Types of Articles

The News Story
Article that provides a description of one or more specific events, as accurately and impartially as possible.

The Feature Story
This article offers an introduction to or overview of a particular topic. Its primary function is t provide information and insight, although it may be opinionated or analytical.

The Interview
The text of the conversation between two or more people, normally directed by the interviewer. Interviews are often edited or rearranged for clarity. One common variation is the roundtable--the text of a less organized discussion, usually between three or more people.

The Personality Profile
A personal or professional portrait--sometimes both-- of a particular individual.

The Human Interest Story
An article that involves local people and events and can be sold to daily and some weekly newspapers. Human interest elements, such as anecdotes or accounts of personal experiences, can support ideas in magazine articles as firmly as facts or statistics. Also called "true-life" stories.

The Personal Experience
An article in which the the writer recounts an ordeal, process, or event he has undergone. It inspires, educates, or entertains the reader.

The How-to
This type of article offers readers directions and guidance for completing a specific task or reaching a particular goal.

The Self-Help
Article in which information or inspiration is given to help a reader solve problems or cope with life.

The Essay
A short, literary, nonfiction composition (usually prose) in which a writer develops a them or expresses an idea.

The Op-Ed
Articles that run opposite the editorial page (does not mean opinion-editorial). They are a response to current editorials and topical subjects. Political op-eds are the most common, but they don't have to be limited to politics. They must, however, reflect items that are current and newsworthy. May also be called an essay or commentary.

The List
A simple item-by-item run-down of pieces of information.

The Roundup
Article that may present a position and then back up the thesis statement with various quotes and facts from different sources. Many times this type of article is used to report on emerging trends. Also called the survey article.

A Sidebar
A short feature that accompanies a news story or magazine article. it elaborates on human interest aspects of the story, explains one important facet of the story in more depth, or provides additional factual information--such as a list of names and addresses--that would read awkwardly in the body of the article. Can be found in a box, separated from the main article on the side or bottom of the page.

The Evergreen
An article that is written to be used at anytime during the year. Usually has a topic that is general enough to be used anytime. These articles are usually written to be used as a back up in case an article is pulled at the last minute or if there is too much space left over after designing a page for a newspaper or magazine. Usually filed until it is needed.

The Seasonal
An article written about a holiday, season of the year, or timely observance. This kind of article must be submitted months in advance of the anticipated publication date.

Travel Article
This article pertains to any place in the world, but -- other kinds of articles--it must have a specific focus.

The Expose
This article is the result of a writer's intensive research and investigation. Often includes elements of shock that is substantiated with fact, and its subject is often corruption in business or government or a similar issue. Also called the investigative article.

The Service Article
An article about a consumer product or service; it outlines the characteristics of several of the same type of commodity. The aim is to help the consumer make the best selection possible.

The Humorous Article
Satire pokes fun at--or makes fun of--a person, event, belief, idea, or institution, often through exaggeration. Parody is a form of satire in which the piece purports to be or represents whatever (or the work of whomever) it is poking fun at.

The Filler
Short non-fiction items, usually just under 300 words used to fill in space on a page of a magazine or newspaper page. Great way to make a little extra money.

The Column
A short newspaper or magazine piece that deals specifically with a particular field of interest, or broadly with an issue or circumstance of far-reaching scope. They appear with bylines on a regular basis (daily, weekly, etc.) and usually run 350-500 words. They may be written exclusively for one newspaper or magazine; they may be marketed by a syndicate, or they may be self-syndicated by the author.

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