Layout
Good articles start with a brief lead section introducing the topic, continue with a clear structure, and end with standard appendices such as references and related articles. The lead section should come above the first header. There is no need to add a heading called “introduction”. Sometimes, the first section after the lead is a broad summary of the topic, and can be called “Overview”, although more specific section titles and structures are generally preferred.Paragraphs
Paragraphs should be short enough to be readable, but long enough to develop an idea. Overly long paragraphs should be split up, as long as the cousin paragraphs keep the idea in focus.One-sentence paragraphs are unusually emphatic, and should be used sparingly. Articles should rarely, if ever, consist solely of such paragraphs.
Some paragraphs are really tables or lists in disguise. They should be rewritten as prose or converted to their unmasked form. Paragraphs should be short enough to be readable, but long enough to develop an idea. Overly long paragraphs should be split up, as long as the cousin paragraphs keep the idea in focus.
One-sentence paragraphs are unusually emphatic, and should be used sparingly. Articles should rarely, if ever, consist solely of such paragraphs.
Some paragraphs are really tables or lists in disguise. They should be rewritten as prose or converted to their unmasked form. When to use tables and Embedded list offer guidance on the proper use of these elements.
Headings
Headings help clarify articles and create a structure shown in the table of contents. Headings are hierarchical. The article's title uses a level 2 heading, so you should start with a level 3 heading (Heading 3) and follow it with lower levels: Header 4, paragraph, and so forth. It is upto the author to decide whether the subtopics are so extensive that they should be kept on one page or moved to individual pages. Headings should not be linked.Images
If the article can be illustrated with pictures, find an appropriate place to position these images, where they relate closely to text they illustrate. If there might be doubt, draw attention to the image in the text.
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