Types of Display Headings – JSS3 Business Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

A display heading is a prominent line of text that introduces a document or a section and shows the reader what follows.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define a display heading;
2. name the types of display heading;
3. state the purposes of a subheading;
4. describe where a main heading, a shoulder heading and a side heading are placed.

What is a display heading?

A display heading is a title or label set apart from the body text so that it stands out.

• Position: it is placed above or beside the text it introduces.
• Style: it is often typed in capital letters, in bold or underlined.
• Use: it appears in letters, notices, reports, programmes, minutes and other office documents.
• Benefit: it helps the reader find information quickly.

What are the types of display heading?

There are four types of display heading: main heading, subheading, shoulder heading and side heading.

Main heading

The main heading is the primary heading of a document.

• Position: it is placed at the top of the page, usually in the centre.
• Content: it must state the main topic or theme of the document.
• Style: it is usually typed in capital letters, bold or underlined.
• Example: THIRD TERM EXAMINATION TIMETABLE.

Subheading

A subheading is a secondary heading that breaks the content into smaller sections.

A subheading serves these purposes:

1. introducing a new subtopic within a larger section of content;
2. giving extra context or detail to the main heading;
3. summarising the content that follows;
4. highlighting key points from the content.

• Position: it comes below the main heading or at the start of a section.
• Style: it is smaller or less bold than the main heading.

Shoulder heading

A shoulder heading is a heading typed at the left margin, on its own line, just above the paragraph it introduces.

• Position: it begins at the left margin and the paragraph starts on the next line.
• Style: it is often underlined or typed in capitals.
• Use: it labels each section of a report or an essay.

Side heading

A side heading is a heading placed to the side of the main content.

• Position: it sits in the left margin, beside the first line of the text it introduces.
• Layout: the body text is set a few spaces to the right of it.
• Use: it is common in documents with a two-column layout.

What is the difference between the types of display heading?

The types differ mainly in where they are placed and what they introduce.

Why are display headings important?

Display headings make a document clear, neat and easy to read.

• Quick reading: the reader sees the topic at a glance.
• Organisation: they divide long text into short sections.
• Neat look: they give the page a professional appearance.
• Easy reference: the reader can find a section without reading everything.

Evaluation

1. What is a display heading?
2. List the four types of display heading in this lesson.
3. State two purposes of a subheading.
4. Where is the main heading usually located?
5. Where is a shoulder heading placed?

Assignment

Write short notes on the main heading and the side heading. State where each is placed.