INTRODUCE THE TOPIC OF YOUR HEADING IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH FOLLOWING YOUR HEADING. Punctuate headings correctly and consistently all level 1 headings should follow the same pattern each level 2 heading in a section should follow the same pattern.)

You can change your heading style between levels, but you must be consistent at level 1 then in each section (i.e.

Design of heading levels Effective wording of headings).

If you use a noun phrase, then continue to use noun phrases for that level and for that section (e.g.

Designing heading levels Wording headings effectively).

If you use a phrase starting with an ‘ing’ word, then follow that pattern for that heading level and for that section (e.g.

if your level 1 heading is What are the rules for heading levels?, then the next level 1 heading would need to be a question also: How do you word headings effectively?).

If you use a question as a heading, then follow that pattern for that heading level and for that section (e.g.

Make them specific to the written work that follows.

Keep headings brief (avoid two and three liners).Use three basic principles to word your headings: WHEN YOU DESIGN YOUR HEADINGS SYSTEM, MAKE SURE THAT THE WORDING IS CONSISTENT. Level 3: Lowercase, italics, 12pt, left justified, no space below Distribute information in logical sections Level 2: Lowercase, bold, 12pt, left justified, space below Level 1: CAPITALS, bold, 14pt, centred, space below You can follow a recommended pattern or make up your own system-so long as it is clear and consistent. centred or left justified), using boldface, underlining or capital letters. When you design a heading system, show the relative importance of headings with the type size, position (e.g. Too many headings and too many levels creates confusion. Remember that the aim of using headings is to keep your reader on track. For example, most 2000 word essays may only require 3-5 level 1 headings (i.e. You will mainly use one to three levels of headings in your essay, depending on the length of your assignment. level 1 – most important level 2 – next important and so on). Headings should be graded at levels to show a clear order of importance (e.g. Work out a system of headings that you can use with all of your essays. If you used this heading system, the reader would not be confusedīEFORE YOU START YOUR ESSAY, HAVE A CLEAR AND LOGICAL HEADING HIERARCHY.The wording of the headings and sub-headings is alike.The sub-headings are all at the same level and in the same font style.

The heading system is clear and logical.Read this description of a well-structured set of headings: How does using parallel structure and content help with writing headings? Compare the following sets of headings then answer the questions that follow: Heading set 1 It’s easy to see why you need a few rules to help you develop a good system of headings. Look at headings systems in your unit reading material, and you will get a ‘feeling’ for their structure and suitability.Įxercise 1: Recognising the appropriate use of headings Provided that they are well structured, a few headings make longer pieces of writing easier to write and easier to read (for the marker). Headings are signposts that focus the reader on the most important content in a piece of writing, and are usually connected to the set question. Also, texts on the Internet are easier to read on screen if they have headings. However, in more recent times, headings are often used in formal academic writing such as books and journals. The use of headings in formal writing was once restricted to business style writing, such as report writing. Most students who have just completed secondary studies come to university with the firm belief that you should not use headings in essay writing. If you do use headings, then use them wisely and correctly. You will need to check your lecturer’s preference. Some lecturers prefer headings while others don’t want you to use headings. However, lecturers can be divided about whether they allow/prefer you to use headings in your academic essays. Headings are standard for some written forms (e.g. Key words: report writing, signposts, headings, heading levels, sub-headings, parallel structure, maximal & minimal capitalisation

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