List the sections without their paragraphs
Copy an article's headings into a plain document and read them in order. Do they explain how the subject develops, or could they belong to almost any article? Replace decorative labels with names that identify the section's purpose. A heading about choosing a venue is more useful when it points to the relevant decision, such as checking access, rather than merely announcing inspiration. Keep the language proportionate to what the section actually covers and the audience's likely familiarity with it.
Connect the visual and structural hierarchy
W3C's page structure guidance recommends meaningful structure and logically nested headings. Ask the implementation owner to preserve those relationships in the page markup. Large type alone does not establish a heading, and a visually small heading may still carry an important structural role. Use the hierarchy to show the relationship between sections rather than choosing levels only for their appearance. Avoid treating a tidy outline as proof that every accessibility need has been met across the finished page.
Check two different reading paths
Read the headings as a scanner, then read one section in detail without the preceding paragraph. Does its heading orient you, and does the section deliver the expected help? Look for repeated introductions that delay the answer and sections containing several unrelated tasks. Split or rename them where that improves understanding. After revision, check that links to individual sections still make sense. A good structure lets readers choose a route through the material while keeping the overall argument coherent.
W3C WAI: page structure tutorial ↗
This article combines general educational guidance with original planning exercises. It does not claim first-hand field testing or an endorsement from the linked organization. Sources checked October 2026.
