Here are some key characteristics of soft articles:
* Focus on human interest: The primary goal is to connect with the reader on an emotional level, often through personal narratives and compelling characters.
* Less emphasis on objectivity: While accuracy is still important, the tone is often more subjective and opinionated than in hard news reporting.
* Narrative style: Soft articles often use a storytelling approach, with a beginning, middle, and end, much like a short story or feature.
* Descriptive language: They employ vivid language and imagery to create a richer reading experience.
* Examples: Profiles of interesting people, personal essays, travelogues, human-interest stories about unusual events, or articles focusing on lifestyle and culture.
In short, a soft article aims to entertain and inform, often leaving the reader with a feeling or perspective, rather than simply providing dry facts. It's the opposite of a "hard news" article, which emphasizes timeliness, accuracy, and objectivity above all else.