council in 2009 when it launched its own nutrition advocacies on wheels.
Earlier, the Provincial Tourism Office likewise realized the potentials of the kalesa
that it conducted a similar competition which focused on the promotion of Cagayan’s scenic
spots.
“We should always go back to our roots. The kalesa is a novelty item that its use
should be maximized,” Lorie Decena Malbog, coordinator of the contest said.
She added that the kalesa should not only be seen as a medium to promote business
and government programs but to boost awareness on the Ibanag culture.
Thus, a kalesa in Linao, while promoting a business establishment, also reminded
the ibanags of their culture through proverbs written on it.
“Arriakka mappatugu ta gayang nga manuttu noka ta matam (Don’t raise a bird that
in the future will peck on your eyes,” screamed the writing on the kalesa.
“The kalesa forms part of the Ibanag culture and there are no plans to remove it
from the streets of the city,” assured Tuguegarao City vice mayor and chair of the Ibanag
Culture and Arts Council Danilo Baccay.
Compared to the other kalesas in the Ilocos Region, Manila, and other areas, the
Ibanag kalesa has a wider body and made of GI sheet which can be splashed with any
information one would want to put across.
Only last year, Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Perla Tumaliuan, committee on
health and nutrition chair, assured residents she will see to it that at least half of the total
 population of the kalesas in the city will be painted with health and nutrition messages
alongside the promotion of the Ibanag culture like palavvun (riddles) and unoni (proverbs).
With the unstable prices of oil and the looming global warming, the world is
experiencing these days, the kalesa can be your best bet.
At a time when a research study by the Cagayan State University this year warned of
the impending extinction of the Ibanag culture unless something is done, the kalesa can be
your ultimate structural heirloom to save the culture of the river people. (PlA)

1. What kind of feature story is it? Why do you say so?

________________________________________________________________________
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2. Copy the lead. What made it interesting or attention-getting?
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3. Which of the five Ws and H is the focus of the story?
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Reflection: Wrap Up
Directions: Reflect on our topics for this week and complete the chart that follows.
What have I learned in this lesson? What have I become with my learnings?
___________________________________ ___________________________________
___________________________________ ___________________________________
___________________________________ ___________________________________
___________________________________ ___________________________________
___________________________________ ___________________________________

References:
Bulusan, Ferdinand. 2016. Campus Journalism within your reach. Quezon City, Metro
Manila: Lorimar Publishing Inc.
Government of the Philippines, Department of Education. 2017. Special Program in
Journalism Learning Materials. Manila. [Electronic copy]
Prepared:
KYLIE MAE L. CORPUZ
Writer
Answer Key:
Exercise 1: Tell Me If I Am
1. √
2. √
3.
4. √
5. √
Exercise 2: True or False
1. T 6. F 11. F
2. F 7. T 12. T
3. T 8. T 13. F
4. F 9. F 14. F
5. F 10. F 15. F
Exercise 3: Match ‘Em Up
1. C 6. B
2. D 7. K
3. J 8. G
4. I 9. F
5. A 10. L
Exercise 4: What’s My Style – (answers may vary)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do not Write on this Portion
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ACTIVITY 1
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ACTIVITY 2 scores in all activities
ACTIVITY 3 GOOD JOB!- Completed the activities with
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ACTIVITY 4
IT’S OKAY.- Completed the tasks with 75-
ACTIVITY 6 79% accuracy
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BADGE EARNED:

Comments of Teacher:
 JOURNALISM 7
Name of Learner: _______________________________________ Grade Level: _______
Section: ______________________________________ Score: ____________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

WRITING FEATURE STORY LEADS

Background Information for Learners

Writing leads or the first part/ paragraph of articles for feature stories is definitely
different from writing news article leads. When you write a feature story, your first part may
be as short as a few number of words up to a very long paragraph. Whereas in news articles, it
is of prime importance that writers only include the important information for ease of
readership. In essence, in feature writing, you are not confined to the very strict conventions in
writing under the field of Journalism. However, the foundation for your articles must still be
facts and nothing more.
In addition, feature articles rely primarily on your style as the author. Hence, you can
tailor the story according to your preference. The lead may just serve as the tip of the iceberg
and the entirety or the real essence of the story may be found in the body or in the last part of
the written piece. Whatever your style is, the most important thing to consider in writing the
lead of the feature article is that you should immediately catch the attention of your readers and
excite them into reading the whole article.

Learning Competency

Write illustrative examples of a good lead for feature articles using adjectives,
adverbs, and figures of speech. (SPJ7FTR-IIIa-59)

Writing Introduction: Techniques and Samples

1. Question. It raises a question or a rhetorical question which the article may or may not try
to explore and discuss.
Example:
You are not aware that ironing late at night is dangerous, are you?
Who does not know about DOTA and COC?
2. Startling statement or exclamation. This may be used to compel attention.
Example:
Food not bullets!
Such statement shook the streets of Manila in front of the Malacanan Palace as
warriors from Gift of God Ministries in Bohol protested about the killings in
Kidapawan.
That's incredible! A college graduate at 16 years old?
3. Striking statement. It is an enticing piece of information in a short punchy format. It adds
suspense.
Example:
If you think that children do not understand viber, think again.
The greatest fighter in the whole world is from a third-world country.
4. Descriptive technique. It is used to draw the reader into the story by creating a strong image
in his or her mind. The words are colorful and concrete enough for the reader to appreciate and
feel the ideas resented in the story.
Example:
As the sun bids goodbye for one hot tiring day, I see on my left the green robust hills.
On my right are the unending curves and twists of the majestic landscapes of Batan Island. In
front of me is the bluish ocean whose waves are unendingly racing towards the rocky boarders
of the hills. Sifting on a nearly century-old bench, I hear the tourists' crunchy laughter of
amazement. I feel the nearly salty breeze that flies away my anxiety. I see persons extracting
the stresses of life. God, I am in Batanes.
5. Summary technique. This sums up the general topic of the story (but does not follow the
inverted triangle).
Example:
At an early age, Toton and Jay serve as breadwinners for their families by selling
cigarettes and newspapers by day and night. They represent the growing number of child-
workers in poor urban communities.
6. Anecdotal style. This technique in writing introduction relies on a conversational tone to
create an intimacy between the reader, the writer, and the characters in the article. It is packed
with specific details.
Example:
Rowell met Lara in a five-star hotel bar in Bangkok. Rowell, in his tuxedo, was
mesmerized by the beauty of the Chinese-looking female in red gown. "Can I offer you a drink?"
the bachelor asked with confidence. The woman did not refuse the gentle offer. They talked and
smiled. That was three years ago. They now have two lovely daughters.
7. Quotation. There are times that quotation - whether overused or not - can arrest the interest
of the readers. The writer just needs to ensure that the quotation is appropriate and that he can
manage to establish the relationship of the topic and the quotation.
Example:
"Honesty is the best policy."
In Batanes, this is not merely a quotation. It is the people s policy.
8. Contrast technique. The writer sets off his subject with two apparently contradictory pieces
of information. This is to emphasize two contending ideas or events.
Example:
Three days ago, Mang Tomas was driving his boss to work. This morning, he was seen
driving his own car, the very first souvenir he bought for winning the jackpot prize in lottery.
 Mayweather is unbeaten, still many consider Pacquiao to be better than him despite
Manny's imperfect record.
9. Break formal style. This leaves to the reader's imagination the things that happened in
between events.
Example:
He said he would. And yes, he did.
10. Character technique. Primarily, this style introduces the central person in a story. This is
most common in personality profiles or stories in which you use an individual to represent a
larger topic.
Example:
Pastor Rowell always seems to have a permanent smile-even when his motorcycle does
not want to start in the morning.
11. Figurative style. It opens the feature article by employing figures of speech.
Example:
Manny Pacquiao is the Pambansang Kamao…
Like a diamond in the rough, Manny Pacquaio was plucked from the slums.
12. Quoting an expert. This introductory style uses a statement of an authority in a specified
field.
Example:
Freddy Roach says, "Manny is the greatest fighter in the world because…”
13. Staccato style. In music parlance, staccato means short and not sounding connected. A
feature writer may start by using sudden and brief ideas or words or phrases.
Example:
Breathtaking. Mesmerizing. Enchanting. Jaw-dropping. These are only four words
among the 101 ways to describe Batanes.
14. Lyrics of a song. This technique covers many forms and is appropriate for any topic just
that, the writer should link the relationship of the lyrics to the topic or theme of the article.
Example:
If I could have
One final walk
One final dance
One final chance with you
If play a song that would never ever end
How I love to dance with my father again....
I have played the song at least 15 times already to pluck out my longing to the one who
considers me an apple of his eye - my father Ambo.
15. Letter Style. Some dramatic and hilarious feature stories start with a letter style.
Example:
Dear Ate Charo,
Please call me Anabelle as l relate my experience with a tikbalang in front of the Balete
tree.

Exercise 1. Write about a Guess

Directions: In feature writing, imagination is very essential. For this activity, you are tasked
to write something about an object, but the name of the object will not be mentioned. Instead,
a descriptive paragraph is prepared for you below. Figure the object characterized. In the box
provided, write a feature story lead about that thing and use at least three adjectives in each
sentence. You will be graded according to the rubric below:

CATEGORY 4 3 2 1

Title Grabs the Grabs the reader's No special quality No title

reader's attention to grab the reader's
attention. Is attention.
creative and
appropriate.

Word Choice Writer uses Writer uses vivid Writer uses words Writer uses a
vivid words and words and phrases that communicate limited
phrases that that linger or draw clearly, but the vocabulary
linger or draw pictures in the writing lacks that does not
pictures in the reader's mind, but variety, punch, or communicate
reader's mind, occasionally the flair. strongly or
and the choice words are used capture the
and placement inaccurately or reader's
seem accurate, seem overdone. interest.
natural, and not
forced.

Lead The lead is The lead states the The lead is not No lead, or
inviting and topic and attempts inviting to the very weak
draws the reader to draw the reader reader. lead.
into the article. into the article.

Focused Topic There is one The main idea is The main idea is The main
clear, well- clear, but the somewhat clear, or idea is not
focused, defined supporting the writer tries to clear. There
topic. The main information is bring in too much is a
idea is general. off-topic material. seemingly
supported with random
detailed collection of
information. information.
 Grammar & Writer made no Writer made 1-2 Writer made 3-4 Writer made
Spelling errors in errors in grammar errors in grammar more than 4
grammar or or spelling that or spelling that errors in
spelling that distract the reader distract the reader grammar or
distract the from the content. from the content spelling that
reader from the distract the
content reader from
the content.

Capitalization & Writer made no Writer made 1 or 2 Writer made a few Writer made
Punctuation errors in errors in errors in several
capitalization or capitalization or capitalization errors in
punctuation, so punctuation, but and/or punctuation capitalization
the paper is the paper is still that catch the that catch the
exceptionally easy to read. reader's attention reader's
easy to read. and interrupt the attention and
flow. greatly
interrupt the
flow.

Source: menifee.k12.ky.us. Feature Article Rubric. Retrieved August 18, 2020 from
https://www.menifee.k12.ky.us/userfiles/24/Classes/2211/Feature%20Article%20Rubric.doc.

Oh sweet fruit which takes the form of thine heart, how when you are ripe
you liken your color to the golden sun and when you're not ready yet, your color is
like the fresh leaves in the forest. Though sometimes you are sour, ripe or not, both
are loved by everyone. However, those who bear life within them love you most
when you are not sweet for they always dip you in their favorite salty sauce, with
their hands and even licks until their satisfaction ends.

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Exercise 2. In My Dream Place with Adverbs
Directions: Write a feature story lead about your most favorite place. Remember to be very
imaginative and free with your style. In your output, you must include the different adverbs
inside the rectangular box. The same rubric utilized in exercise 1 shall be used in grading your
output in this activity. Write in the box given below:

Majestically Everyday Amazingly Dearly Vibrantly

Mystically Away Calmly Always Magically

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Exercise 3. A Worthy Comparison

Simile – compares two different objects using the words as or like.

Her smile is like the sun, which takes away the darkness.
❖ The smile is compared to the sun using the word like.
Metaphor – is the term used when comparing two dissimilar objects without using the words
like or as.
I always think that Mateo is my knight in shining armor.
❖ Mateo is compared to a knight.

Directions: To what object, event or person would you liken yourself? Write a feature story
lead about it by using either a simile or metaphor in your output at least TWICE. Your score
here shall be determined using the rubric in exercise 1. Write your lead inside the box below:

_________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Exercise 4. It’s All About Sounds
Directions: Inside the box provided below, write about an unforgettable day in your life.
Include at least two onomatopoeic words from animals and another two from objects in your
write- up. Review again the rubric in exercise 1. It shall be the measure in giving a score to
your output.
Onomatopoeia - mimics or imitates the sound of a person, an object or an animal.
Examples:

Bang Zoom Buzz Ring Neigh

Boom Quack Howl Hiss Chirp

_________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Exercise 5. Breathing Life to Objects

Directions: Choose a certain holiday or event that matters the most in your life. Write a feature
story lead about it inside the box given. Use personification for at least three times. You will
be graded according to the rubric in exercise 1.
Personification - is when you give human characteristics to objects.
The moon never smiles at me.
❖ Realistically, the moon can never really smile at someone because it does not have a
mouth to use for that very purpose.

_________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Reflection

Directions: Based on your experience with the previous activities, fill in the boxes below
with what is asked based on the labels. This will help you to be better in the upcoming
activities.

Where Would You Like

Strengths Weaknesses to Improve in your
Approach
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Exercise 4
Exercise 5

Answer Key:
Exercise 1. Write about a Guess
Possible Answer
- The object described in the box is a mango.

A Mother’s Heart
Mouth-watering. Satisfying. Exciting.
These are words to describe Emma’s beloved fruit. Truly, mangoes can
elicit different pleasing emotions from a person all at once. But for her, it is not
just a fruit. It is the symbol of her husband’s unending love for her.

Exercise 2. In My Dream Place with Adverbs

Possible Answer

Beyond Expectations

With pristine waters majestically laid everyday under the sun, combined
with the clouds calmly running in the air, the birds vibrantly display their elegant
feathers away from the scorching sun. My feet, feeling the sandy shore mystically
fills my heart with sudden joy and the sound of the waves magically washes all
my worries away. There is no doubt that you would always enjoy amazingly this
paradise’ incomparable scenery, for it is hand- woven by God dearly.
Exercise 3. A Worthy Comparison
Possible Answer

Somewhere in the Crowd

This girl, brown- eyed and black haired is like the eagle in the sky, free
and authoritative, majestic but dangerous. She is the sound from afar that would
be heard by many. Leadership, yes she has that and many more, if you’ll just try
to know her.

Exercise 4. It’s All About Sounds

Possible Answer

After the Storm

Beep! Beep! Beep!

It's actually the first day of classes and that is the school bus, yet Anthony
is still not ready. During the summer, he stayed with his grandparents in their
farm. He will definitely miss the mooing of the cows, chirping of the birds,
quacking ducks and even the bark of their dog, Jimmy. Oh the memories! Then
his phone rang. It's a call from a stranger. As he listened, tears suddenly dropped
slowly and landed on his cheeks.

Exercise 5. Breathing Life to Objects

Possible Answer

Unforgotten Promise

It’s the most wonderful season indeed!

The cool breeze embraces you with a sudden and lingering sensation. The
smell of foods happily calls you to the table and the gifts under the Christmas tree
smile at you as if inviting everyone to open them immediately. But I only want
one thing this day, my mother. But she is not here with us.

Reference:

Bulusan, Ferdinand (2016). Campus Journalism within your reach: A Worktext for Journalist
Wannabees in the Campus. Lorimar Publishing, INC.

Prepared by:

DONA BLESS B. CABUYADAO

Writer
 JOURNALISM 7
Name of Learner: _______________________________________ Grade Level: _______
Section: ______________________________________ Score: ____________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

UNDERSTANDING CHARACTER SKETCH AND HUMAN INTEREST
FEATURES

Background Information for Learners

There are different types of feature articles. Technically, for feature writing, you can
get a topic from every facet of life. You can make anything as your topic as it is supposed to
be enjoyed by a variety of readers. This massive audience permits feature writing to open its
field to just literally anything that will be interesting to its readers. Because of its openness,
when it comes to the subject, feature articles are often with lesser news value. However,
because it is of much lesser news value, feature article compensates itself with good
entertainment value to the readers.
Two of the most common feature stories are the human interest and personality sketch
features. They are so common because these two types both deal with emotions and feelings
which are basic components of human life. Perhaps you have been writing feature stories before
and you just do not know that you are already writing one. When you wrote about your mother
or anyone influential in your life, you are already writing an example of a personality sketch
feature.

Learning Competency

Explain the characteristics of human interest and character sketch features (SPJ7FTR-
IIIb-60)

Human interest feature. Sometimes called a “concerned story,” it deals with minor incidents
that deserve attention because of dramatic, humorous, tragic, sensational, or unusual (odd)
angle of the story. This kind of feature story appeals to the emotion; it may have lesser news
value, but it enjoys wide readership because of its human appeal. Primarily, it exposes burning
issues, which need urgent solutions. It also shows the magnitude of the problem through cases,
anecdotes, and quotable quotes. This feature highlights the dramatic condition and experiences
of certain groups of people. Further, it is written using heart-piercing presentations, which
evoke emotional responses to the readers.

Personality Sketch. Some books differ in nomenclature; others regard this as profile feature.
Silver screen celebrities, political figures, athletes, beauty titlist, these are the popular choices
for personality sketch. Notably, people are interested in people, so much so, articles written
about them, especially about their private lives, and secrets are much sought- after and read by
their fans. However, simple persons may be highlighted through the use of this kind of feature
story.
Exercise 1. Fact-Checking
Directions: The statements below are all about human interest and character sketch features.
Determine if the sentences are truthful based on the definitions presented to you earlier in this
learning activity sheet. If it is a fact, write True on the space before the number and False if it
does not signify truth.

_______1. Human interest feature appeals to human logic.

_______2. The human interest feature is often associated with major concerns on things
around.
_______3. Stories using human interest can be identified quickly because they always appeal
to emotion.
_______4. Human interest stories are called that because these stories focus on experiences of
real people which are relatable to almost everyone.
_______5. Human interest stories are written not to address solutions but rather to just expose
the daily dilemmas in one's life.
_______6. A story about a certain person is called a personality sketch.
_______7. Character and personality sketches are synonymous terms.
_______8. Stories about famous personalities became a trend because people are most of the
time interested in their idols' daily lives.
_______9. When you write about the life of an ordinary person, it cannot be called a personality
sketch because the latter should only be about famous people.
_______10. Writing about political figures is one good and famous example of a personality
sketch.

Exercise 2. Analyze and Choose Wisely

Directions: Below are possible topics in feature writing. Categorize each story if it will fall
under human interest or character sketch feature. Base your answers on the information
provided at the start of this activity sheet. On the space provided, write H if it is the former and
C for the latter.

_____1. A woman who suddenly gave birth inside a plane while still up in the air.
_____2. President Duterte’s life as the president of the Republic of the Philippines.
_____3. How CoViD-19 patients coped with depression, anxiety, and social stigma
transforming them into positive thoughts.
_____4. The story behind the death of a woman who lived on the streets just waiting for a
means of transportation back to her hometown.
_____5. Success stories of people who have lost jobs but were able to earn a living during
trying times.
_____6. How a Mayor achieved all his accomplishments.
_____7. A child genius who was accelerated to college at the age of eight.
_____8. The love story of Marian and Dingdong Dantes.
_____9. Dos and don’ts story of Henry Sy, one of the richest people in the Philippines.
_____10. People living in the squatters' area eating pagpag (food remains of fast-food
restaurants) in their daily lives.

Exercise 3. A Deeper Analysis

Directions: Show your understanding of the two most common types of feature articles by
filling in the boxes with the information based on the label of each box.
 Human Interest
Feature

3 Characteristics:
Strength/s: Weakness/es:

Character Sketch
Feature

3 Characteristics: Strength/s: Weakness/es:

Exercise 4. Analogy Prompt

Directions: Fill the blank spaces by thinking of similarities between the type of feature story
mentioned and the one it is compared to. Write the similarity on the space provided after the
word BECAUSE. Then think of the differences and write it on the space provided after the
word HOWEVER.

Human interest feature is like a dramatic real- life story because ______________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.
However,__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.
Character sketch feature is like a biography because _______________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.
However,__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.

Exercise 5. Let’s Write!

Directions: Inside the box provided below, write a character sketch story about the most
influential person in your life. In the story, be sure to also add the element of human interest
by ensuring that whomever your reader is, he/ she will be moved by the story or you may add
the element of oddity which will surely catch your readers’ interest. Your story will be graded
according to the rubric below.

CATEGORY 4 3 2 1

Title Grabs the Grabs the reader's No special quality No title

reader's attention. attention to grab the
Is creative and reader's attention.
appropriate.

Word Choice Writer uses vivid Writer uses vivid Writer uses words Writer uses a
words and words and phrases that communicate limited
phrases that that linger or draw clearly, but the vocabulary that
linger or draw pictures in the writing lacks does not
pictures in the reader's mind, but variety, punch, or communicate
reader's mind, occasionally the flair. strongly or
and the choice words are used capture the
and placement inaccurately or reader's interest.
seem accurate, seem overdone.
natural, and not
forced.

Lead The lead is The lead states the The lead is not No lead, or very
inviting and topic and attempts inviting to the weak lead.
draws the reader to draw the reader reader.
into the article. into the article.
 Focused Topic There is one The main idea is The main idea is The main idea is
clear, well- clear, but the somewhat clear, not clear. There
focused, defined supporting or the writer tries is a seemingly
topic. The main information is to bring in too random
idea is supported general. much off-topic collection of
with detailed material. information.
information.

Grammar & Writer made no Writer made 1-2 Writer made 3-4 Writer made
Spelling errors in errors in grammar errors in grammar more than 4
grammar or or spelling that or spelling that errors in
spelling that distract the reader distract the reader grammar or
distract the from the content. from the content spelling that
reader from the distract the
content reader from the
content.

Capitalization Writer made no Writer made 1 or Writer made a few Writer made
& Punctuation errors in 2 errors in errors in several errors in
capitalization or capitalization or capitalization capitalization
punctuation, so punctuation, but and/or that catch the
the paper is the paper is still punctuation that reader's attention
exceptionally easy to read. catch the reader's and greatly
easy to read. attention and interrupt the
interrupt the flow. flow.

Source: menifee.k12.ky.us. Feature Article Rubric. Retrieved August 18, 2020 from
https://www.menifee.k12.ky.us/userfiles/24/Classes/2211/Feature%20Article%20Rubric.doc.

________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Reflection
Directions: Answer the questions inside the rectangular boxes and write them on the
corresponding boxes below them. This will help you improve more in the other activities to
come.

What are the difficulties you

What are the steps you took in
encountered in accomplishing the tasks
overcoming the difficulties?
given?

Answer Key:

Exercise 1. Fact-Checking

False 1. The human interest feature appeals to human logic.

True 2. The human interest feature is often associated with major concerns on things around.
True 3. Stories using human interest can be identified quickly because they always appeal to
emotion.
True 4. Human interest stories are called that because these stories focus on experiences of
real people which are relatable to almost everyone.
False 5. Human interest stories are written not to address solutions but rather to just expose the
daily dilemmas in one's life.
True 6. A story about a certain person is called a personality sketch.
True 7. Character and personality sketches are synonymous terms.
True 8. Stories about famous personalities became a trend because people are most of the time
interested in their idols' daily lives.
False 9. When you write about the life of an ordinary person, it cannot be called a personality
sketch because the latter should only be about famous people.
True 10. Writing about political figures is one good and famous example of a personality
sketch.

Exercise 2. Analyze and Choose Wisely

H 1. A woman who suddenly gave birth inside a plane while still up in the air.
C 2. President Duterte’s life as the president of the Republic of the Philippines.
H 3. How CoViD-19 patients coped with the depression, anxiety, and social stigma
transforming them into positivity.
H 4. The story behind the death of a woman who lived on the streets just waiting for a means
of transportation back to her hometown.
H 5. Success stories of people who have lost jobs but were able to earn a living during trying
times.
C 6. How a Mayor achieved all his accomplishments.
H 7. A child genius who was accelerated to college at the age of eight.
C 8. The love story of Marian and Dingdong Dantes.
C 9. Dos and don’ts story of Henry Sy, one of the richest people in the Philippines.
H 10. People living in the squatters' area eating pagpag (food remains of fast-food restaurants)
in their daily lives.

Exercise 3. A Deeper Analysis

Possible Answers

Human Interest
Feature

3 Characteristics: Strength/s: Weakness/es:

-It deals with stories -It enjoys wide -Due to its nature, it
which appeal to variety of has lesser news
emotion. readership. value and therefore
-It asks for solutions to may not be chosen if
problems presented. looking for hard
-It may present stories information.
which are strange in
nature.

Character Sketch
Feature

Strength/s: Weakness/es:
3 Characteristics:
-Just like human -It also has lesser
-It talks about the life of
interest feature, news value and
well known people.
character sketch is may sometimes
-It may also be about
enjoyed by everyone be subject to the
ordinary people.
because it is very light opinion of the
-It became popular
and packed with author.
because of people’s want
surprises.
to know something about
famous people’s lives.

Exercise 4. Analogy Prompt

Possible Answer

Human interest feature is like a dramatic real- life story because it often delves into the
everyday life of people with a certain focus on the emotional appeal it may elicit in the
readers’ part. However, on the surface, it may just seem a very simple story but a
human interest story hungers for solution to the problems presented that is why it is
called “the concerned story.”
Exercise 5. Crafting the Staff’s Code
Possible Answer

Character sketch feature is like a biography because it talks about the life of another
person. It may be a person with significance in the whole society or another person who
just lives an ordinary life like the rest of us. However, it is not just a mere biography
because biographies sometimes follow a strict rule like not inserting own opinions in the
story itself. On the other hand, since this is a feature story, though it shoud be based
from facts, a writer may choose or not choose to highlight certain parts of a person’s life
especially if the topic will not earn a good reaction from the readers.

Exercise 5. Let’s Write!

Possible Answer

Mysterious Voice

As the sun flaunts its golden flannels, Sheena wakes up with a smile on her face
promising a good day ahead. She had never been happier with her life, but she was never
like this many years ago. She was actually a dreadful teenager living off the streets,
robbing by-passers. She blinked her eyes and little by little she drifted to the memories
she had.
Torn dress and a fearsome face full of dirt, Sheena was definitely not a pleasing
sight to behold that time. She was with a group of other teens who either do not have their
parents or who have parents, but do not care about them even a little. To survive, they eat
what is known to them, street dwellers as ‘pagpag’. These are leftovers from the different
fast-food restaurants that are thrown away. Their stomachs have withstood the cruelty of
not being able to buy their own foods. However, beyond these struggles, Sheena still
chooses to dream, believing that one day, her fate may just change.
Everyday, she always sees this beautiful lady, filled with elegance walking inside
this famous restaurant they often go to, to grab some food. She dreamed of becoming like
her one day. She wished to have the ability to wear those luxurious clothes, use expensive
bags, and put on some colors to make herself attractive. Day by day her desire to become
like her grew. Until one day, she was finally given a chance.
The lady was about to go inside her car, when one of the street children tried to
snatch her bag. Knowing the strategy of each street child, she was immediately able to
catch the other child and held the bag of the lady. When she gave the lady her bag, she
told her she was sorry and that she is returning the bag. The lady then finally spoke, Sheena
became so excited because for the first time she will be hearing the voice of the person
she admired so much for how many months now. Then, when the voice finally came out
of the lady’s mouth, the teen, in shock and awe, widened her eyes and opened her mouth
due to disbelief. It was really the most mysterious voice she ever heard. In a deep, calm
and masculine voice the lady said, “Thank you! What’s your name ine?”
The lady was a man! She gasped. After months of looking at the lady from afar,
she really did not have the idea, even in the slightest that the lady was actually born a man.
But the man, or woman, she does not know what to call him or her because she has no
idea, was very kind and smiled like an angel. Visually, she is a hundred percent woman,
as though she was born that way, so she does not know if she would call ‘the lady’ a man,
woman, or gay. For the first time in her life, she was really speechless and unsure.
Reference:

Bulusan, Ferdinand (2016). Campus Journalism within your reach: A Worktext for Journalist
Wannabees in the Campus. Lorimar Publishing, INC.

Prepared by:

DONA BLESS B. CABUYADAO

Writer
 JOURNALISM 7
Name of Learner: _______________________________________ Grade Level: _______
Section: ______________________________________ Score: ____________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

TYPES OF SCIENCE STORIES

Background Information for Learners

There is a need for Filipinos to take seriously the understanding and appreciation of
Science. This came to light more when the country was devastated by typhoon Haiyan locally
named Yolanda on November 8, 2013. Broadcasts on Haiyan did not fall short on quantity but
lacked clearness and simplicity of information for the common people to understand the true
danger of the storm. This had led to loss of many lives and properties.
With that and many other scenarios that require the understanding of science matters,
science reporting or the act of creating science stories has emerged to provide people a way to
better understand things within their level of experience. The role of a science writer is to write
texts with simpler terms and communicative style and to explain hifalutin and technical words
in a way that is relatable by the general readers or audience.
In what way can science stories be delivered? The formats of journalistic texts can be
used depending on the purpose of the writer. Commonly, science stories take the forms of news,
feature and editorial articles.
Here is a brief review of the three types of texts:

News

It is a factual story for print or broadcast media that tells and answers questions about
a person, place or event. It basically answers these five questions: who, what, when, where,
why and how. It is composed of a headline as its title, the lead as its first paragraph and the
supporting details as its body using facts and figures. Its elements are prominence, immediacy,
timeliness, proximity, oddity, significance, conflict, consequence and human interest. It must
be accurate, properly attributed, fair, clear and concise.

It usually follows the inverted triangle structure as illustrated below.

Feature
A feature article focuses on a special event, place or person in great detail. Both news and
feature story can be newsworthy. However, feature is more creatively focused and its types have one
thing in common: human interest.
Its structure composes of a lead, body, and conclusion.
The lead, most of the time its first paragraph, should capture the reader’s attention and
imagination. It should also set the tone and the mood of the story that creates its angle. The lead can use
an anecdote, description, a powerful quote, a startling statement or other creative ways to lead the reader
to the story.
The body should be unified. Each sentence and paragraph should be carefully chosen to add to
the impact of the story. It should be organized but not necessarily in chronological order. A feature story
that is organized allows the reader to follow the actions as it jumps back and forth to the parts of the
narrative. The body commonly holds the most number of sentences and paragraphs among the parts of
a feature article as it is where the story is mostly developed.
A feature story also gives a sense of resolution to the reader which is called conclusion. It
connects all loose ends and develops a unified, significant thought. It leaves final impression to the
reader.

Editorial
Like a lawyer, editorial writers build an article using arguments with the purpose of informing
and persuading the readers to establish the same thoughts. Editorial articles prompt readers to think
critically and take actions. It generally presents the stand of the newspaper over an opinion or issue.
It may explain or interpret, criticize, persuade, or praise. It is a persuasive essay that is backed
up with facts and evidence to support a stand. Here are some other things to remember about editorial:

A writer should at least keep it to 500 words;

It should be current, relevant, interesting and objective;
It has no byline as it is the position of the whole newspaper;
It is commonly formal in tone but can use irony, sarcasm, exaggeration and other devices;
It should use clear and effective reasoning.

It has three parts- introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction is in the beginning
paragraphs where the newspaper stand is established. A writer can pose a thought-provoking question,
state a quotation, narrate an event or use any striking statement to introduce a stand and claim. In the
body, the factual supporting details should be given and discussed to support claim. Supporting details
are called arguments which should be carefully arranged from the most to the least significant ones.
After the presentation and discussion of arguments, a writer will emphasize the main issue which is
called conclusion. In that part, a solution, advice, request, command, question, quotation, forecast, or
possible effects can be presented leaving an impression to the reader.

Again, Science Stories are articles that discuss science related issues that may take the form of
news, feature or editorial story with the purpose of providing lighter and understandable presentation
of science topics.

Learning Competency

Differentiate the various types of science stories (SPJ7SCW-IIId-70) (Quarter 3, Week 6)

Exercise 1. Rapid Recall
Using the details presented in the Background Information for Learners (BIL)
part of this Learning Activity Sheet, identify what is asked or stated in each of the items below.
Select the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is the role of a Science writer?

a. Become one of the scientists and inventors.
b. Present facts and figures about Science issues using scientific terms
c. Make Science stories relatable and understandable by general readers.
2. This type of a Science story immediately answers the basic questions about a science
topic or issue. It has a headline, lead and supporting details which are all factual.
a. Science Editorial
b. Science Feature
c. Science News
3. Which story builds a stand or claim about a Science topic or issue? It takes the form of
an argumentative essay.
a. Science Editorial
b. Science Feature
c. Science News
4. What type of story build on human interest and more creative in presenting information
about Science topics?
a. Science Editorial
b. Science Feature
c. Science News
5. Why are Science stories important?
a. They can be be fillers in the newspaper pages.
b. They provide partnership between scientist and writers.
c. They provide people Science information that they can understand in their level of
understanding and experience.

Exercise 2. Fun Fillers

Directions: Read and analyze the paragraph below. Supply the blanks with words that will
complete its thoughts. Remember to base answers on the given information above
in your BIL.

Science stories can help people ___________ the things around them. For instance,
the presence of science reporting that presents simple but comprehensive details can warn
people about the true ________ of a storm and other natural calamities. It can save many
________ and properties. Science stories can also discuss about natural medicine that are in a
certain area. When a Science writer use _________ terms and avoid hifalutin words, people
will immediately understand how a herbal medicine works. That’s the beauty of
________________.
Exercise 3. Cool Classifications

Directions: Read and analyze the articles below. Identify whether they are Science News,
Science Feature or Science Editorial. Then, write at least five key words that
made you realize its type. Refer to the discussion of the types of Science
Stories.

1. DOST Siquijor distributes PPEs to RHUs amid COVID-19 pandemic

SIQUIJOR, Aug. 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology

(DOST-Siquijor) here distributed face shields to the frontliners in the province.
The face shields were donations from the Department of Science and
Technology – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST – MIRDC).
They were given to the health units to address the need for PPEs, particularly
face shields for frontliners as part of DOST’s effort under the Bayanihan to Heal as One
Act.
These were just a few of the total number of face shields created by DOST –
MIRDC to be donated all over the country for the frontliners amid the COVID-19
pandemic, said Provincial S&T Director Engr. Mario de la Peña who led the
distribution.
He said the face shields are the result of plastic injection technology.
This initiative was carried out in cooperation with technology partners:
Omnifab, Inc., a 3D printing company that fabricated the first mold, and the
Megasamsotite in San Pedro, Laguna, which offered its facilities for mass production.
The other mold for the face shield frames was fabricated at the Die and Mold
Solution Center, a facility of the DOST-MIRDC. (Engr. Joelline Ann Ates/SRA & IO-
designate/DOST Siquijor PSTC S&T Media Service)

-By Engr. Joelline Ann. D. Ates/SRA & IO-sedignate/DOST Siquijor PSTC

Published on August 18, 2020

This is a Science ___________________.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
 2. What Causes Sudden Headaches?

Have you ever been working–just minding your own business, basically–only to
suddenly feel a sharp headache, seemingly out of nowhere?
The last time I experienced this, I pretty much freaked out. And while there is some
merit to the oft-repeated advice to never Google [one’s] symptoms, I went ahead and looked
for answers, anyway.

Making headway
There are a little over 300 types of headaches, and unless you have 300 heads, you’re
obviously not experiencing all of them at once.
The good news is that most headaches — the sharp, stinging ones that last for a few
seconds and go away — are rarely a reason to panic.
There are two kinds of headaches: primary (headaches that aren’t the result of a
different illness) and secondary (which are caused by another medical condition). Let’s take a
look at some examples of primary headaches.
Tension headaches
These headaches are the most common of all headaches; in fact, studies show that
75% of adults experience this. Typically mild to moderate in severity, you can usually tell
that you’re having a tension headache if you feel a dull, squeezing pain on both sides of your
head. You may also feel a bit of aching in your shoulders or neck. Tension headaches may
last anywhere between 20 minutes and two hours, and may be the result of fatigue, muscular
problems, or emotional stress. Thankfully, you can deal with these easily: over-the-counter
headache meds, a heating pad, a warm shower, a nap, or even a snack can help.

Migraine
We often hear this word thrown around whenever someone talks about headaches, but
are we sure we know what it means?
Here’s a handy mnemonic for remembering the symptoms of an honest-to-God
migraine, from Harvard Medical School:

P is for pulsating pain

O for one-day duration of severe untreated attacks
U for unilateral (one-sided) pain
N for nausea and vomiting
D for disabling intensity

Various factors can bring about a migraine, including humidity, oversleeping, fatigue,
flickering lights, strong smells, or even missing a meal.
A migraine can last from 4 hours to a full day. And if you ask anyone who has ever
experienced a migraine, they’d surely tell you that either option is way too long.
You can deal with migraines through non-prescription pain relievers, or doctor-
prescribed medication (for the more intense ones).

Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are, literally and figuratively, an absolute pain. Middle-aged male
smokers tend to suffer these headaches the most.
 You can probably guess by the name that these headaches come in clusters. Some
patients even experience up to eight headaches a day for three months straight.
Immediately inhaling high-flow oxygen, as well as lidocaine nose drops,
dihydroergotamine injections, and verapamil (a calcium-channel blocker), can help you
overcome this particularly nasty headache variant.

Other causes of headaches

*Dehydration.
*Low energy levels.
*Lack of sleep.
*Intense and sudden physical activity.
*Extreme mental stress.
*Improper sitting posture.

A good rule of thumb to follow: if you’re experiencing a headache, it’s likely because
of something that you have or haven’t done in the past hour or so.
Meanwhile, severe headaches (like ones that happen multiple times a day or are able
to knock you out) should always be checked by a doctor. However, if your head just stings a
bit sometimes, there’s a good chance that you’re fine.

Remember: Headaches are your brain’s way of telling you to pay attention to
yourself! –MF

By Kyle Edralin
Published on April 27, 2019
https://www.flipscience.ph

This is a Science ___________________.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

3. Throwing Sand In Our Eyes

Unless you’ve been living under a dolomite rock during the past couple of months,
you’re likely aware of the controversy surrounding DENR’s Manila Bay makeover.
Amidst an ocean of dolomite defenders and detractors alike, experts from the Pinoy
scientific community presented their research-backed recommendations on how to proceed
with this so-called “nourishment project.”
 None of the official statements from local science organizations, both independent and
from the academe, denigrated the DENR or disparaged its competence. Despite being against
the dolomite sand project, many gave thoughtful advice, and even offered to help.
Thus, it’s troubling that Undersecretary Benny Antiporda responded to the UP Marine
Science Institute (MSI) by telling them that they had no right to criticize and pelting them with
the b-word: “bayaran.”
Problematic on multiple levels, and particularly troublesome for Pinoy scientists.

Underfunded, underappreciated, unfairly insulted

Previously, Usec. Antiporda had said that DENR would accept MSI’s help if it were
offered for free. UP’s scientists responded, clarifying that while their advice costs nothing,
further research and experiments will incur expenses.
For anyone who has ever done any science project in elementary school, this is a no-
brainer.
Thus, the implication that UP scientists—or Pinoy scientists—request funds to
“sipsipin ang dugo ng taongbayan [suck the blood out of the citizens]” is immensely
disturbing.
On the contrary, few communities exist that match the selflessness of the Pinoy science
community.
There’s astrophysicist and data scientist Reina Reyes, constantly promoting science
education during the pandemic; Ronniel Pedales from UP’s Institute of Biology, a young
pioneer in local forensic entomology; astrophysicist Rogel Mari Sese, whose blood, sweat, and
tears took the Philippine Space Act and PhilSA from dream to reality; Mary Anne Mandario
from the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, whose crustacean cultivation research
led to the discovery of a new mudworm species now named after Iloilo. The list goes on.
There are Pinoy scientific superstars, and there are scientists who work quietly in the
background. But at the end of the day, they share one thing in common: They choose to
empower the Philippines with science, despite opportunities to pursue their respective fields,
live comfortably, and simply be more appreciated abroad.
To see Pinoy scientists disrespected like this… It is truly heartbreaking.

‘Baliw sa research’ redux?

The last thing the Philippines needs right now is the dangerous idea that science is not
worth funding.
After all, the money DENR gave to MSI certainly did not go to waste.
According to director Dr. Laura David, MSI received Php 364 million (not Php 500
million, as Usec. Antiporda claimed) over the past decade, which went to research on coral reef
restoration, studies about Philippine waters, and even explorations of the Philippine Rise and
research on the West Philippine Sea (which, interestingly enough, were featured in a recent
webinar series in partnership with DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau), among others.
Meanwhile, the Manila Bay project cost Php 389 million; to date, only 120 meters of
the 500-meter area has been filled with white sand. Worse, heavy rainfall and tidal movement
appear to have washed away the sand (or “washed in” some of the Bay’s original darker sand—
take your pick, because the end result’s the same).
Funny: Around the same time last year, Sen. Cynthia Villar was heavily criticized for
her “baliw sa research” remarks, which many saw as a diminishment of the value of agri-
research in the Philippines. Of course, the story of National Scientist Ricardo M.
Lantican proves the value of said research.
Something about October, perhaps?
Bayan, bayaran ba ‘yan?
The word “bayaran” comes with terrible baggage.
Translated literally, it means “to pay” (verb) or “someone for hire” (noun). When used
as a retort, it can mean “paid hack,” a person with all the ethics and moral fiber of a salaried
internet troll.
And when enunciated a certain way, regardless of intent, it takes zero effort for anyone
to associate it with the less flattering connotation.
There is a world of difference between receiving compensation for services rendered
and being paid to propagate someone else’s agenda.
It is not wrong for scientists to get compensation and funding, in the same way that
public officials do.
A scientist asking for appropriate funding is not a scientist whose principles are for sale.
One can only wonder if the use of the word “bayaran” would further drive a stake between the
local scientific community, especially UP’s scientists, who have continued to serve the people,
despite receiving relentless bashing—and the public.
This issue is beyond the questionable timing of the Manila Bay project, beyond the
recommendations and refutations thrown back and forth. There is power behind words, and a
responsibility that comes with using them.
Of course, this is the same agency that issued a memorandum back in April, telling its
employees not to criticize the government’s COVID-19 efforts on social media, to avoid
“bit[ing] the hand that feeds [them].”
Usec. Antiporda, a media man, clearly understands the “power” part of using words, at
least.
As for the “responsibility” part… a sincere public apology to MSI would be the bare
minimum to start.

Science, silenced?
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque recently requested the Octa Research Group
to stop sharing their pandemic response recommendations publicly. His reason? The President
should be able to make decisions free from public pressure. As if evidence-based decision
making and correct decision-making were mutually exclusive.
Public officials are not and should not be above feedback, especially those backed by
expertise and delivered with respect. Filipino scientists are not out to get you, so please do not
act as if they are. Please don’t portray the scientific community as your enemies.
Because this manufactured drama is just sand in the public’s eye, taking attention away
from truly urgent matters.
Like the environmental impact of the (now ceased) dolomite mining in Cebu and the
possibly adverse effects of dolomite sand on the Manila Bay ecosystem.
Or efforts to recover the missing PhilHealth funds—money that could have helped its
members during this pandemic—and punish the ones responsible.
Or how to address the many challenges of distance learning, or the plan for fighting
COVID-19 beyond ping-ponging on social distancing guidelines and waiting for a vaccine.
Public officials should be able to take opinions from scientists and non-scientists, without
throwing baseless accusations of ulterior motives.
Or they can continue to build sand castles around themselves—feeble fortresses that,
without science’s help, will eventually, inevitably crumble.
by Mikael Angelo Francisco
Published on October 15, 2020
https://www.flipscience.ph
 This is a Science ___________________.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Exercise 4. Working on Writer’s Work

Directions: Based on your learning from the information and tasks you did in this LAS,
find and cut/print a sample Science story in an old newspaper, magazine or
internet. If none of those are available, you can write your own sample article.
Read and analyze your chosen story. Then, identify its type. Also, add a simple
discussion that made you realize its type. Use a bond or colored paper for this
task. Be guided by the sample and rubric for grading your work below.
Name: ___________________ Grade Level and Section: ___________

Your chosen Science story

What is its type? ______________________

Your discussion
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Rubric for grading Exercise 4

Criteria Poor Good Very Good Excellent

(1-3 points) (4-6 points) (7-9 points) (10 points)
Comprehension Student lacked Student Student Student
and response to clear evidenced evidenced evidenced clear
article understanding some considerable comprehension
of the article understanding comprehension of the article
(Thinking/ and may or of parts of the of the article and articulated
Inquiry) may not have article or did and articulated a thoughtful
expressed a not express a a thoughtful response.
personal personal response.
response. response.
Presentation Student gave a Student is Student Student
(Communication) disorganized vague about highlighted highlighted
presentation main points of most of the main points of
with main article. main points of article.
points of article article.
lacking.
 Conclusions No personal Few personal Personal Personal
(Application) comments are comments. comments are comments are
Provide personal provided. No Student clearly stated. clearly stated.
comments relationship demonstrates Student clearly Student clearly
pertaining to the between article some working demonstrates a demonstrates a
article and how it and class knowledge of working strong working
relates to the material is class material knowledge of knowledge of
presented provided. No relative to the class material class material
material. references are article. Few relative to the relative to the
given. references are article. Some article.
made to the references are References are
course made to the made to the
materials. course course
materials. materials.
Edited version of the Article Review Rubric Sample, PDF Format in teachers.colonelby.com

Reflection:

Complete this statement:

In these activities, I have learned that ______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________

Answer Key

Exercise 1. Rapid Recall

1. c
2. c
3. a
4. b
5. c

Exercise 2. Fun Fillers

Science stories can help people understand/discover/learn the things around them.
For instance, the presence of science reporting that presents simple but comprehensive details
can warn people about the true danger of a storm and other natural calamities. It can save
many lives and properties. Science stories can also discuss about natural medicine that are in
a certain area. When a Science writer use simple terms and avoid hifalutin words, people will
immediately understand how a herbal medicine works. That’s the beauty of Science Story!

Exercise 3. Cool Classifications

Answers may vary but the following can be guides in checking.
 1. DOST Siquijor distributes PPEs to RHUs amid COVID-19 pandemic
This is a Science News.
1. Headline
2. Answers basic questions/questions
3. Lead
4. Facts/Factual
5. Inverted pyramid/triangle structure

2. What Causes Sudden Headaches?

This is a Science Feature.
1. Human interest
2. Creative
3. Facts/factual
4. Introduction
5. Body
6. Conclusion

3. Throwing Sand In Our Eyes

This is a Science Editorial.
1. Stand
2. Opinion
3. Arguments
4. Facts/factual
5. Introduction/ body/ conclusion
Exercise 4. Working on Writer’s Work
Answers will vary. Rate output based on rubric given.

References

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050520
https://writersedit.com/freelance-writing/how-to-write-feature-article/
https://www.flipscience.ph/news/editorial-throwing-sand-in-our-eyes/
https://www.flipscience.ph/news/features-news/features/askflipscience-what-causes-sudden-headaches/
https://www.geneseo.edu/~bennett/EdWrite.htm
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01296612.2017.1293319
https://www.uiltexas.org/journalism/resources-forms/structure-of-the-feature-story
2017.Grade 7 SPJ Learners Material Quarter 2. pp 10-16.7 April
2017.Grade 7 SPJ Learners Materials Teacher’s Guide Quarter 2. pp 27-33 March
Teresa S. Congjuico (2016) Foundations for a responsive and relevant science journalism
course, Media Asia, 43:3-4, 169-175, DOI: 10.1080/01296612.2017.1293319

Prepared by:

RECHELYN B. CONSTANTINO
Writer
 JOURNALISM 7
Name of Learner: _______________________________________ Grade Level: _______
Section: ______________________________________ Score: ____________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

“FIT- UR- WRITING”

Background Information for Learners

A feature story is a piece of non-fiction writing about news. It is a type of a soft news.
The main sub-types are the news feature and the human-interest story. It is distinguished from
other types of non-news by the quality of the writing.

KEY-FEATURE
o gives information of human interest
o generally stories in newspapers and magazines other than straight news
o attempts to involve the reader’s emotion
o creative but sometimes subjective article
o designed to entertain and to inform readers of an event, situation or an aspect of life

CHARACTERISTICS
1. Factual and requires reporting
2. Maybe or may not be timely
3. Written in any form and style
4. Permits the reporter to use his/her knowledge and ingenuity
5. Rarely have news leads, more often have novelty leads
6. Strikes keynote in the opening sentences
7. Fits to inverted pyramid
8. Requires imagination to the facts, yet they are not fiction.
9. Apply the principles of effective writing to achieve unity, coherence, and emphasis.

Learning Competency:
SPJ7FTR-IIIb-65: Write a feature article about a person of interest.

EXERCISE 1: ARRANGE YOUR TECHNIQUES

Direction: Arrange the jumbled letters below to reveal the words as techniques and important
features in feature writing.
1. Good feature requires as much organization as the straight news story, for the feature has
to flow smoothly and parts of a feature story must be kept intact if it is to succeed -
SUTRCURET - _____________
2. An introduction to the topic under discussion is given - S L A D E - ____________
3. Part of the article that makes the reader want to continue - T A R S T I N O N N -
_____________
4. Part of the article that carries the central theme or main id - O B Y D - _____________
5. May be a condensed summary of the whole article, reviewing briefly the salient facts
brought out in the article - CLONLUNISO - _____________
6. A feature where readers interest is the main yardstick by which they are judged -
ELNTHG - _____________

EXERCISE 2: SEARCH & WRITE

Directions: Search the internet about the 5H and 1W of COVID-19. Then fill in the necessary
information about the said topic below.

What: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Who: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Where & Where: _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Why: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
How: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Image source: https://newschant.com/health/healthy-life-news-in-hindi-coronavirus-disease-

2019-covid-19-comics-general-knowledge-for-children-kids-corona-questions-and-answers-
vayu-the-superhero-of-the-magazine-which-will-remove-the/

Directions: Using the information on the WH-lead and the picture above, write a short feature
article about COVID-19, using the template below.

Introduction : __________________________________________________________
(Must be catchy and striking)
Body______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
 (What , Where , When & Where of COVID 19)
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
( How and Why of COVID)
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
(Additional details of COVID 19)

Conclusion__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Ending sentence:
__________________________________________________________________________.

EXERCISE 3: WHAT’S IN THE BODY?

Directions: Choose one from the three ideas below which you think you can write about; then,
develop a central point for each story.
A. Write about your favorite teacher, a successful person, or an interesting personality in your
campus. Research and conduct an interview with other students, friends, and relatives so
you have enough information for a well-rounded portrait of a person.

B. What are the best excuses teachers hear most often from students who miss classes,
assignments, and tests?

C. Mobile Legends and other Online Games and K-Drama Fever: Pros and Cons
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
EXERCISE 4: FEATURING KJMS!
Directions: Watch Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) – a Philippine television news magazine
show broadcast by GMA Network on a Sunday, then, choose a topic featured in that episode.
Make a short feature story about your chosen featured topic from the show.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Reflection:
Directions: While watching KMJS, what are the most common topics being featured? In
choosing/deciding for a feature story, what do you think are the factors that you need to
consider and why?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

ANSWER KEY:

EXERCISE 1
1. S T R U C T U R E
2. L E A D S
3. I N T R O D U C T I O N
4. B O D Y
5. C O N C L U S I O N
6. L E N G T H

EXERCISE 2: Answers may vary.

EXERCIS 3: Answers may vary.

EXERCISE 4: Answers may vary.

References:

Sorenson, Sharon. 1997. Webster’s New World Student Writing Handbook. 3rd Edition. New
York: Macmillan.

Prepared:
GLENDA B. AZURIN