Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3 / JS3)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Business Studies
Curriculum Theme: Business Studies
Previous Lesson: Keyboarding: Display. Methods of Display.
Topic: TYPES OF DISPLAY HEADING
Subject Matter: Main heading, Sub heading, Shoulder heading: Side heading
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define main heading, sub-heading, and shoulder/side heading.
- Identify the purpose of each type of display heading in a document.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of clear and well-formatted headings in business communication.
- Value proper document organization and presentation.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Correctly apply different types of display headings in a sample document.
- Distinguish between the placement and formatting of each heading type.
Social Domain:
- Work collaboratively to analyze documents and identify various display headings.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Business Studies JSS 3
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Business Studies JSS 3
- Essential Business Studies for Junior Secondary Schools Book 3
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Charts showing examples of documents with different display headings.
- Sample business letters, reports, or memos.
- Whiteboard and markers.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding different types of display headings helps pupils organize information clearly in business documents. This skill enables them to create professional and easy-to-read reports, letters, and other communications, which is important for effective business practice.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of document preparation and the general importance of clear communication in business.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
TYPES OF DISPLAY HEADING
Main Heading
A main heading is the principal title or subject of a document, report, or section. It introduces the overall topic and stands out from the rest of the text.
Characteristics:
- It is usually centred on the page.
- It is written in capital letters or bold, and often in a larger font size.
- It clearly states the primary subject of the document.
Example: ANNUAL SALES REPORT
Sub-Heading
A sub-heading is a secondary heading that divides the main topic into smaller, distinct sections. It helps to organize content under the main heading.
Characteristics:
- It is typically placed to the left margin.
- It is written in bold or underlined, and often in a smaller font size than the main heading but larger than the body text.
- It introduces a specific part or aspect of the main topic.
Example: 1. Executive Summary (under the main heading ANNUAL SALES REPORT)
Shoulder Heading / Side Heading
A shoulder heading or side heading is a minor heading used to introduce specific points, paragraphs, or lists within a sub-section. It helps to break up text and highlight key information.
Characteristics:
- It usually appears at the beginning of a paragraph or line, often indented.
- It is written in bold, underlined, or italicized, and followed by the text on the same line.
- It draws attention to a particular detail or item.
Example: Key Findings: The market share increased by 15%.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils what they understand by “heading” in a book or document and why it is important.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their understanding of headings and their importance.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge of headings and their function in organizing information.
Step 2: Explanation of Main Heading
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a main heading is, its characteristics, and its placement using examples on a chart or whiteboard.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the examples, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and purpose of a main heading.
Step 3: Explanation of Sub-Heading
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a sub-heading, explains its role in organizing content, and demonstrates its formatting and placement relative to the main heading.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils take notes and identify sub-headings in the provided sample documents.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how sub-headings break down main topics into smaller sections.
Step 4: Explanation of Shoulder/Side Heading
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elucidation/Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains shoulder/side headings, their characteristics, and how they differ from main and sub-headings, showing examples where text follows on the same line.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in discussions and compare the different heading types.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the concept of shoulder/side headings and their use for specific points.
Step 5: Practical Application and Discussion
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes sample business documents (reports, memos) and guides pupils to identify and label the different types of display headings within them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and discuss the headings in the sample documents, explaining their observations.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge to real-world examples of business documents.
Step 6: Class Activity/Group Work
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Collaboration/Problem Solving
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and gives them a short, unformatted text to add appropriate display headings.
Pupils’ Activity: Groups work together to insert main, sub, and shoulder headings into the given text.
Learning Point: Pupils practice formatting documents with various display headings collaboratively.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define a main heading and state its primary purpose.
- List two characteristics of a sub-heading.
- Explain what a shoulder heading (or side heading) is.
- Why is it important to use different types of display headings in a business document?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of clear and effective display headings for professional communication.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and prepare for the next lesson.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of the various types of display headings.
Lesson Keywords
- Main Heading – The principal title of a document.
- Sub-Heading – A secondary heading that divides a main topic into smaller sections.
- Shoulder Heading – A minor heading that introduces specific points or paragraphs within a section.
- Side Heading – Another term for shoulder heading.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can provide more complex documents for analysis or ask them to create a short report using all three heading types. For those needing more support, the teacher will provide simpler texts with fewer sections and offer direct guidance during the activity, focusing on one heading type at a time.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure that pupils understand the practical application of each heading type in various business contexts. Encourage them to bring examples of documents from home or local businesses to identify headings. Emphasize that consistent formatting of headings improves readability and professionalism.

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