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Worksheet9th GradeLevel 2 · Standard

Free 9th Grade Writing a Feature Article: Headlines, Leads, Quotes and Structure Worksheet

An informative writing worksheet on the feature article, the longer, more personal form of journalism found in magazines and weekend papers. Students study an original model, learn the parts of a feature (headline, standfirst, lead, body, quotes, kicker), compare feature articles with hard news reports, write catchy headlines and anecdotal leads, and plan and draft their own feature opening. A model answer and marking rubric are included.

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Grade
9th Grade
Subject
English
Topic
Informative Writing
Difficulty
Level 2 · Standard
Estimated time
45 minutes
Curriculum
Texas grade levels (TEKS)
Questions
11
Answers
Included, with working
Format
PDF (A4), print or complete online

Students will practice

  • identifying the structure and features of a feature article
  • distinguishing feature writing from hard news
  • writing headlines, standfirsts and anecdotal leads
  • integrating quotations from interviews
  • balancing human interest with factual information

Curriculum: Texas grade levels (TEKS). We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.

What's next?

Completed: Writing a Feature Article: Headlines, Leads, Quotes and Structure

  1. 1Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in Advertising
  2. 2Language Features: Imagery, Tone and Mood
  3. 3Poetry Analysis: Imagery, Tone, Structure and Rhythm

How to use this worksheet

  1. Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
  2. Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
  3. Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
  4. Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.

Common questions

Who is this worksheet for?

9th Grade students (typically ages 14–15) working on informative writing. It is pitched at level 2 · standard.

Are the answers included?

Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.

How long does it take?

About 45 minutes for 11 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.

Do I need to sign up to download?

No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.

What should we do next?

Try Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in Advertising.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheets9th Grade · English · Informative Writing

Writing a Feature Article: Headlines, Leads, Quotes and Structure

Name

Date

Score /

A feature article tells a true story about real people, but it is written to be enjoyed. Hook your reader with a person, then show them why it matters.

Part A: Parts of a feature

Answer each question.

1.Match each part of a feature article to its job.
  • headline
  • standfirst
  • lead
  • body
  • kicker
  • A short, eye-catching title that sparks curiosity.
  • Paragraphs that develop the story with facts, quotes and examples.
  • The final line or paragraph that leaves a lasting impression, often echoing the lead.
  • The opening paragraph that hooks the reader, often with a scene or anecdote.
  • One or two sentences under the headline that sum up the angle of the story.
2.How does the lead of the model differ from a typical hard news lead?
  1. AIt answers who, what, when, where and why in one sentence
  2. BIt opens with a vivid scene and a person rather than a summary of facts
  3. CIt has no quotations
  4. DIt is written in the future tense
3.What is the angle of the model feature?
  1. ABread prices are rising
  2. BNight-shift workers do essential but invisible work, with costs and rewards
  3. CHospitals need more nurses
  4. DHow to bake bread at home
4.Why does the writer include the line "Your weekend is everyone else's Tuesday"?
  1. ATo give a date for the article
  2. BAs a memorable quote that shows the personal impact of night work in a relatable way
  3. CTo explain how hospitals are scheduled
  4. DTo make fun of the nurse

Part B: Craft skills

Answer in full sentences.

5.Explain two differences between a feature article and a hard news report.[2 marks] (answer space)
6.Find where the model moves from the personal story to wider facts. Why is this move important?[2 marks] (answer space)
7.Write a punchy alternative headline for the model article. Use one technique such as alliteration, a pun or a question.[2 marks] (answer space)
8.Rewrite this flat lead as an anecdotal lead: "Many students take on part-time jobs while they are still at school."[2 marks] (answer space)
9.Here is an interview note: "The volunteer said she feels proud when the garden produces food for families." Turn it into a direct quote with an attribution, and explain why direct quotes are useful.[2 marks] (answer space)
10.Suggest a kicker (final line) for the model article that echoes the lead.[2 marks] (answer space)
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Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.

Informative Writing in other year levels

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About this resource

Created by
Success Tutoring
Last reviewed
1 October 2026
How it was made
Written by our team

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