If you would like to utilize subheadings (subtitles) in your research paper, it is a good idea to first check with your instructor to be 100% sure what subheading format he/she would like you to use.
Depending on how long your paper is, you will need either one level subheadings or several levels subheadings
One Level Subheadings:
Format: centered, capitalize the first letter but not the whole subtitle.
*Visit this full sample paper for ideas!
If your paper has subtitles under subtitles, see the format below. Be sure to check with your instructor first if he/she agrees with this format before you decide to use it.
|1||Boldface, flush left|
|2||Italicized, flush left|
|5||Underlined, flush left|
|Tips:||– Do not capitalize the whole subheadings. Capitalize the first important letters (Example: Limitations of the Study)- A subheading should always have at least two lines of text following it. If a subheading happens to fall at the bottom of a page, move to the next page and start the subheading at the top of the new page.|
– MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th Edition
– Writing the Research Paper, 7th Edition.