examples of subheadings in an essay

Should you Include Headings and Subheadings in an Essay?

If you have ever tried reading a large blob of text, then you know how hard it can be. However, it becomes easier to read when broken into headings and subheadings.

Academic writings like essays have a standard of writing that must be upheld. While not every essay requires headings and subheadings, they are important for organizing your writing.

Headings describe the succeeding section, while subheading gives supporting information for the heading.

With that said, here is everything you need to know about headings

What are Headings in Essays and Academic Papers?

According to Merriam-Webster, a heading forms or serves as a head.

In academic writing, headings represent what is to come in the assignment. Adding a heading will help structure a piece of writing and guide the reader throughout the content. Short pieces of writing don't always require headings. In long-form writing, each specific section should have its heading to communicate what the reader should expect clearly. Think of it as the title of that section.

Since some points are more important than others, the heading chosen should be based on whether the idea you are talking about is the main point. Each heading chosen should tell the reader what the following idea is about. This is because the main points are the building blocks of the content. Make sure it is short, descriptive, and precise.

You can include headings and subheadings/subtopics in an essay if it is long, but ensure that the subtopics or subheadings are relevant to the content and consistent throughout the text in a manner to contribute to your thesis statement. As a good practice, ensure that the essay headings and subheadings do not exceed 12 words.

Subheadings are not recommended for short essays . However, they improve the overall structure of a long essay, help you frame and explore your topic, and enable the readers to know what to expect (they act as signposts in an essay or research paper).

Heading vs. Title

Headings and titles may look similar at a first glance, but they are not. A title represents the entire paper and explains it in clear and short phrases. It is the first thing the reader will see and determine whether they read the rest of the document. For this reason, you need to think of striking, informative, and appropriate titles. You should also write the title based on why you are writing that document. For instance, if the aim of the documents is tutorial, then the title should be task-based.

On the other hand, a heading represents what each section of the paper discusses. They help guide the reader throughout the documents, which is why you should write effective headings, and they should be as descriptive as possible.

Headings are a requirement in most forms of writing, but some lecturers may be divided about using them in academic essays, which is why you should confirm with them first. 

Headings Vs. Subheadings

Headings are key parts of writing as they will capture the reader's attention and lure them into the document's purpose. They guide the reader to the main points of the paper. You have to set the headings apart from the body of the text by coming up with an enticing phrase.

Subheadings, on the other hand, do more than grab the reader's attention; they show the different subsections of the text. They keep the reader engaged by quickly guiding them to the information they want.

Headings and subheadings appear at the beginning of a section and organize the flow of the documents. In addition, they are both used to break down large blocks of text to make them more scannable. They also have a hierarchy that is Heading (H2) first, followed by subheadings (H3) and (H4) in that order. Subheadings should always come after the heading, as demonstrated.

The Best Length for Headings in Academic Writing

A heading can be as long as you want it to give the reader a snippet of the idea. A good rule of thumb should be no more than 70 characters.

For higher level headings, like H1, H2, and H3s, they could be as low as one word, for instance, the introduction, methodology, and such. For such sections, the one word is clear enough for the reader to know what it represents. Low levels like H5 and below can be much longer and direct the reader to exactly what they are looking for.

Levels of Heading in Academic Writing

Headings are an important part of academic writing as they act as a preview of the document. They guide the reader on what you are talking about, which is why you should assign different heading levels.

There are five levels of headings in APA style. Level 1, Level 2, level 3, level 4, levels 5. Level 1 is the main heading, followed by level 2, its subheading, and level 3 is the subsection of level 2 in that order.

Level 1 headings are your main headings and are usually typed in the center of the paper in title case and bolded. Their text beneath will always start in the next line, indented inward, just as you begin a new paragraph. These help the reader find their way through the document, read what they want and skip what they are not interested in.

The length and complexity of the paper will determine how many levels you will use. If it's just a short piece of writing, you can use Level 1. If you need two headings, use level 1 and level 2. If it's a 2000-word article, research paper, term paper, or essay, you will need between 3 and 5 headings.

Keep in mind that not every paragraph needs a heading. While headings can keep your work neat, too many can defeat the purpose. Also, make sure that each of the headings and subheadings has a connection to the main title.

All these levels are differentiated by different styles and formats depending on the publication manual provided, which can be either APA or MLA format.

Reasons to Use Headings in Academic Writing

Headings are helpful in academic writing for a myriad of reasons, including:

Making Your Content More Readable

Much information goes into academic writing to pass information to the reader. Putting all your information in a large block of text will be overwhelming and can scare away the readers. The white gaps at each heading section will offer a resting place hence a visual break. Therefore, separating the large chunks of text into manageable portions will keep your readers engaged.

Outlining Your Content

Headings serve as the structure of your writing. By dividing the large bulk of text with headings, you guide the reader through each section and what it is about. Otherwise, they won't know what it is about.

Capturing the Reader's Attention

The main aim of any heading is to hook the reader and create curiosity enough for them to continue reading through the rest of the article. Having a catchy and informative heading will entice them to read even further.

Remember that readers rarely read documents from start to finish. Major headings should stand out but so should headings and subheadings if you want the readers to continue reading your paper.

Finding Important Information

Readers will likely scan the essay to get a general idea of what it is about and decide if they want to read it. Well-structured headings will help them achieve that.

Improving Overall Quality

Headings and subheadings improve the quality of the essay. A high-quality essay is suitable for readers and also for search engine optimization (SEO) if you intend to publish it online. Ensure to use keywords in the headings and structure them to improve visibility.

Tips to Include Better Headings and Subheadings

Writing informative and precise headings and subheadings is vital if you want your writing to get the message home. You need to borrow the following tips to show that they should spend time reading your writing.

Use the Right Length

The length of your article or essay will determine how long your headings and subheadings should be. Put yourself in the reader's shoes and think of the heading you would like to read. Lengthy headings aren't attractive. Most readers want something short and precise, which is what you should do. It should only take them a few seconds to read, so be sure the length should be not more than 30 words.

Make It Relevant to the Content and Topic

Headings and subheadings are essential to catch the reader's attention but are not important enough to stand independently. They represent the critical concepts and all the supporting ideas. Therefore, you need to consider the topic's relevance when determining what phrases to use in your subheading. Carefully think about each key piece of information you'd like to include in each of your sections. Then ensure that each subheading is connected to the main title or the heading.

Be Clear and Concise

Headings and subheadings tell the reader what the content is about. They are usually about five words long. Therefore, you should go directly to the point using clear language that is easy to understand. Most readers skim through the text before reading which is why you should use simple and straightforward words. Always remember that readers have questions and are looking for answers and shouldn't have to ponder what you are talking about. If your heading is clear and to the point, they won't leave to look for answers elsewhere.

Place It in the Right Place

Consider where your target audience is likely to look and where they are likely to appear. While doing this, also consider the kind of phrases they are likely to type for the specific information they want. This gives you a general idea of where to place headings and subheadings. Remember that the APA and MLA format requires that all headings be placed hierarchically. So as you choose your phrases, ensure that they align with the content's topic and flow.

Consider the Formatting Style

Heading styles format your headings to make them stand out from the rest of the text. They also give your essay structure and make it more accessible to the target audience. In addition to this, headings also help in:

• Generating a table of contents
• Use style sets to reformat the document
• Rearranging the documents
• Creating a structured pdf file using the heading tag

Remember that each heading is formatted with a different heading style located in the style section. Since you've already used H1 for the major heading, the first subheading will be H2, and the second subheading will be H3.

Related Reading: How to indent an essay well.

Number the Heading or Subheading if Needed

Putting numbers on your heading makes it easy to scan. Top-level headings like H1 are numbered 1,2,3,4 while second-level headings, like H2, are numbered 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Remember that even though you are numbering the headings, you need to introduce your topic in the first paragraph after the headings. Headings don't speak for themselves, so writing a few sentences restating the main idea will tell the reader what will come.

Be Consistent Throughout the Paper

If you intend to use headings in your paper, ensure each section has a heading and subheading. Also, ensure they are consistent in font, size, color, indentation, etc. The style function in Microsoft Word will help create consistency in your headings. You must select the text you want to convert into a heading, then select the appropriate heading from the Style box.

Avoid Repetition

Avoid repeating any phrases in your headings. Using the same heading more than once can affect the reader's comprehension of your message, negatively impacting their reaction to your essay. Sometimes you may repeat the headings without even noticing. For this reason, you should use the Find Function in MS Word or Google Docs.

Another way you can check for repetition is by reading your essay out loud, and this will help you spot any headings or subheadings that have been repeated.

Capitalize, Format, and Punctuate Well

Effective headings are well capitalized, formatted, and punctuated. The APA style uses two styles for this, title case and sentence case. In the title case, major words are capitalized, while minor ones are lowercase. Sentence cases, on the other hand, only capitalize the proper nouns while the rest remain in lowercase.

Use Automatic Heading in Word Processor

Microsoft Word has a built-in feature that anticipates how you want to format your document. As you begin typing, your text starts in the typical style, but when you press enter and move to a new line, the style changes to H1 with different fonts, colors, etc.

If you are typing a paragraph with a small number of words and press enter and then fail to provide proper punctuation, the feature will assume you are moving to a new paragraph, and it will then automatically enter a new heading with a heading style.

Use Descriptive Headings

Use concrete and descriptive language to make your headings more effective so the reader can know what to expect in each section. Don't use function headings when writing your technical reports; these are not so predictable, and readers benefit from the headings being much more descriptive.

Function headings are only used when writing pieces that need consistent structures, for instance, lab reports. An example is:

• Introduction
• Methodology
• Conclusions

Include Technical Terms Needed

Technical terms should not be used in headings because they may be hard to understand except those who know the languages. Technical terms are primarily used in academic documents that professionals read but if not specified, avoid them.

Related Read: How to write an article title in academic papers.

Final Words

Headings and subheadings are vital features in academic writing that represent the main points of a topic. The difference in formatting helps reader's the main points from the rest of the texts. Ensure you follow all the tips about including headings and subheadings in your text. Talk to your lecturer, professor, teacher, or instructor if you are unsure whether to add them to your essay.

What are Headings in an Essay?

Headings are markers that guide the reader through an essay by showing them what the next section is about. Like a title, they are only a few words long and are essential in structuring your content so as not to overwhelm the reader.

Should I Put Headings in an Essay?

Yes. It will help if you put headings in your essays to make them more readable. Essays consist of three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Most of them are written in a continuous, paragraphed text without the need for section headings, especially if it's a short essay. On the other hand, long-form essays need headings and subheadings to make them easy to write and read. Since most lecturers are divided about using them in academic essays, you should confirm with your tutor before you start writing.

How Do I Include Subheadings in an Essay?

Subheadings are mini headlines that come after the headings, and they help explain more about the headings and aid readers in skimming through the content. If you have used the first heading, H1, and need to provide more information about it, add a subheading, H2.

If you have trouble deciding how to use subheadings correctly, think of them as an outline. Therefore, break down your topic into simple ideas, then use them to organize your essay.

How Do You Make a Heading in an Essay or Academic Paper?

You must think carefully about the aim of writing a paper and the main idea. Each heading should be clear and to the point. You don't want to mince words and possibly confuse the reader. Also, remember that headings are meant to enhance, not replace, the main topic. Ensure you set it apart from the body of the text by using H1 formatting in either Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Borrow some of the following best practices to write an effective heading:

• Create a controversy
• Ensure it short
• Pose a question
• Suggest a number
• Provide an explanation

How Do You Use Headings and Subheadings?

Headings (section headings) are the title of your essay. They appear at the beginning of the page and guide the reader through your content. It is the first one your readers see before reading your essay or text. It doesn't matter whether the reader reads every word in your essay; they can still get the basic idea of your paper. Using different heading levels will help the reader navigate through the document. The headings and subheadings should be captivating enough to make an excellent first impression.

When writing a subheading, keep in mind that the H2s are the headers of each header for the main section of the essay. H3s are the subsections of the main points in H2s. H4s, on the other hand, are detailed subheadings breaking down the text into more specific options. The subheadings amplify the title or heading of the essay, and they also complement the headings. They make your writing flow and should be relevant to the topic. With such an organization, you have achieved a first-class essay level. A good subheading captures the essence of the title and consistently informs the reader that they are still on an idea related to the topic. It is also short, descriptive, clear, and concise.

Should Essays Have Section Headings?

Yes. Just like books are divided into chapters, essays and articles should be divided into sections. Essays should have section headings because they help make your work more organized and easy to read. And within those sections, the text can be divided into subsections.

Are There Specific Words to Use in Headings and Subheadings in Essays?

You will probably be tempted to use more words to make your heading more concise, but this isn't a good idea. Make sure you carefully choose words that clearly describe your chosen topic. If possible, use numbers in your headings because they are like brain candy, making your work more interesting. Also, ensure you use odd numbers because they are more attractive to readers than even numbers, according to the Content Marketing institute . Avoid abbreviations, idioms, or colloquial expressions when writing headings and subheadings.

How Many Headings to Use in an Essay or Academic Assignment?

To be safe, only use a maximum of three headings. However, this will depend on the length of your academic assignments. Remember that headings are short phrases that introduce the topic you are writing about and make it easy for the readers to read through. So if you are writing a short essay of fewer than 1000 words, there is no need for headings. But for articles above 1000 words then, you must use them. Headings will help identify the different sections in an essay.

What Are Heading Levels?

Headings organize your essay in a hierarchical order. Since some points are more critical, assigning different levels will help distinguish them.

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How do I style headings and subheadings in a research paper?

Headings and subheadings can help organize and structure your writing. In general, longer and more complex works warrant more of them than shorter ones. Avoid overusing headings in short projects; they should never be used to compensate for poor structure or to explain an underdeveloped idea.

When headings are called for in your writing project, observe the basic guidelines below.

The paper or chapter title is the first level of heading, and it must be the most prominent.

Headings should be styled in descending order of prominence. After the first level, the other headings are subheadings—that is, they are subordinate. Font styling and size are used to signal prominence. In general, a boldface, larger font indicates prominence; a smaller font, italics, and lack of bold can be used to signal subordination. For readability, don’t go overboard: avoid using all capital letters for headings (in some cases, small capitals may be acceptable):

Heading Level 1

Heading Level 2

Heading Level 3

Note that word-processing software often has built-in heading styles.

Consistency

Consistency in the styling of headings and subheadings is key to signaling to readers the structure of a research project. That is, each level 1 heading should appear in the same style and size, as should each level 2 heading, and so on. Generally avoid numbers and letters to designate heads unless you are working in a discipline where doing so is conventional. Note that a heading labeled “1” requires a subsequent heading labeled “2,” and a heading labeled “a” requires a subsequent heading labeled “b.” 

In a project that is not professionally designed and published, headings should be flush with the left margin, to avoid confusion with block quotations. (The exception is the paper or chapter title, which is centered in MLA style.)

For readability, it is helpful to include a line space above and below a heading, as shown in this post.

No internal heading level should have only one instance. For example, if you have one level 1 heading, you need to have a second level 1 heading. (The exceptions are the paper or chapter title and the headings for notes and the list of works cited.) You should also generally have text under each heading.

Capitalization

Capitalize headings like the titles of works, as explained in section 1.5 of the MLA Handbook .

The shorter, the better.

Table of Contents

Ai, ethics & human agency, collaboration, information literacy, writing process, apa headings and subheadings.

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• headings when there are at least two subsections within a larger section.
• using subheadings only when the paper has at least two subsections within a larger section

APA headings and subheadings refers to the rules for formatting sections of documents in the 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association’s Publication Manual .

A research paper written in APA style should be organized into sections and subsections using the five levels of APA headings. 

Related Concepts:

Notice how sections contain at least two smaller subsections in the example below:

Design  

Participants. , demographics..

Characteristics.

Limitations

Starting with the first level of heading, the subsections of the paper should progressively use the next level(s) of heading without skipping any levels. Major sections of the paper’s main body, including the Method, Results, and Discussion sections, should always be formatted with the first level of heading. However, keep in mind that the Introduction section, which is preceded by the full title of the paper, should be presented in plain type. Any subsections that fall under the major sections are formatted with the next level of heading.

Note that all paragraphs of the main body, including those that fall under subsections of a larger section, still maintain the pattern of indentation, use Times New Roman font, 12 pt., and are double-spaced. There are no extra lines or spaces between paragraphs and headings.

How are the five levels of APA-style headings formatted?

Format each of the five levels of APA-style headings as demonstrated in the example below. Note that while the example features headings titled “First Level,” “Second Level,” and so on, each heading in your paper should be named according to the section it describes. 

First level

The first level of heading is bolded and centered, and the first letter of each word in the heading is capitalized. The paragraph text should be typed on the following line and indented five spaces from the left.

Second level

The second level of heading is bolded and situated flush left, and the first letter of each word in the heading is capitalized. The paragraph text should be typed on the following line and indented five spaces from the left.

Third level

The third level of heading is bolded, indented five spaces from the left, and followed by a period. Capitalize only the first letter of the first word in the heading and of proper nouns. The first paragraph following this heading should be typed on the same line as the heading.

Fourth level

The fourth level of heading is bolded, italicized, indented five spaces from the left, and followed by a period. Capitalize only the first letter of the first word in the heading and of proper nouns. The first paragraph following this heading should be typed on the same line as the heading.

Fifth level

The fifth level of heading is italicized, indented five spaces from the left, and followed by a period. Capitalize only the first letter of the first word in the heading and of proper nouns. The first paragraph following this heading should be typed on the same line as the heading.

Method  (1st level)

Design (2nd level)

        Participants (3rd level)

        Demographics. (4th level)

              Age Group. (5th level)

Limitations  (2nd level)

• For student papers, include only the page number in the top right margin of every page of the paper
• For professional papers, place the page number in the top right margin and the running head in the top left margin of every page of the paper. Running heads should be a shortened version of the paper title.

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This sample will give you an example of heading levels used in the body of the paper

The APA Style Blog offers a short sample paper describing level headings and how to properly use headings within a paper.  Click this link to see the Heading Levels Template Student Paper

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APA 7th referencing style

• About APA 7th
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Tips on using headings

Five levels of headings.

• Book chapter
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• Journal article
• Lecture notes and slides
• Legal sources
• Newspaper or magazine article
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• Secondary source (indirect citation)
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• Works in non-English languages
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• There are five levels of headings
• All headings work from the top level down, regardless of how many subheadings in the section
• Each section begins with the top level heading, regardless of how many subheadings are used within the section
• Do not use numbers or letters as labels in headings 
• Do not use Introduction as your first heading
• Place the title at the top of the first page
• Use regular font in title case (all words except words like and, to, a, the are capitalised. These words are capitalised if first word in title).
• Bold and centre the title.

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• The Complete Guide to APA Format in 2020

APA Headings and Subheadings

• Headings and Subheadings
• Discussion Section
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There are five levels of headings available to use in an APA formatted paper. These headings indicate the hierchy of the information within the paper.

For example, if your paper contains the standard main sections Method , Results , and Discussion , these should all use the first-level heading.

• Method (level one)
• Results (level one)
• Discussion (level one)

If you want to include Participants and Instruments within the Method section, you would make these a level two heading.

• Participants (level two)
• Instruments (level two)

A subsection of Participants , like Age or Race , would be level three headings. This pattern continues down to level five headings.

• Age (level three)
• Race (level three)

Styling the Different Headings

Each level has specific formatting requirements to make it visibly obvious which level it is. As with all other text in an APA formatted paper, the font size should be 12pt. The differences between each level are as follows:

Level One Heading

Level one headings are centered and bolded, with all major words capitalized (articles and conjunctions are not captalized).

Level Two Heading

Level two headings are similar to level one headings, except are aligned on the left.

Level Three Heading. Level three headings are similar to levels one and two, except they're indented by 5 spaces, followed by a period, and the text following the heading does not start on a new line.

Level Four Heading. The level four heading is identical to level three, except it is also italicized.

Level Five Heading. Finally, the level five heading is identical to level four, except it is no longer bold.

Further Learning

The following video by the University of Maryland is excellent at visually explaining everything on this page.

Formatting APA Headings and Subheadings

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In American Psychological Association style, APA headings and subheadings are used to give readers a general idea of the content and what to expect from a paper , and it leads the flow of discussion by dividing up a paper and defining each section of the content.

APA style is different than Modern Language Association style , which is used in most humanities courses, and Chicago style , which is used in most history courses. There are some differences between APA, MLA, and Chicago style headings in papers, particularly on the title page as well as at the top of subsequent pages.

Fast Facts: APA Headers

• APA style is generally used for social science research papers.
• There are five heading levels in APA. The 6th edition of the APA manual revises and simplifies previous heading guidelines

APA uses something called a "running head," while the other two styles do not. MLA uses a left-indented topper for the paper author's name, the professor's name, the course name, and date, while MLA and Chicago style do not. So it's important to use the correct style for APA headings when formatting a paper in APA style. APA style uses five levels of headings.

APA Level Headings

​APA style recommends using a five-level heading structure based on the level of subordination. Purdue OWL notes the APA headings levels as follows:

The sections named above are considered major elements of your paper, so these sections should be treated as the highest level of headings. Major levels (highest level) titles in your APA title are centered on your paper. They should be formatted in boldface and the important words of the heading should be capitalized .

In addition to the above rules, headings and subheadings also should not be accompanied by letters or numbers. You should use as many levels as required in your paper to present the most organized structure. Not all five levels should be used, but the same level of heading or subheading should be of equal importance regardless of the number of subsections under it.

For level one and two headings, paragraphs should begin under the heading on a new line, and these levels should capitalize each word in the heading. However, levels three through five should have the paragraph begin in line with the headings, and only the first word is capitalized. In addition, in levels 3-5, the headings are indented and end with a period.

Example APA-Formatted Paper

The following shows, in part, what an APA-formatted paper would look like. Where needed, explanations have been added to indicate the placement or formatting of the headers:

RESEARCH PROPOSAL (Running head, all caps and flush left)

(The below title page information should be centered and at the center of the page)

Research Proposal

Professor XXX

April. 16, 2019

XXX University

RESEARCH PROPOSAL (Each page should start with this running head, flush left)

Abstract (centered)

Research shows that developmentally disabled individuals need skills training in order to be able to function independently as adults (Flannery, Yovanoff, Benz & Kato (2008), Sitlington, Frank & Carson (1993), Smith (1992). There is a need for further research detailing what kinds of services are important to success, such as reinforcement of domestic, vocational and social skills, as well as financial planning . This paper proposes to answer the question: What is the effect of services provided by Regional Centers on the independent living skills of developmentally disabled adults?

Operational Definition of Variables.

The Independent Variable would be services provided by Regional Centers. The dependent variable would be independent living skills of developmentally disabled adults. I will test my hypothesis – that such services could lead to greater independence in developmentally disabled adults – by examining living skills of a group of developmentally disabled adults with services provided by Regional Centers to a group of developmentally disabled adults who do not receive Regional Center services. I will establish this “control” group by examining a similar group of individuals who have sought – but refused – Regional Center services.

Benefits of the research

An abundance of literature reveals a great need for better transitional services for developmentally delayed individuals leaving high school and entering adulthood (Nuehring & Sitlington, 2003, Sitlington, et. al., 1993, Beresford, 2004). Many of the studies focus on transitional services needed to aid developmentally disabled adults move successfully from high school to the adult working world (Nuehring & Sitlington, 2003, Sitlington, et. al., 1993, Flannery, et. al., 2008). Yet, some of those same researchers note that most developmentally disabled adults do not work after high school (Sitlington, et. al.,

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

1993). More recently (and even in older studies), researchers have begun to note that developmentally delayed adults need services to help them succeed in adulthood in a variety of areas needed for successful independent living, such as living arrangements, financial and budgeting skills, relationships, sex, aging parents, grocery shopping and a host of other issues (Beresford, 2004, Dunlap, 1976, Smith, 1992, Parker, 2000). Few agencies exist nationally to provide such services to developmentally delayed individuals from birth through adulthood. However, in California, a group of 21 Regional Centers provides services to developmentally delayed adults ranging from life-planning, funding of services and equipment, advocacy, family support, counseling, vocational training, etc. (What are regional Centers? n.d.). The purpose of this study, then, is to determine the effects of Regional Center services on the independent living skills of disabled adults.

Literature Analysis (centered)

Smith (1992) notes that many developmentally disabled adults fall “through the cracks” once they reach adulthood. Smith used a survey method to examine the success or lack thereof of 353 developmentally disabled adults. Smith noted that 42.5% were employed full time, 30.1% were employed part time and 24.6% were unemployed. In discussing results, Smith noted that what was needed to improve the employment situation of these individuals was to ensure that they learn how to access Vocational Rehabilitation services and that those providing services –vocational rehabilitation counselors, teachers, and other professionals -- be better trained in reaching out to such individuals. In other

words, if developmentally delayed adults simply had better access to vocational rehabilitation services (the independent variable), they would somehow become more successful in terms of full-time employment. Smith provides no empirical evidence to demonstrate how or why this would occur.

Synthesis of Literature Relevant to the Research Proposition

Sitlington, et. al. (1993) imply that if developmentally delayed individuals are not successful in adulthood, it is, essentially, their fault. Sitlington, et. al. give no indication that providing vocational services alone may not be enough. And, there is nothing in Sitlington, etc....

Title Page, Abstract, and Introduction

The title page is considered the first page of an APA paper. The second page will be the page containing an abstract. Because the abstract is a main section, the heading should be set in boldface and centered on your paper. Remember that the first line of an abstract is not indented. Because the abstract is a summary and should be limited to a single paragraph, it should not contain any subsections.

Every paper begins with an introduction, but according to APA style, an introduction should never carry a heading that labels it as such. APA style assumes that the content that comes at the beginning is an introduction and therefore doesn't require a heading.

As always, you should check with your instructor to determine how many main (level-one) sections will be required, as well as how many pages and sources your paper should contain.

• Title Page Examples and Formats
• What Is a Citation?
• What Is a Senior Thesis?
• Formatting Papers in Chicago Style
• 36 Common Prefixes in English
• Create a Site Map Before You Build Your Site
• What Is a Bibliography?
• APA In-Text Citations
• How to Write an Abstract
• Margin (Composition Format) Definition
• MLA Sample Pages
• Turabian Style Guide With Examples
• How to Write an Abstract for a Scientific Paper
• Definition of Appendix in a Book or Written Work
• Bibliography: Definition and Examples
• Text Mapping as a Strategy for Understanding Intent

Online Learning Resources

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Using headings

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Headings are standard for some written forms (e.g. report writing, case studies). However, lecturers can be divided about whether they allow/prefer you to use headings in your academic essays. Some lecturers prefer headings while others don’t want you to use headings. You will need to check your lecturer’s preference. If you do use headings, then use them wisely and correctly.

About using headings

Most students who have just completed secondary studies come to university with the firm belief that you should not use headings in essay writing. The use of headings in formal writing was once restricted to business style writing, such as report writing. However, in more recent times, headings are often used in formal academic writing such as books and journals. Also, texts on the Internet are easier to read on screen if they have headings.

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. Provided that they are well structured, a few headings make longer pieces of writing easier to write and easier to read (for the marker). Look at headings systems in your unit reading material, and you will get a ‘feeling’ for their structure and suitability.

It’s easy to see why you need a few rules to help you develop a good system of headings. Compare the following sets of headings then answer the questions that follow:

Read this description of a well-structured set of headings:

• The heading system is clear and logical
• The sub-headings are all at the same level and in the same font style
• The wording of the headings and sub-headings is alike
• If you used this heading system, the reader would not be confused

This description applies to:

Correct! When you see headings set out like this, it becomes obvious that you need to create a plan for your headings before you start. Heading set 1 follows the rules and is logical, whereas Heading set 2 breaks the rules and would send the reader on a ‘chase’ to work out what the writer means. So, take a couple of minutes to work out a consistent plan for using headings and apply it to all of your essays.

In general, you are expected to use headings correctly so that your writing is clear, and it is obvious that you have answered the set question. There are rules to help you to do this.

Click on the links to see more details and examples.

Graded heading system

BEFORE YOU START YOUR ESSAY, HAVE A CLEAR AND LOGICAL HEADING HIERARCHY.

Work out a system of headings that you can use with all of your essays. Headings should be graded at levels to show a clear order of importance (e.g. level 1 – most important; level 2 – next important and so on). You will mainly use one to three levels of headings in your essay, depending on the length of your assignment. For example, most 2000 word essays may only require 3-5 level 1 headings (i.e. a level 1 heading every 2-3 pages). Remember that the aim of using headings is to keep your reader on track. Too many headings and too many levels creates confusion.

When you design a heading system, show the relative importance of headings with the type size, position (e.g. centred or left justified), using boldface, underlining or capital letters. You can follow a recommended pattern or make up your own system—so long as it is clear and consistent. Example: Level 1: CAPITALS , bold, 14pt, centred, space below Level 2: Lowercase , bold, 12pt, left justified, space below Level 3: Lowercase , italics, 12pt, left justified, no space below

Information in logical sections

USE HEADINGS FOR SECTIONS IN YOUR DOCUMENT (NOT FOR EACH PARAGRAPH).

The key to working out your essay sections is to work from your question analysis. Consider the following question:

Many lecturers now approve of the use of headings in academic essays. Consider whether the benefits outweigh the problems for the writers and markers. Identify and discuss the key rules for using headings appropriately in academic essays. (2000 words)

Example of a heading plan for this question:

Level 1 headings INTRODUCTION BENEFITS OF USING HEADINGS PROBLEMS WITH USING HEADINGS RULES TO GUIDE HEADING USAGE CONCLUSION

Level 2 headings (example from one section) The heading RULES TO GUIDE HEADING USAGE could have the following level 2 headings:

Heading hierarchies (3 paragraphs)

Effective wording of headings (2 paragraphs)

Effective wording of headings

WHEN YOU DESIGN YOUR HEADINGS SYSTEM, MAKE SURE THAT THE WORDING IS CONSISTENT.

Use three basic principles to word your headings:

• Keep headings brief (avoid two and three liners)
• Make them specific to the written work that follows
• Follow a PARALLEL structure

For example:

• If you use a question as a heading, 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 phrase starting with an ‘ing’ word, then follow that pattern for that heading level and for that section (e.g. Designing heading levels; Wording headings effectively).
• If you use a noun phrase, then continue to use noun phrases for that level and for that section (e.g. Design of heading levels; Effective wording of headings).
• You can change your heading style between levels, but you must be consistent at level 1 then in each section (i.e. all level 1 headings should follow the same pattern; each level 2 heading in a section should follow the same pattern.)

Correct punctuation for headings

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KNOW AND APPLY PUNCTUATION RULES TO YOUR HEADINGS.

Headings can be single words or short phrases and DO NOT require a full stop unless you have used a question as a heading—a question mark is then required. The use of capital letters may follow either of the following approaches provided that you are consistent:

• Minimal capitalisation—only the first word of a title and any proper nouns and names are capitalised (e.g. Punctuation rules for Australian texts)
• Maximal capitalisation—all words are capitalised EXCEPT for articles (e.g. a, an, the), prepositions and conjunctions (e.g. Punctuation Rules for Australian Texts)

INTRODUCE THE TOPIC OF YOUR HEADING IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH FOLLOWING YOUR HEADING.

When you place a heading in the text, it is a signpost for a section of writing. You need to begin the following paragraph with a sentence that introduces the reader to the heading topic and then announce what will be coming in that section in the essay—just as you do in the essay introduction. A heading is not part of the text of your paragraph, so you should not refer to it with a pronoun reference (e.g. this, these, that).

This means that the wording of the heading matches the information of the following section. Do not make the heading part of the first sentence.

What NOT to do

There is much to learn from what is NOT wanted. Following are some of the common mistakes made in the use of headings in formal written work:

Click on the links to see more details.

• DO NOT use headings in smaller documents (i.e. less than a 1000 words)
• DO NOT use too many headings
• DO NOT change the style of heading levels midway through your writing (work out your system and stick to it)
• DO NOT number headings in an essay unless you are asked to
• DO NOT put headings on individual paragraphs (normally a heading applies to a number of paragraphs in a section)
• DO NOT leave a heading at the bottom of a page by itself (‘widowed’ heading)
• DO NOT ‘stack’ headings (e.g. a level 1 heading followed by a level 2 heading without any text in between)
• AVOID using ‘isolated/lone’ headings (e.g. using only one sub-heading with no other sub-headings of that type following)
• AVOID writing headings more than one line long
• AVOID using definite articles (e.g. a, an, the) to begin headings (e.g. ‘ An example problem’ should be ‘Example problem’)

Headings for essay planning

Designing a good headings system is also very helpful for setting up a plan for writing as you can quickly see whether you have included and balanced all of the parts of a question. Make sure your headings match the information you signal in the outline statement of your introduction paragraph.

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Incorporating Headings in Academic Essays and Papers

A consistent structure is a big thing when writing an academic essay or paper. The framework for writing an academic paper encompasses using headings and subheadings to divide the content into manageable chunks or sections.

When writing longer essays and research papers (10 pages and above), breaking the test into different but related sections might be helpful to avoid unnecessary strained transition sentences. 

The headings are the first thing the readers look at when reading the essay. They are akin to the headlines in a magazine or webpage. Subheadings are the additional subtopics or headings immediately after the main title or header. Headings are meant to grab the readers' attention, but the subheadings make them draw the readers deeper into the topic.

A subheading is a mini-headline given to a section or paragraph within the main text. They are often smaller than the main heading but larger than the paragraph text.

While headings can be used in most academic papers of different lengths (even those less than ten pages), subheadings are reserved for shorter sections within a larger section. If you have a paper with just three main points and the first point has three subpoints, you can use subheadings to organize the subpoints under the main point.

When used in an essay, research paper, or other longer papers, the headings and subheadings should be formatted such that they are distinguishable from the contents of your text.

Let's dig deeper and see how to make headings and subheadings in an essay.

Why Use Headings and Subheadings in Essays and Research Papers

Headings and subheadings capture the readers' attention, making it easier to sell your ideas to those who skim through written pieces first to determine whether it is worth their time.

Using headings and subheadings helps organize your thoughts. They enable readers to focus on the critical aspects of the essay or research paper. In an essay or research paper, each subheading is considered a mini-essay with thoughts limited to a specific element or perspective of the topic.

Using headings and subheadings informs your readers about where they are in the paper. Also, these subheadings act as signposts or directions that orient the readers to your thoughts in the paper.

The subheadings ensure that your thoughts are structured and that you remain focused on the topic within a limited area. For instance, if you are writing a mental health essay or research paper, you can have a subheading dealing with risk factors and another dealing with the impacts of stigma on mental health.

Subheadings also make the research process easier because you can organize your research around them. This way, you can approach your research systematically and limit its scope. You can then scrutinize and organize the scholarly resources rather than focus on the entire research pile.

Having subheadings in essays or research papers makes writing the paper easier. You can plan, draft, and polish each essay section independently. Doing so helps you to write the paper with ease. Consequently, you can fight off writer's block by putting points of argument under each subheading and organizing it later when you are psyched up to write.

Features of a Good Subheading for an Essay or Research Paper

In research writing, it is imperative to have a refined heading and subheading. We discussed how to do this when we wrote about titling an essay and other academic papers. However, certain features make a subheading or a heading stand out. A good subheading can be many things, but let's sample some of the outstanding features it must have. Here are some aspects that make an excellent subheading and heading:

• A good subheading is brief, concise, and focused. Shorter headings and subheadings give meaning and enhance the readability of a research paper or essay.
• It must have a line space between it and the content.
• It contains the keywords that relate to the thesis and topic, telling the reader precisely the main idea of the section's content.
• Its wording matches the rest of the subheadings and headings
• Can create a flow that summarizes the work independently at a glance
• Is ten words or less and refined to have meaning on its own
• It stands out from the rest of the text in terms of styling and formatting
• It engages the readers such that it gives clues about what to expect
• Uses signposting words to realign the interests of the readers
• Are they relevant to the text
• It uses parallel structures for consistency

How to Make Subheadings in An Essay or Paper

If you are like many students who wonder about how to integrate subheadings into an essay, this section clarifies everything. First, however, there are some crucial tips that you need to consider.

Remember, a subheading expands your heading and comes after the latter. While both hook the audience by grabbing their attention, the subheading enables your readers to delve deeper into the topic. Subheadings are used to divide an otherwise large chunk of paper into sections or chapters.

Subheadings are primarily written in sentence cases and should never be in capital letters. Therefore, you should capitalize the first letter of the subheading of your essay. This is unlike the heading in the title case, meaning that all the major words (nouns, adverbs, pronouns, and adjectives) and words with four or more letters have their first words capitalized. Subheadings subordinate the higher levels. To make a good subheading, here are the tips.

1. Choose the correct length

A good essay subheading should be easy to read. Precisely, it should take a few seconds to read. Our experts recommend keeping the subheading between 4 to 10 words, the standard length of subheadings in academic writing. Ensure as well that it fits a single line. If your subheading runs over, it will be ambiguous and might alter the structure of your essay or paper.

2. Limit the information

You only have a few words to impress your readers. Therefore, only bring in the most crucial information you want to use to bait your readers. Avoid examining every aspect and focus on one aspect of the topic. As long as you have aroused the reader's curiosity to explore your essay, that's it!

3. Maintain Consistency

When you use headings and subheadings in an essay or academic paper, ensure that each maintains the same level. You should not skip subheading levels. And if the first subheading is the only subheading, you are better off eliminating it and maintaining the heading. An excellent strategy to maintain this consistency is planning your essay, which you can do by creating an outline .

4. Number appropriately. It is a must

APA or MLA format does not allow you to label headings and subheadings with numbers or letters. However, there are some instances, such as when writing a dissertation or thesis, where you will most likely be required to use multilevel numbering for the headings and subheadings. Therefore, when you number the headings and subheadings, ensure that it is in a consistent format that you can later use when referring to them elsewhere, for instance, in a table of contents. Microsoft Word automates the process of numbering by choosing the heading styles.

5. Be persuasive

A good subheading should coax the readers to read the text. It should give them an appetite to devour your paper. And it should be persuasive because it does the work of signposting the ideas to expect in a subsection.

6. Ensure Progression

When writing the subheadings, ensure they each add new information to your text to avoid repetitive subheadings. It would be wise to ensure that each subheading addresses a unique aspect of the topic instead of echoing the previous subheadings discussed. As you edit your paper, guarantee that the subheadings progress and add new and relevant information to engage the readers.

7. Stay away from puns, contractions, and idioms

Although tempting, avoid using corny words, jokes, and puns in your subheadings. You should not use contractions as well. Introducing these aspects can make your subheadings and headings ambiguous, deterring the readers from reading the content.

8. Ensure they are relevant and engaging

As you write the subheadings, ensure that they are relevant to the content of your essay. Eliminate any irrelevant subheadings in your essay. Think about the vital information you must include and how you need to format it into a separate section. The strategy helps write subheadings that address your essay's real issues. The subheadings should also give the readers a clue of what to expect to grab their attention further.

9. Include Keywords and Phrases

When writing the subheadings, you should include relevant keywords and phrases that attract the readers' attention. In addition, the keywords and phrases should be related to your topic and thesis statement.

10. Format them well

If you are writing an academic paper (research paper or essay), ensure that your subheadings and headings are formatted per the citation and formatting styles. Later in this article, we look at how to format subheadings and headings in MLA and APA, which are the most common styles. You can also acquaint yourself with other academic writing styles such as Chicago, Vancouver, Oxford, Bluebook, or Harvard.

If you intend to write an A essay, consider reading our guide on writing first-class essays to integrate other factors that professors look for when assigning higher grades for essays.

Related Read:

• How to write an introduction .
• Using headings and subheadings in the dissertation literature review.

Headings and Subheadings in APA

In APA formatting and citation style, headings are used in essays and research papers to separate and classify paper sections. The headings are meant to guide the readers through the document. Headings and subheadings are organized in subordination levels, with each section of the paper starting with the highest heading level.

You can organize headings into five different levels in APA. However, it would help if you used the headings in order beginning from level 1, regardless of the number of heading levels.

Below is how to organize the levels:

• Heading 1 is bold, centered, and written in the title case. This can include the main elements of the paper, such as Literature Review , methods, conclusion, discussion, recommendations, etc.
• Heading 2 is flush left, in boldface, and written in title case. These are the headings directly under heading 1. So, for example, under methods (level 1), you can have subsections such as sampling strategy, data analysis, or data processing as level 2.
• Heading 3 is flush left, in boldface italics, and title case.
• Heading 4 is indented, in boldface, and written in title case.
• Heading 5 is indented, in boldface italics, and title case.

You can use at least two subheadings in APA or non at all. If there is just one subheading, the top-level heading is enough, so do away with it.

When writing a paper in APA , the first paragraph is automatically understood as the introduction. Therefore, there is no need to start with the heading "introduction." The paper's title, which is centered and bolded, becomes the de facto level 1 heading. If your introduction has subsections, you can use headings within the introduction beginning with level 2 headings for the first level subsection, level 3 for the subsections of level 2 headings, and so on. After writing the introduction, use the level 1 heading for the following main section of the paper. Headings should be descriptive and concise. They should be well-formatted and clearly worded for visual and content appeal.

Formatting Headings and Subheadings in APA

When writing headings and subheadings in APA, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The headings in APA are never labeled with numbers or letters
• You should not use more than one subsection within a section
• Ensure that the APA headings and subheadings are descriptive and concise
• Use as many headings and subheadings as you may require
• Headings 3-5 should all be indented and terminated with a period.
• Headings levels 1 and 2 should be formatted in sentence cases.
• Ensure that the first word in the heading level 3-5 is capitalized.
• Begin a paragraph below levels 1 and 2. However, levels 2-5 begin in line with the headings.
• There should be double line spacing for the APA heading.

MLA headings and subheadings enhance a paper's coherence, soundness, and quality. Using the hierarchy of 5 heading levels in APA should be easier now that we have explained everything.

Headings and Subheadings in MLA

MLA headings are sometimes confused with the header. While the MLA heading is found on the first page and serves the purpose of identifying information, the header is the identifier located on top of every document page.

Using section headings in MLA help improve the readability of the document. Students are mainly not required to use headings when writing essays and papers.

Formatting Headings and Subheadings in MLA

• The font should be readable, most preferably Times New Roman or Arial
• Use double-line spacing
• Every new paragraph after the headings or subheadings should have a half an inch indent.
• All the headings and subheadings must be written in the title case
• You should not include a period after the MLA headings and subheadings
• The title is the main heading. It should be center-aligned and written in sentence case. It should never be italicized, bold, underlined, or put into quotation marks unless when referring to works within it.
• All headings that succeed the title of the document are subheadings.
• The subheadings have five different levels, just like in APA formatting.
• The subheadings are styled as per their order of prominence.

Unlike APA, MLA allows the use of font styling to differentiate the levels of the subheadings. However, the styling of the subheadings should be consistent so that the readers can follow the structure of the essay or paper.

Every subheading should appear in the same size, format, and style for easier identification as one reads your text. The subheadings in MLA papers or essays should flush to the left margin to avoid confusing them with block quotes. Avoid online one level for the internal levels. For instance, if you have a level between 1 and 5, you should ensure that there is more than one instance. If you have one level 2 subheading, ensure that you also have a second level 2 subheading. Above all, every heading and subheading must have content or text beneath them. The content should support the thesis statement of your paper.

Related reading:

• Writing case study answers for business and nursing classes . 
• Analytical essay writing steps and tips. 

Levels of subheadings in MLA formatting

• Level 1 is bold, flush, or aligned with the left margin
• Level 2 is italicized, flush, or aligned with the left margin
• Level 3 is bold and center-aligned
• Level 4 is italicized and center-aligned
• Level 5 is underlined, flush, or aligned with the left margin

Ensure you use the correct subheading level to help you navigate through your essay or paper. It also helps to know what to be added to the automatic table of contents. Use the subheadings as illustrated below:

• Subheading 1 for the first subsection after the chapter title
• Subheading 2 for the subsections that are directly under Subheading 1
• Subheading 3 for the subsections that are directly under Subheading 2
• Subheading 4 for the subsections that are directly under Subheading 3
• Subheading 5 for the subsections that are directly under Subheading 4

Take some time and watch this video by Dr. Andy Jonson illustrates how to use headings and subheadings in academic writing.

Below are some sample questions, expert answers, and recommendations for essay subheadings and headings.

Should essays have subheadings?

Although shorter essays are written in continuous, flowing, and paragraphed texts and do not need subheadings, longer essays are carefully structured using headings and subheadings.

An essay or research paper can have headings and subheadings (subtopics) if it is long enough to accommodate different sections. Nevertheless, when writing the headings and subheadings, they should be relevant and consistent with the topic and contribute to the overarching goal of the essay or research paper (the thesis statement). A good length for a heading or subheading should be ten words or less. While standard essays do not use subheadings, they assuredly improve the structure of extended essays.

Subheadings subordinate the headings (the title of the essay). They should be persuasive, descriptive, and conversational. They should elaborate on what is in the headline and capture the importance of the topic. Maintain consistency when writing them.

Can introductions have subheadings?

For short papers, no. However, you can include sub-sections for longer papers with appropriate headings and subheadings. For instance, when writing a proposal, dissertation, or thesis, you can have sections and subsections for the problem statement, background information, research questions, hypothesis, aims/objectives, and paper overview.

Can a conclusion have a subheading?

You should not include subheadings in the concluding paragraphs of an essay unless for more extended research papers.

Can subheadings in essays be questions?

No, section headings and subheadings must not be phrased as questions in MLA, APA, or Harvard formatting styles.

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Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

APA Style uses a unique headings system to separate and classify paper sections. Headings are used to help guide the reader through a document. The levels are organized by levels of subordination, and each section of the paper should start with the highest level of heading. There are 5  heading levels  in APA. Regardless of the number of levels, always use the headings in order, beginning with level 1. The format of each level is illustrated below:

Thus, if the article has four sections, some of which have subsections and some of which don’t, use headings depending on the level of subordination. Section headings receive level one format. Subsections receive level two format. Subsections of subsections receive level three format. For example:

Method  (Level 1)

Site of Study  (Level 2)

Participant Population  (Level 2)

Teachers  (Level 3)

Students  (Level 3)

Results  (Level 1)

Spatial Ability  (Level 2)

Test One  (Level 3)

     Teachers With Experience.  (Level 4)

     Teachers in Training.  (Level 4)

     Teaching Assistants .  (Level 5)

Test Two  (Level 3)

Kinesthetic Ability  (Level 2)

In APA Style, the Introduction section never gets a heading and headings are not indicated by letters or numbers. For subsections in the beginning of a paper (introduction section), the first level of subsection will use Level 2 headings — the title of the paper counts as the Level 1 heading. Levels of headings will depend upon the length and organization of your paper. Regardless, always begin with level one headings and proceed to level two, etc.

Special headings called section labels are used for certain sections of a paper which always start on a new page.

• Paper title
• Appendix A (and so on for subsequent appendices)

These labels should be positioned on their own line at the top of the page where the section starts, in bold and centered. 

APA also allows for seriation in the body text to help authors organize and present key ideas. For lists where a specific order or numbered procedure is necessary, use an Arabic numeral directly followed by a period, such as:

On the basis of four generations of usability testing on the Purdue OWL, the Purdue OWL Usability Team recommended the following:

• Move the navigation bar from the right to the left side of the OWL pages.
• Integrate branded graphics (the Writing Lab and OWL logos) into the text on the OWL homepage.
• Add a search box to every page of the OWL.
• Develop an OWL site map.
• Develop a three-tiered navigation system.

Numbered lists should contain full sentences or paragraphs rather than phrases. The first word after each number should be capitalized, as well as the first word in any following sentence; each sentence should end with a period or other punctuation.

For lists that do not communicate hierarchical order or chronology, use bullets:

In general, participants found the user-centered OWL mock up to be easier to use. What follows are samples of participants' responses:

• "This version is easier to use."
• "Version two seems better organized."
• "It took me a few minutes to learn how to use this version, but after that, I felt more comfortable with it."

Authors may also use seriation for paragraph length text.

For seriation within sentences, authors may use letters:

On the basis of research conducted by the usability team, OWL staff have completed (a) the OWL site map; (b) integrating graphics with text on the OWL homepage; (c) search boxes on all OWL pages except the orange OWL resources (that is pending; we do have a search page); (d) moving the navigation bar to the left side of pages on all OWL resources except in the orange area (that is pending); (e) piloting the first phase of the three-tiered navigation system, as illustrated in the new Engagement section.

Authors may also separate points with bullet lists:

On the basis of the research conducted by the usability team, OWL staff have completed

• the OWL site map;
• integrating graphics with text on the OWL homepage;
• search boxes on all OWL pages except the orange OWL resources (that is pending; we do have a search page);
• moving the navigation bar to the left side of pages on all OWL resources except in the orange area (that is pending);
• piloting the first phase of the three-tiered navigation system, as illustrated in the new Engagement section.

If your bulleted list is part of the sentence and is not preceded by a colon, treat the bullets like a part of the sentence, adhering to standard capitalization and punctuation. This option is helpful for complex or longer bulleted sentences that may be more difficult to read without the aid of punctuation. For items in a bulleted list that are phrases rather than sentences, no punctuation is necessary.

• Writing Tips

What Is a Subheading? (And How to Write a Good One)

• By  Emily Numa
• Dec 20, 2023

Share this article:

If you’re a freelance content writer (or want to become one ), then you already know the importance of eye-catching titles . But did you know that subheadings can be just as valuable in capturing the attention of potential readers and organizing your writing? In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about subheadings and why they matter, including:

• What is a subheading?
• What is the purpose of a subheading?
• How to write subheadings
• Examples of effective subheadings
• How Knowadays can help you improve your writing skills and launch a freelance career

Keep reading to learn more!

What Is a Subheading?

A subheading is a secondary heading that appears under a headline or title and is used to provide context for a distinct section within an article or expand on information given under the main heading. Think of a subheading as a brief preview or summary of the content that follows, giving readers an idea of what to expect in each section of an article.

Header tags , HTML elements used to define the heading hierarchy within a blog post or article, are often used with titles and subheadings to help structure the content and help search engines understand the relevance of different sections of the text. In HTML, there are six header tags, ranging from <h1> to <h6>, with <h1> being the highest level of importance and <h6> the lowest. Typically, the <h1> tag is used for the main heading of a blog post or article, <h2> and <h3> are used for important subheadings, and <h4>, <h5>, and <h6> are lower-level tags used to further break down the content within subsections of text. Note that not all header tags will be used in every piece of content (although most blog posts and articles will at least use <h1> for the main title and a combination of <h2> and <h3> tags to organize the subheadings).

What Is the Purpose of a Subheading?

Subheadings are valuable to the overall structure of a blog post and serve several essential purposes. They’re used to:

• Organize writing into logical sections, which makes it easier for readers to follow the flow of ideas (especially for long or complex pieces)
• Let readers know what to expect from a section of text
• Establish a hierarchy within the content and indicate the relationship among different sections
• Improve readability and scannability (e.g., for skim readers or mobile users)

Another purpose of subheadings is to improve SEO . Search engines prioritize content that is easy to read and understand, so well-structured content with clear subheadings can improve a website’s ranking on results pages. Subheadings also usually include relevant keywords and phrases, which play a role in boosting SEO and driving website traffic.

How to Write Subheadings

To write subheadings that make an impact and engage your readers, consider the following points:

1. Make Subheadings Relevant

Remember that some readers may only read the subheadings to get the main ideas of the article, so ensure they’re relevant and reflect the main content. Sometimes it can help to write the main content of the article first and then use that information to craft the subheadings.

2. Use Keywords and Phrases

Incorporate relevant keywords into your subheadings, especially if you’re aiming to improve your article’s visibility in search engines. Keep in mind that keywords should always read as smoothly as possible and fit well into the surrounding text (i.e., avoid keyword stuffing ).

3. Keep It Concise

Keep subheadings short and to the point. To keep readers from losing interest, aim for brevity while conveying the main idea of each section.

4. Consider the Heading Hierarchy

It’s essential to maintain a logical hierarchy with subheadings to avoid confusing your readers. Each subheading should build upon the previous one to create a clear and organized structure.

5. Maintain Consistency

For consistency, aim to make your subheadings similar in length whenever possible. You should also ensure that all headings and subheadings within a section follow a parallel structure and recognizable pattern. For example, use consistent verb forms (e.g., all gerunds or all infinitives) and capitalization for a series of subheadings.

Subheading Examples

As inspiration for your own writing, here are some examples of different types of blog posts that effectively incorporate subheadings:

• This HubSpot blog post on sales techniques utilizes a logical heading hierarchy and parallel structure, making it easy to quickly skim the content and pick out the main ideas.
• The subheadings used in the travel website uncornered market’s blog post clearly explain the content that follows and help organize the article.
• In this Mailchimp blog post on improving freelance pitches, each subheading serves as a “tip” for the reader, which makes it easy for readers who are short on time to process the conte
• This Shopify blog post on woodworking uses concise subheadings to clearly indicate the type of project that each section discusses.
• Microsoft’s article on their diversity and inclusion efforts effectively uses subheadings to break up different (but related) topics within a lengthy piece.

Becoming A Freelance Writer

Are you interested in learning more about what it takes to launch a freelance writing business? Check out our comprehensive Becoming A Freelance Writer course. It teaches you everything you need to know about writing professional-quality blog posts and articles, including how to best structure your writing. Claim your free trial to get started today!

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Top Headings and Subheadings Examples: How to Write Great Headers

Writing an essay or article? Study these headings and subheadings examples to make your own even more effective.

Headlines are an important part of writing. The right headings and subheadings draw the reader in and get them excited about the rest of the piece. Yet, writing subheadings and headings is not always easy. Different types of headings carry a different meaning in the piece, and different writing guides require different formatting.

In this guide, you’ll find great subheading examples and learn how to create headings and subheadings that make your writing shine. While you’re here, check out our round-up of essential essay writing skills !

What Are Headings and Subheadings?

Why headings and subheadings matter, examples of great headings, examples of subheadings, subheading best practices, use parallel structure, connect to your title, be succinct, think of subsection headings as a table of contents, a final word on headings and subheadings examples, what are headings and subheadings, how to use headings and subheadings.

Headings and subheadings are the lines that outline the piece you’re writing. The heading is also known as the title or header. It tells the main idea of the piece.

Subheadings open the different subsections of the piece or sections of the paper. Writers use headings to break up large chunks of text into more easily read pieces. Subheading examples can help you visualize how headings will work in your piece of writing.

For academic papers, headings provide the reader with a clear outline of the piece. They serve as section labels, pointing the reader to the main ideas. If the reader does not read every word, they can still come away with the basic idea of the paper.

For web-based writing, headings and subheadings have an even more important role. Not only do they keep the reader engaged, but they also provide the search engines with a road map of what the page is about. This perk can help draw search engine traffic to the page.

Writing an Effective Heading

To write an effective heading, you must figure out what you want the main idea of your piece to be. Then, you will need to craft a heading that captures the reader’s attention from the very first word. Reading subheading examples is a great way to study and refine this writing.

To make a heading or title effective, set it apart from the body text. You can use H1 formatting in Word or Google Docs to do this. 

Then, use one of these best practices to create an effective piece:

• Create a controversy
• Keep it short
• Ask a question
• Offer a number 
• Offer an explanation

Here are examples of good headings:

• Do You Ever Make These Marketing Mistakes?
• 7 Strategies to Get Readers Every Time
• Tactics Marketers Don’t Want You to Know
• The Shocking Secret to Relieving Workplace Stress

How to Write Great Subheadings

Subheadings are another type of heading, and they do more than grab attention. Subheadings help you keep the reader engaged on the page by guiding them to the information they want.

Subheadings typically fall into three categories. Here is how these break down:

• H2: The first level of subheading, the H2s are your main outline points or the header for each main section of your piece. 
• H3: These are the subsections of the main H2 points.
• H4: The H4 headings are detailed subheadings that break the content down into more specific sections. 

Here are some examples of subheadings that work quite well:

• Give Your Readers More Information
• Use This Product to Tighten Loose Skin
• Effective Subheads Keep Readers Engaged

In addition, your subheadings can be even more simple, just a numbered list of what you are talking about in the piece.

Formatting Headings

To format your headings, you must check the publication manual assigned to the paper or publication. If you are doing this for school, you may also get a sample paper to study.

For APA format papers and works, use these formatting rules:

• Level 1 Headers (H1 or paper title): Centered on the page, boldface, title case, and the new paragraph text begins on a new line with indentation
• Level 2 Headers (H2): Flush left, boldface, title case, and the text begins on a new line with indentation 
• Level 3 headers (H3): Flush left, boldface, italic, title case, and the text begins on a new line with indentation.
• Level 4 Header (H4): Indented, boldface, title case, period, and the text begins on the same line.
• Level 5 Header (H5): Indented, boldface, title case, italics, period, and the text begins on the same line.

For MLA format , you will use the following structure:

• Level 1 Header (H1 or paper title): Boldface, flush left
• Level 2 Header (H2): Italicized, flush left
• Level 3 Header (H3): Boldface, centered on the page 
• Level 4 Header (H4): Italicized, centered on the page
• Level 5 Header (H5): Underlined, flush left

If you are not using MLA or APA headings, you may simply use the template of the piece you are writing. In Microsoft Word and Google Docs, you can format subheadings as H2, H3 and H4.

When writing subheadings, there are some strategies you can use to make them more effective and engaging. These best practices will make your work cohesive and engaging.

Consider keeping your subheadings parallel in structure. For example, you can start each one with an action verb, such as these subheadings that would work well for an article about selling a home:

• Get Ready for Your Open House
• Invite Guests to See the Property
• Close the Sale on Your Home

Make sure every subheading in your piece has a connection to either the main heading or the subheading that is the next level up. You will confuse your readers if you change the focus of the piece partway through.

So, for a piece that is titled “10 Best Ways to Entertain a Cat,” each subheading would be a way to do so, such as:

1. Use Toys that Dispense Food

2. Schedule Playtime Daily

3. Vary the Toys You Use

Lengthy subheadings rarely work well. Keep them short and sweet. This will draw in the reader and keep the piece moving, without creating wordiness.

This example is too long:

• 10 Best Practices to Create Headings That Readers Will Click and Read Through the End

You could say the same thing in fewer words, like this:

• 10 Proven Strategies for Headlines that Convert

If you’re having trouble figuring out the correct use of headings, consider thinking of them as an outline or table of contents. Break down the main ideas in your piece, and then use those ideas to show organization through headers.

Headings and subheadings are powerful tools to get people to read what you have written, but you must use them well. They should be short, to the point, and cohesive with one another. Learning to write effective headings and subheadings is best done through studying examples of these.

The more practice you get with writing headings and subheadings that are in line with these examples, the easier it will be to craft them effectively. Study the examples, then start writing, and soon you will be an expert at crafting effective subheads and titles.

FAQs on Headings and Subheadings Examples

Headings and subheadings serve as the structure of a written piece. They show the main points and guide the reader through the content.

The proper use of headings and subheadings involves crafting the article around these titles and sub-points. They serve as the structure or the “bones” of the piece, giving it the basics that you fill in with the rest of your content.

Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006. She specializes in education content and real estate writing but enjoys a wide gamut of topics. Her goal is to connect with the reader in an engaging, but informative way. Her work has been featured on USA Today, and she ghostwrites for many high-profile companies. As a former teacher, she is passionate about both research and grammar, giving her clients the quality they demand in today's online marketing world.

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How to Use an Essay Subheading Properly

Table of Contents

Some essay sub-headings are similar to signposts of topics you will discuss in your paper. They are simply a way to split your ideas into sections.

An essay subheading can act in both ways of the descriptions mentioned above, depending on how the sub-heading is used in your paper.

Proper use of essay subheadings is a process that builds bridges and can make your essay flow from start to end.

Essay writing is easy when a well-written essay subheading is used. The sub-heading is a process that helps make your essay read better and look attractive.

What Exactly is an Essay Subheading?

A sub-heading is a short, descriptive sentence that provides information about the content of the section to which it is found. A sub-heading is used to distinguish the main points of an essay from one another.

For example, i f you choose to write about ‘Horses on a Beach’ then your heading might say ‘Movies and Horses on a Beach’.

An essay sub heading is your heading for each essay that is underneath the larger essay title. Usually you have to have all subheadings included in the index so that it can be read.

How do I learn how to write subheadings in an essay?

You can learn best by reading through some top quality essays and analyzing the way they are structured. Another way to learn is by writing many essays by hand. Let’s dive into how to use headings in essays.

How to use Headings in an Essay

Ordinarily, essays do not have headings. All they have are templates and structures. Hence, the six major parts of an essay are:

• Title of Essay
• Introduction
• The first paragraph a.k.a. The Body
• Second paragraph
• Third paragraph (depends on the length of essay).
• Conclusion. Those are the basic structure of any outstanding essay. However, in your essay writing, you might be allowed to utilize headings. Also, for more extended essays, individuals can use headings.

Headings in an essay are same as sections of an essay. To properly give good headings to your essay, you have to know your topic well.

Also, you need to make your decision about the coverage of your topic. This help you to define your headings and divide your writing into appropriate headings (sections).

How to use Subheadings in an Essay

Additionally, quality heads will produce quality subheadings. Really, it’s that easy. You won’t be able to organize your topic properly without headings and subheadings. If you don’t do a great job of researching and learning about it before you start writing.

We use subheadings to go into further detail on a specific part of your essay’s main heading.

Example : Essay Topic:  The effect of pollution on our ecosystem. Heading 1:  Definition of key terms. Heading 2 : Pollution and the ecosystem. An example of a  subheading  under this heading could be: Effect of pollution to the balance of the ecosystem.

In order to create more impact on your essay, you have to know how to use headings. It is informative and allows the reader to know what the essay is about before reading the content.

An essay title, on the other hand, is the main description of the content of your essay. Like subtitles, it tells the reader what they will encounter as they scroll down.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Article Writing for Students

It is quite a common activity for students to write something intended for publication. That task can mean writing an article , an entry for a competition, and a review, and all possible write-ups that can be published in an English magazine. It is a good activity to harness the students’ writing skills, creativity, attention to details, and many other skills related to writing that can be beneficial to them with any career they decide to pursue.

You may think that writing these kinds of write-ups is simply just a waste of time, but contrary to that belief, this exercise helps your creative juice flowing. Aside from that, it can help improve your techniques and styles when it comes to this activity, it can also help you develop a new approach that will improve your outputs, and overall, it improves your writing skills making you a better writer in the end.

In addition, it can either be formal writing and informal writing depending on the audience. Since the article could possibly be published in a publication, it must be informative writing and must be written in an interesting or entertaining manner in order to captivate the readers’ attention and retain their interest. If you look at it in another perspective, an article is in a less formal style than that of a report since their are no needs for graphs, does not use bullet points and sections.

An article is usually written to spread information, but more than that, it also describes an event, person, experience, etc. It can also be written with the intention of sharing a balanced opinion about a certain topic. Articles are useful sources of information as well as entertainment. In a journalistic point of view, there are quite a few types of articles namely news articles, feature articles, sports articles, editorial articles, and so on. Although these articles use different approaches and have varying standards, the one thing in common about them is that they are based on facts.

Therefore, articles are factual pieces of writing that can inform, entertain, describe, persuade, etc., the readers. As mentioned, the different types of articles may enforce different standards, thus, it can either be a short or lengthy article. In addition to that, articles are the different writings you usually read in a publication.

Structure of Article Writing

An effective article is structured with a captivating introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and briefly introduces the topic. This is followed by detailed body paragraphs that present evidence, examples, and arguments to thoroughly explore the subject. Each section is seamlessly linked with transition words, ensuring a smooth flow. The article concludes with a strong summary that reiterates the key points and reinforces the article’s main message.

Format of Article Writing for Students

Captivating and Relevant: Choose a title that immediately captures the interest of the reader and gives an idea of what the article is about.

Introduction

Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing sentence or question to pique the reader’s interest. Background Information: Provide a brief overview of the topic or issue being discussed. Thesis Statement: Present the main idea or argument of your article, setting the tone for the discussion that follows.

The body is where you delve into the details of your topic. It can be structured in several paragraphs, each with a specific focus.

Subheadings: Use subheadings to break down the article into manageable sections, each addressing a specific aspect of the topic. Supporting Information: Present facts, statistics, examples, or quotes to support your main idea. Ensure the information is accurate and relevant. Visual Elements: Where appropriate, include charts, graphs, or images to complement the text and enhance understanding.

Analysis and Discussion

Personal Insight: Share your analysis or interpretation of the information. This is where you can express opinions or offer a new perspective. Counterarguments: If presenting an argument, acknowledge opposing viewpoints and offer counterarguments to show a balanced understanding of the topic.

Summary: Briefly recap the main points discussed in the article, reinforcing the thesis statement. Call to Action: Encourage the reader to think, act, or further explore the topic. This could be a question, a suggestion, or a directive. Final Thought: Leave the reader with something to ponder, which could be a thought-provoking statement or a rhetorical question.

Example of Article Writing for Students

Introduction Have you ever felt like there are not enough hours in the day? You’re not alone. Many students struggle with balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal time. This article delves into the significance of time management for students and offers practical tips to help you make the most of your day. Understanding Time Management Time management refers to the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific activities. Good time management enables students to work smarter, not harder, so that they get more done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high. Benefits of Effective Time Management Improved Performance: By organizing your tasks and having a clear plan, you can focus better and achieve higher quality in your work. Reduced Stress: Managing your time well decreases stress levels by removing the pressure of last-minute deadlines and cramming sessions. More Free Time: Efficient scheduling means more leisure time to spend with friends and family, pursuing hobbies, or resting. Strategies for Better Time Management Set Clear Goals: Identify what you want to achieve in your study session. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals can help keep you focused. Create a To-Do List: List everything you need to do, and tackle tasks in order of priority. Use a Planner: A planner can help you keep track of deadlines, appointments, and when you plan to complete each task. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large tasks can seem overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel more achievable. Eliminate Distractions: Identify what commonly distracts you in your study environment and try to eliminate or reduce these distractions. Practice Saying No: It’s okay to turn down additional responsibilities if you think it might interfere with your existing commitments and study time. Conclusion Time management is a crucial skill that benefits students not just academically but in all aspects of life. By implementing effective time management strategies, you can improve your productivity, reduce stress, and increase your free time. Start by integrating one or two of the strategies mentioned above and gradually incorporate more as you become comfortable. Remember, the goal is to work smarter, not harder.

Article Writing for Students Samples to Edit & Download

• Mental health awareness
• Technology in education
• Climate change action
• Diversity in schools
• Social media impact
• Study techniques
• Youth activism
• Remote learning
• Financial literacy
• Extracurricular benefits
• Arts in education
• Cyberbullying prevention
• Career exploration
• Community service
• Gender equality
• Peer pressure effects
• Mental health stigma
• Sustainable living
• Youth representation in media
• Critical thinking skills.

Article Writing for Students Examples & Templates

1. article review template.

2. Article Summary Template

3. Magazine Article Writing Exercises Example

4. Article Writing Worksheet Example

5. Article Examples for Students

tea.texas.gov

6. Newspaper Article Example

7. Feature Article Writing Worksheet Example

8. Short Editorial Article Example

9. Newspaper Article Format Example

10. Persuasive Article Example

11. Article for School Magazine Example

12. College Newspaper/Online Article Example

13. Sports and Academic Performance Article Example

14. Current Events Article Worksheet Example

Essential Information About Writing Articles for Students

Before you proceed in writing articles , you need to understand what makes it different from other forms of writing first. If you are not able to determine and understand what makes an article an article , you may end writing an essay or another form of writing instead. To help you with that, listed below are essential information about writing articles:

1. The reader is identified

An article is basically a direct conversation with your reader. If a portion in an exam is for you to write an article, the reader may be identified or specified as part of the instructions. That way you can write your article as if you are directly discussing your topic with them. In this sense, the tone, sentences, and words you use in your article must be conversational and easy to understand for your readers. More importantly, you need to remember that the main goal is to cater to your readers; you need to be able to spark their interest and sustain in all throughout the article.

2. It needs to be attention-getting

The main thing that sparks you readers’ interest is your title. Since the title is the first few descriptive writing words your readers will be able to read before the content of the article, it must be attention-getting, meaning, it must be catchy but still has substance. The title of your article must represent the entirety of your article, therefore, it must be accurate but at the same time interesting. After establishing a good title for your article, the content should definitely match what is in the title; it must be accurate and at the same time factual.

3. It has to be interesting

Similarly to what has been discussed above, an article needs to be interesting. Aside from being informative and factual, another goal should be to be able to maintain the readers’ interest in your content. The article must be engaging from start to finish. If you are writing an article for an exam, you must remember that your teacher has to read quite a few articles of the same main topic. You have to think of a way to make your article interesting and memorable, maybe try a new approach, use more engaging sentences; you have to find a way to make you reader want to read your article up to the last word. For example, you can add humor (if appropriate), real-life or made-up examples, or make up quotes.

4. It should be easy to read

One common mistake when writing articles is being overwhelmed by the topic and writing an entire page of monotonous rambles. Although in some cases it is necessary, like in a news or editorial article. However, there are ways when you can make it a breeze to read for your readers; for example, you can use subheadings to break up the text and make clear paragraphs. Make sure that your ideas are organized in a way that your readers can easily comprehend, you can write in a semi-informal, conversational style; however, you may want to abide to the instructions that you will be given. Remember that in an article, there is no need to reiterate the issue or topic, you really only have to explore and expand the topic to encourage your reader to read on.

5. There should be a good ending

The difference with an essay and an article is that in an essay you need to sum up the point you have made in the entire write-up in your conclusion while in an article, there is no need for that; the best way to end your article is to give the reader something to ponder even after reading the entirety of the article. Most of the time, the best endings link back to the starting point in some way. You can ask a question or some powerful or impactful sentence that will make your readers think about what they have read.

Tips to Write Good Articles for Students

By now, you basically have an idea how to write an article. However, there is quite a distinction between a mediocre and good article. To help you produce a good and effective article, listed below are some useful tips in writing good articles:

• Your opening or lead should be easy to read. Meaning it should be simple and short, but at the same time, it should also be able to provide a good overview of the article.
• Keep your paragraphs short and your text visually appealing.
• Provide context on the 5 Ws: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. Occasionally, there might be room for the How provide insightful context.
• Give meaningful substance.
• Show then tell. State or present your main goal, then explain and expand it.
• Learn to quote properly.
• Research, research, research! If there is an opportunity or the topic is already given, always do advance research.
• It’s acceptable to use semi-formal language unlike in an essay.
• Always be accurate and factual.
• Proofread and edit. Always.

Article writing is an exercise commonly practiced by students; it may not be as easy as it sounds, the skills developed with this exercise is as useful as any other skills. It has the ability to help students develop and improve their communication skills as well as harness their creativity. It may even be the starting point of a student in deciding to pursue journalism or any other course that offers the opportunity to write about significant matters. Although it is quite similar to essay writing, it is still different in a way topics are discussed and presented. We hope that you have learned something about article writing especially when this is a reoccurring exercise in your classes. The examples given above are for your own use. May it give you more knowledge about the fact and inspiration.

• Clearly defined subject matter or theme that unifies the photographs and tells a cohesive story.
• An intentional narrative structure that guides the viewer through the photo essay, whether chronological, thematic, or conceptual.
• A strong introduction that captures the viewer’s attention and sets the tone for the photo essay.
• A series of high-quality and visually compelling images that effectively convey the chosen theme or story.
• A variety of shots, including wide-angle, close-ups, detail shots, and different perspectives, to add visual interest and depth.
• Careful sequencing of images to create a logical flow and emotional impact, guiding the viewer through the narrative.
• Thoughtful captions or accompanying text that provide context, additional information, or insights, enhancing the viewer’s understanding.
• A concluding section that brings the photo essay to a satisfying close, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
• The incorporation of images that evoke emotions and connect with the viewer on a personal or empathetic level.
• Consideration of the audience, aiming to engage and connect with viewers by addressing universal themes or issues.

How  to Write an Article for Students

1. understand your audience:.

• Consider the age group and educational level of your target audience.
• Identify their interests, concerns, and common challenges.

2. Choose a Relevant Topic:

• Select a topic that resonates with students’ experiences or addresses their needs.
• Make it interesting and relevant to their daily lives.

3. Create a Catchy Title:

• Craft a title that grabs attention and gives a clear idea of the article’s content.
• Keep it concise but intriguing.

4. Introduction:

• Start with a hook to capture the reader’s interest.
• Provide background information on the topic.
• Clearly state the purpose or main idea of the article.

5. Body Paragraphs:

• Organize your content into logical paragraphs.
• Each paragraph should focus on a specific point or subtopic.
• Use clear and simple language.
• Support your ideas with examples, anecdotes, or relevant information.
• Consider incorporating bullet points or lists for easy readability.

6. Use Student-Friendly Language:

• Avoid jargon and complex vocabulary unless necessary.
• Define any technical terms or concepts to ensure understanding.

7. Include Visuals:

• If applicable, add images, graphs, or infographics to enhance understanding.
• Break up long paragraphs with visuals for better engagement.

8. Encourage Interaction:

• Pose questions or prompts that encourage students to think or share their experiences.
• Consider including a call-to-action, such as inviting comments or discussions.

9. Be Concise and Clear:

• Keep sentences and paragraphs short and to the point.
• Ensure clarity in your explanations.

10. Conclusion:

• Summarize key points.
• End with a strong concluding statement or a call to action.
• Consider suggesting further reading or resources for interested students.

How do you Start an Article for Student Example?

Certainly! The beginning of your article, often referred to as the introduction, should captivate your readers and set the tone for the rest of the piece. Here’s an example of how you might start an article:

Title: “The Power of Curiosity: Unlocking Your Learning Potential”

Introduction:

In a world brimming with information, curiosity acts as the key to unlocking the doors of knowledge. As students, you’re on a perpetual quest for understanding, seeking answers to questions that pique your interest and spark your imagination. Have you ever wondered, though, about the profound impact curiosity can have on your learning journey?

Picture this: You’re sitting in a classroom, the hum of fluorescent lights overhead, and your teacher begins a lesson on a subject that’s not just part of the curriculum, but a gateway to a world of possibilities. It’s in these moments that the flame of curiosity can either flicker or blaze, shaping the way you absorb and apply knowledge. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of curiosity in the realm of education and explore how nurturing this innate quality can transform your academic experience.

Join me as we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of curiosity, discovering its role in fostering a love for learning and its potential to open doors you might not have even known existed.

What is the easiest way to write an article for Students?

1. choose a familiar topic:.

• Select a topic you are passionate about or have some knowledge in.
• Familiarity with the subject will make the writing process smoother.

2. Outline Your Ideas:

• Create a simple outline with key points you want to cover.
• Organize these points logically to create a flow in your article.

3. Introduction:

• Start with a hook to grab readers’ attention.
• Clearly state the purpose or main idea of your article.

4. Body Paragraphs:

• Each paragraph should cover a specific point from your outline.
• Use simple language and be concise.
• Support your ideas with examples or evidence.

5. Use Subheadings:

• Break your article into sections using subheadings.
• This helps readers follow your main points easily.

6. Write Simply:

• Use straightforward language. Avoid unnecessary jargon.
• Imagine you are explaining your ideas to a friend.

7. Be Concise:

• Stick to the main points; avoid unnecessary details.
• Short sentences and paragraphs are often more effective.

8. Conclusion:

• Summarize your main points.
• End with a concluding statement or a call to action.

FAQ’s

What does an article look like.

An article typically consists of a title, introduction, body paragraphs with key points, subheadings, and a conclusion. It conveys information, ideas, or opinions in a structured and cohesive manner.

What is the first line of an article?

The first line of an article, known as the hook, aims to capture the reader’s attention. It introduces the topic, sparks interest, and sets the tone for the entire piece.

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MLA Format One Level Subheading

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Home / AI Writing / 15+ Subheading Examples To Help You Write Better [+FREE Tool]

15+ Subheading Examples To Help You Write Better [+FREE Tool]

Are you struggling to create engaging subheadings for your content? You’re not alone!

Subheadings are an essential part of any content piece, but crafting effective ones can be a challenge. Luckily, there are many great subheading examples out there to draw inspiration from.

In this blog post, we’ll showcase over 15 subheading examples that will help you write better and more impactful subheadings. From catchy and concise to informative and benefit-driven, we’ve got you covered.

So whether you’re creating blog posts, landing pages, or other types of content, read on to discover some great subheading examples that will take your writing to the next level!

This Is A Subheading

A subheading is an essential element of any piece of content, including articles, blog posts, landing pages, and more.

Its primary function is to provide a concise summary of the content below it while also grabbing the reader’s attention and encouraging them to continue reading. A well-crafted subheading can also help break up large blocks of text, making the content more readable and easier to digest.

In addition to providing additional context, subheadings can also help with search engine optimization (SEO). By including relevant keywords in your subheadings, you can improve the search engine ranking of your content, making it more visible to potential readers.

Two Types of Subheadings

They have the same name and similar meanings, but they have two different functions. Here are the two types of subheadings you can use:

1. A Sub-heading

A subheading gives further information to the main headline.

After the main headline, the subheading serves to expand on the topic at hand and offer additional information to the reader.

By providing a glimpse into what the article will cover, the subheading sparks the reader’s curiosity and encourages them to read on. While the main headline is concise and to the point, the subheading adds depth and elaboration to the topic, making it even more compelling.

Essentially, the subheading acts as a teaser for what’s to come, drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged throughout the article.

2. A Sub-heading

Breaking up information into smaller, more digestible sections with different subheadings can make your blog post easier to follow and comprehend.

This approach is particularly useful for crafting clear and concise sales or marketing copy, as well as for longer pieces that require more time to read. By incorporating multiple subheadings, you can create a seamless flow of information that is both engaging and easy to navigate.

4 Components Of Effective Subheadings

Subheadings shouldn’t be too lengthy or wordy. To create effective subheadings, it’s essential to understand your audience and what appeals to them.

If you’re targeting a younger demographic, short and punchy subheadings are more likely to capture their attention.

Simplified’s subheading above is to-the-point and communicates everything the user needs to know in a persuasive way, promising an enticing experience.

Creating effective subheadings requires a delicate balance between brevity and information.

You want to provide enough detail to capture the reader’s attention, but overly long subheadings like the one used by Discord can risk losing their interest.

So, when crafting subheadings, aim for a happy medium between being concise and informative.

3. Amount of Information

It’s important to remember that subheadings are meant to tease and spark the reader’s curiosity, rather than revealing too much information upfront.

The ultimate goal is to encourage the reader to click on the call-to-action below, so you want to create a sense of intrigue with your subheading.

This Clubhouse subheading is the perfect mix of vague but persuasive.

4. Amount of Persuasion

The key to crafting effective subheadings is to use them purposefully.

They should clearly communicate to the reader what they’ll discover in the body of your content and persuade them that it’s worth their time to continue reading.

Bumble’s subheading provides a clear and concise teaser of their photo verification feature, with a call-to-action that leads readers to a tutorial on how to verify your profile.

By crafting subheadings that effectively engage and inform your readers, you can increase the likelihood of them continuing to read your content and taking the desired action.

Related: 20 Mission Statement Examples to Guide Your Business Goals in 2023

10 Catchy Subheading Examples

1. simplified.

Simplified makes sure to include all four elements, and this is the reason why its subheading works. In fact, Simplified stays true to its name as this subheading example is the mark of simplicity, good wording, and length.

Apple is a master of crafting subheadings that are both concise and attention-grabbing. Given that their products are often self-explanatory, they take a persuasive approach with their subheadings. One example of this is their use of rhyming, which adds an extra element of snappiness that’s hard to miss

Opera takes a benefit-focused approach with its subheading, highlighting how its software can improve the user’s experience. By emphasizing the unmatched security and speed of their browser, they effectively communicate the value proposition to the reader.

Lenovo focuses on the superiority of its technology rather than its products. The clear heading stating that their technology is “for all” sets the tone for the subheading, which invites the user to explore how Lenovo’s technology surpasses that of its competitors. The brand relies on persuasive language and carefully crafted wording to achieve the desired effect and entice readers to learn more about its offerings.

Although it’s longer than the typical subheading, the one used by GitHub effectively summarizes the platform’s purpose and features. It provides a clear preview of the capabilities of the platform, making it an effective subheading.

Freepik’s subheading example is the perfect follow-up to its heading. While the heading introduces what Freepik offers, the subheading further elaborates on it by defining what the “assets” are.

7. Mangools

Extremely crisp and simple, Mangools’ subheading indicates its year of conception along with how it’s been benefiting its users since then.

One of the most popular petitioning websites, Change.org keeps its subheading concise and compelling. It highlights the number of people signing petitions every single day and hyperlinks it to success stories – compelling newcomers to take action as well!

9. BuzzFeed

Okay, so this is one listicle from Buzzfeed and not the entire website. The contents of the page are basically just cute dog and cat photos – making this subheading extremely suitable. It’s quirky and crisp and makes you want to definitely check out the rest of the article.

10. Audible

Just three words, and you already know what’s on offer.

Related: 9 Sentence Rewriter Tools to Enhance Your Writing Skills [Free & Paid]

Generate the Best Subheadings with Simplified

Now that you know the basics of what a subheading is and its four components, let’s see how you can use one of Simplified’s features for sales copy, marketing copy, or anything your brand may need.

Write Landing Page Subheadings with AI

Example 1: Greenhouse

About the brand: Greenhouse sells succulents and small table plants. We add a greener touch to your home.

Example 2: Boho Bird

About the brand: We sell block-printed cotton material from Jaipur, India. Hand-dyed, sustainable, and 100% ethical.

Example 3: Work Party

About the brand: We’re a marketing agency based in Toronto, Canada. We offer all digital media solutions. Build your brand from scratch or scale it with our winning strategies.

Powerful Subheadings. Simplified.

Armed with the knowledge of how to create effective subheadings and how to use Simplified’s subheading generator, you can now easily enhance your company’s branding and marketing.

Signing up for Simplified is completely free, and its user-friendly interface and Academy make it easy to use. By utilizing this AI-powered tool, you can quickly generate engaging and plagiarism-free subheadings that are both SEO-friendly and informative.

Simply enter your keywords, and the Simplified Subheading Generator will take care of the rest in just a few seconds. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your content and attract more readers.

Subheadings that’ll make them go “Whoa”

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