1. Writing a Feature Article on Fashion
Step Ahead
Book 5 Unit 1
Writing a Feature Article on Fashion
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2. the factors affecting the writing of a feature article
In this lesson, you will learn about:
the factors affecting the writing of
a feature article
the organisation of a feature article
the features of a feature article
the writing process

3. What factors affect the writing of a feature article?

4. i.e. What is the text type? e.g. a feature article
The style and structure of writing is affected by three factors:
Genre
i.e. What is the text type? e.g. a feature article
Purpose
Audience
i.e. Why am I writing?
e.g. to help readers appreciate fashion trends
i.e. Who will read my writing?
e.g. people interested in fashion

5. people interested in fashion
What is the genre for this writing task?
a feature article
Who is the audience for this genre?
people interested in fashion

6. to help readers appreciate fashion trends in Hong Kong
What is the purpose of this feature article?
to help readers appreciate fashion trends in Hong Kong
to compare women’s fashions
past and present
to compares men’s fashions past and present

7. Exercise 1
Tick the sentence below which most likely comes from a feature article. 
1. Enter our simple fashion quiz and win a whole new wardrobe. 
2. In the end, Susanne picked a new green dress and said, ‘I’m going to give it to my daughter on her birthday.’ 
3. I look forward to reading more about fashions! 
4. In the 1980s, men would wear full dress suits every day.
4. In the 1980s, men would wear full dress suits every day.

8. What does a feature article include?

9. A feature article includes:
a title
an introduction
a body
an ending

10. short but eye-catching
Title:
short but eye-catching
 indicates place and time of fashion 
e.g.
Hong Kong fashion in the 1980s and 1990s
e.g.
Dressing: Power vs Comfort
 use abbreviation to make the title easier to remember

11. catch reader’s attention with questions
Introduction:
catch reader’s attention with questions
indicate what the article is about
explain your purpose of writing
e.g.
Have you ever burst into laughter when looking at old photos of your parents? It is no surprise that Hong Kong fashions of the 1980s and 1990s are regarded as most memorable and distinctive. By learning about the fashion trends of men and women over the past few decades, you can discover what to do to update your wardrobe.

12. men’s fashion in the 1980s and 1990s
Body:
men’s fashion in the 1980s and 1990s
women’s fashion in the 1980s and 1990s
e.g.
With the increasing number of women entering the workforce and taking up higher positions, dressing in business suits was very popular in both 1980s and 1990s. One of the main characteristics of the 1980s was the broad shoulder. Women used to wear over-sized blazers with big shoulder pads for a more masculine look. In contrast to the 1980s, women in the 1990s adopted minimalist styles. Both formal and casual wear for women became simpler and subtler.

13. summarise the main ideas and express your opinion on the issue
Ending:
summarise the main ideas and express your opinion on the issue
e.g.
Fashion trends come and go, often repeating themselves about every 20 to 30 years. Therefore, remember to save what you’ve found at the bottom of your parents’ wardrobes, and mix and match them wisely with your own fashionable items.

14. What are the main features of a feature article?

15. subheadings to help readers locate information more easily
In a feature article, we use:
subheadings to help readers locate information more easily
topic sentences and supporting sentences to organise ideas
used to/would to write about fashion history

16. We use subheadings to help readers locate information more easily:
e.g.
Casual Wear for Men in the 1980s
e.g.
Business Wear for Women in the 1990s

17. topic sentences carry the main idea of the paragraph
We use topic sentences to organise ideas:
topic sentences carry the main idea of the paragraph
e.g.
Sportswear is taking on a whole new trendy look in It’s boyish, mostly based on football uniforms and is quickly becoming fashionable and chic.

18. We use used to/would to write about fashion history:
we use used to/would when we talk about a past habit
e.g.
In the 1980s, women used to/would wear jackets with shoulder pads.

19. Exercise 2
Rewrite the following sentences using ‘used to’.
1. Many rock singers in the 1980s permed their hair.
Ans.
Many rock singers in the 1980s used to perm their hair.
2. In the 1980s, legwarmers were popular fashion items. Women often wore them over tight pants.
Ans.
In the 1980s, legwarmers used to be popular fashion items. Women used to wear them over tight pants.

20. The Writing Process 20

21. How do I generate ideas for a feature article?

22. trends for women’s formal wear trends for women’s casual wear
Make a list of basic information about the fashion trend:
trends for women’s formal wear
trends for women’s casual wear
trends for men’s formal wear
trends for men’s casual wear
hot items of this season
hot items of next season

23. Fashion Trends in Hong Kong
Use note sheets to keep track of details:
Fashion Trends in Hong Kong
Time
Women
Men
1980s
1990s
Now

24. Common words used in a feature article about women’s fashion:
Vocabulary
Common words used in a feature article about women’s fashion:
1980s
1990s
Now
business suits
coloured hose
legwarmers
plastic charms
shoulder pads
stonewashed jeans
bead bracelets
cargo trousers
flared trousers
leather jackets
pashmina
short jackets
biker jackets
knitwear
loose coats
low cut waist jeans
metal hardware
tartan skirt 24

25. single-breasted jackets
Vocabulary
Common words used in a feature article about men’s fashion:
1980s
1990s
Now
acid-wash jeans
designer jeans
jean jackets
leather jackets
parachute pants
polo shirts
sunglasses
baggy jeans
cargo pants
grungy jacket
puffy jackets
rhinestone gloves
single-breasted jackets
stonewashed jeans
athletic pants
flannel shirts
skinny jeans
thick rimmed glasses
tight pants
trucker hats
tweed jackets 25

26. How do I write a feature article?

27. Pre-writing Drafting Editing Proofreading
-brainstorm ideas using mind maps, tables, etc.
-note down ideas, vocabulary 
Drafting
-use a flow chart to outline your writing plan
-draft your writing 
Editing
-re-read and examine your draft
-correct for ideas, organisation, style 
Proofreading
-proofread for spelling, grammar, punctuation
-correct any mistakes 
Finished product

28. Three factors affect writing: genre
Summary:
Three factors affect writing:
genre
audience
purpose
Organisation of a feature article:
a title
an introduction
a body
an ending

29. Features of a feature article: subheadings
Summary:
Features of a feature article:
subheadings
topic sentences
use used to/would
Generate ideas using:
lists
note sheets

30. The writing process: pre-writing drafting editing proofreading
Summary:
The writing process:
pre-writing
drafting
editing
proofreading

31. Step Ahead
Book 5 Unit 1
The End