Why Subheadings are Useful:
* Organization: They break up large amounts of text into manageable chunks, making it easier for the reader to follow the flow of the story.
* Clarity: They help readers quickly identify key topics or periods in the subject's life.
* Visual Appeal: They make the text visually appealing and break up the monotony of a long block of text.
When Subheadings Might Not Be Necessary:
* Short Biographies: For very short biographies, subheadings might be overkill.
* Chronological Structure: If the biography is purely chronological, the natural flow of time might be enough to guide the reader without explicit subheadings.
* Narrative Style: If the biography is written in a very story-like manner, subheadings might disrupt the flow of the narrative.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use subheadings depends on the length and style of the biography, as well as the author's personal preference.
Here's a simple example:
Without Subheadings:
> John Smith was born in 1880 and grew up on a farm. He attended school for a few years before dropping out to work on the farm. In his teens, he developed a passion for carpentry and began working as an apprentice. He eventually opened his own shop and became known for his beautiful furniture. He married Mary Jones in 1905 and they had three children. He continued to work as a carpenter until his retirement in 1950. He died in 1965 at the age of 85.
With Subheadings:
> Early Life and Education
> John Smith was born in 1880 and grew up on a farm. He attended school for a few years before dropping out to work on the farm.
> Carpentry Career
> In his teens, he developed a passion for carpentry and began working as an apprentice. He eventually opened his own shop and became known for his beautiful furniture.
> Family Life
> He married Mary Jones in 1905 and they had three children.
> Later Years and Legacy
> He continued to work as a carpenter until his retirement in 1950. He died in 1965 at the age of 85.
As you can see, the version with subheadings is easier to read and understand.