How to Use Four Heading Levels in APA Style
Start with level 1 after your introduction: Your paper always begins with an introduction followed by a level 1 heading for the sub-sections., Format your Level 1 heading: The L1 heading must be aligned centrally, bold and should be in title case...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Start with level 1 after your introduction: Your paper always begins with an introduction followed by a level 1 heading for the sub-sections.
Highlight the most important headings in your level
1.
It is the primary topic related sub-section. -
Step 2: Format your Level 1 heading: The L1 heading must be aligned centrally
A paragraph must follow the level 1 heading in your text. , If your heading is not as important as the level 1 heading, use the second level heading format to make your point.
Usually all your chapters must have a level 2 heading as well. ,, The text in level 3 headings must be relevant to your topic but it usually isn’t as important as level 1 or 2 texts. , Also, the level 3 heading is indented. , Use level 4 heading where you want to give a detailed explanation in a particular chapter and it needs special attention. , So your text must be indented, bold, sentence case and should end with a period. , You must always start with level 1 heading in your paper and continue further as per the requirements. -
Step 3: bold and should be in title case.
-
Step 4: Use level 2 heading for the next sub-section: Level 2 headings come second in terms of priority after level 1 headings.
-
Step 5: Format your level 2 heading: Level 2 headings are left aligned
-
Step 6: bold and must be written in Title Case.
-
Step 7: Write the heading in level 3 for more complicated data and content: Level 3 headings come after you have written substantial amount of content in the level 1 and 2.
-
Step 8: Format your level 3 heading: While formatting level 3
-
Step 9: you must use bold
-
Step 10: write it in sentence case and end with a period.
-
Step 11: Create a level 4 heading where you need detailed explanation for your text: Level 4 headings are usually the sub-sections of the text and they are a continuation of level 1 and 2.
-
Step 12: Format your level 4 heading: Level 4 headings have similar formatting as level 3 except that they are in Italics.
-
Step 13: Check all formatting requirements for the four levels: Headings in your APA style paper are not numbered
-
Step 14: only formatted as per the levels.
Detailed Guide
Highlight the most important headings in your level
1.
It is the primary topic related sub-section.
A paragraph must follow the level 1 heading in your text. , If your heading is not as important as the level 1 heading, use the second level heading format to make your point.
Usually all your chapters must have a level 2 heading as well. ,, The text in level 3 headings must be relevant to your topic but it usually isn’t as important as level 1 or 2 texts. , Also, the level 3 heading is indented. , Use level 4 heading where you want to give a detailed explanation in a particular chapter and it needs special attention. , So your text must be indented, bold, sentence case and should end with a period. , You must always start with level 1 heading in your paper and continue further as per the requirements.
About the Author
Heather Stokes
Specializes in breaking down complex lifestyle topics into simple steps.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: