Division of Topics into Chapters, Sections and Subsections

Although an essay is often described as a continuous piece of writing, it will be most difficult to follow if it is written from the beginning to the end, without division into convenient parts and segments. In doing this, a writer may divide his works into chapters, sections and subsections. Accordingly, simplicity, orderliness, clarity and effectiveness should be paramount in the writer’s mind.

Chapters

In the writing of an essay, a topic is chosen as the title of the essay. The length of the topic will determine the number of chapters to be used. For example, a project topic titled “The Law Relating to Job Security in Nigeria” may consist of the following chapters.

Chapter 1: Concept of Job Security
Chapter 2: Origin and Historical Development of Job Security in Nigeria
Chapter 3: Job Security in Nigeria
Chapter 4: Conclusion/Suggestions/Recommendations

Although the pattern provided here may be followed, there is no firm rule as to the number of chapters into which an essay may be divided.

Sections

After dividing the work into chapters, they may be further subdivided into sections made up of closely related issues. For example, Chapter 3 in the example given above may be divided into sections as follows.

Chapter 3: Job Security in Nigeria
3.1: Job Security in Pre-colonial Rule
3.2: Job Security in Colonial Rule
3.3 Job Security in Post-Colonial Rule
3.4: Job Security under the Corporate and Allied Matters Act and other relevant statutes
3.5: Importance of Job Security

The division of chapters in sections will simplify the outline and make it easy for the reader to understand at a glance.

Sub-sections

With sub-sections, and issue discussed in a section of the chapter is further divided into smaller units. Using the example of the section relating to Job Security under the Corporate and Allied Matters Act and other relevant statutory laws, it may be subdivided into the following units of subsections.

3.4: Job Security under the Corporate and Allied Matters Act and other relevant statutes
3.4.1: Background of job security
3.4.2: Relationship between employer and employee
3.4.3: Unfair dismissal of an employee

All other chapters may be subdivided into sections and subsections. Whatever methods and approach adopted is purely subjective and depends on the choice of the writer. Topics are divided into chapters, sections and subsections for easy reading and understanding. When essays or projects are too lengthy in nature, it becomes boring and verbose. A reader may easily lose interest in studying or reading the work. To this end, it becomes necessary and in line with modern education trends to divide topics into chapters, sections and subsections, with proper academic references and footnoting.