Feature Writing

A Boy of Unusual Vision

I enjoyed reading this feature article. I was amazed at how Steinbach, the writer, successfully unfolds the profile on Calvin using a variety of feature techniques. She makes the story unique by focusing on a more universal appeal which can be understood by a wide range of readers. The approach to this profile story also sets it apart from the typical blind child overcoming obstacles, instead, Steinbach emphasizes on Calvin's accomplishments through the love and support of his parents, teachers, and mentors. The writer creates an environment that helps describe Calvins experience, and this made me feel, as the reader, as if I was journeying right along with Calvin. 

The writer covers many feature characteristics in this article. An evident characteristic is emotion. I felt sad when I read that Calvin wished he could see how his mother and father looked like. I felt connected to Calvin and I grew a sense of appreciation for the people that helped Calvin to become more independent. I also noticed a lot of great specific details. I loved how the writer at the beginning describes Calvin's eyes, she uses the color blue to show the color of this eyes, and when Calvin feels the warm breeze while he is in class. 

The writer definitely had freedom to choose the structure of the article. She includes anecdotes and quotes. The article is also longer compared to ones that appear in the newspaper, and it shows that the writer tries to include as much detail as possible to make the story stand out. 

ALL SHE HAS, $150,000, IS GOING TO A UNIVERSITY

This article was another great feature. I loved the beginning of the article because it captures my attention and makes me want to read more of the story. I like how the writer presents the problem and then transitions into the solution. The writer mentions Osceola's challenges throughout her life, and how she continued to appreciate her simple life, and this is evident when I read that she had a TV that only received one channel, but that she did not care because she rarely watched TV. The remarkable GIFT to the institution from a simple woman shows the timeliness in the story. The story also has emotion because it made me appreciate her action, and I also admired her for her hard work throughout her life, and her kind gesture of giving away her earnings so that future students can attend college and have a better future. The writer describes the surroundings to have the reader connect with her.