division of the chapter. Level 2 and levels beneath Level 2 constitute the
various levels of subheadings, sub-subheadings and so on. For discussion
purposes, headings and subheadings at any level can be depicted with an
appropriate and obvious numbering system as will now be illustrated:
(1)
Level 1 Headings. Level 1 headings in a chapter can be conveniently
represented as Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3 and so on. The range can be
depicted as Headings 1-n.
(2)
Level 2 Headings. To illustrate, let us use Heading 3. The first level of
subheadings can be designated Heading 3.1, Heading 3.2 and so on, with the
range being Heading 3.1-3.n.
(3)
Level 3 Headings. Obviously any subheadings can be further divided
into their own sub-subheadings. Assume that Heading 3.4 is further
subdivided. These subheadings would be depicted as Heading 3.4.1, Heading
3.4.2 and so on with the range being Heading 3.4.1-3.4.n.
(4)
Levels 4-n. Clearly there is no limit to the levels of subheadings that a
writer can use. However, in practice more than a handful can be unwieldy. If
this happens, the solution might be to reorganise the division of chapters in the
text.
A series of well crafted headings will benefit and befriend both writer and
reader. Headings do this by performing three functions – a content function, a
structural function and a summary function.
Content Function
A heading should summarise the content of the text that is beneath it. This
brings to mind the Chinese proverb that one picture is worth a thousand
words. A heading is like a picture in that it indicates succinctly the nature of
the material that follows under the heading. This assists the reader to
understand the text. It also helps a browser to find material.
Structural Function
Headings are one of the best aids for devising and portraying the structure and
content of a text. Headings guide a writer because they help them as they form
and structure the content of their text. Headings guide a reader because they
communicate this structure.
Headings will best form and communicate the structure when headings at the
same level relate to one another. This relationship should be made as clear as
possible from the way the headings are framed. The relationship is manifest
when each heading clearly relates to the headings that come before it and to the
headings that come after it in that part of the text.
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