Using Headings Effectively: Correct Grouping

On this screen and the following three screens, there are some guidelines to help you use headings effectively.

Headings, whether they are chapter titles, section headings, or subsection headings, show the reader the relationship between groupings of information. Each grouping of information should have a heading at the appropriate level so that this relationship can be seen easily.

Examples

The following examples show two versions of a table of contents for a report. The left column shows incorrect grouping with the main sections (in boldface type) subdivided into only one topic. The right column demonstrates correct grouping with each of the main sections subdivided into more than one topic.

Incorrect grouping

Correct grouping

The rationale for grouping

Features of Good Program Design in Africa

Targets areas with high rates of poverty and community involvement

Features of Good Program Design in Africa

Targets areas with high rate of poverty

Encourages community involvement

Note that two types of features are presented. Each feature should have a subheading and appear independently in the table of contents.

The Market Potential for Care and Service Providers

Privatized home helpers, social workers, and group homes for children

The Market Potential for Care and Service Providers

Privatized home helpers

Social workers

Group homes for children

Note that three information groupings are indicated here, each requiring its own subheading.