How to Title an Essay - Steps, Formats & Examples

A title is the very first thing that a reader will see when they’re reading an essay. It will decide whether they’re interested enough to keep reading or not.

Your essay needs a strong title to pique the reader’s interest. Without the right title, your hard work might go unnoticed!  

If coming up with the right title for your essay is something you are struggling with, this blog is exactly what you need. 

In this blog, we will teach you how to create a compelling essay title. Not only that, you will also learn how to format your title according to different citation styles. 

So, let’s get started!

Components an Essay Title Should Have

When it comes to essay writing, a solid title is an unquestionable necessity, but a good title always includes the following key elements: 

1. Main Topic: This is the central subject of your essay. It tells readers what the essay is about.
2. Focus or Angle: This part explains the specific aspect or viewpoint you are taking on the topic. It gives direction to your essay.
3. Keywords: These are important words related to your topic. They help make your title clear and can help others find your essay.
4. Tone or Style Indicator: The title should show the tone of your essay, like whether it’s serious, fun, or formal. This sets the right expectations for the reader.
5. Hook: This part of the title aims to grab the reader's attention by offering something intriguing or interesting, encouraging them to read on.

Here is an example that breaks down these points:

Characteristics of a Good Essay Title

Here are some key characteristics of a good essay title to keep in mind:

• Relevance: A good title should accurately reflect the essence of your essay, leaving no room for confusion.
• Clarity: Your title should be clear so that the readers can understand what the essay is about. 
• Conciseness: Keep your essay short and to the point so as not to overwhelm the readers. 
• Creativity: A touch of creativity can make your title memorable.
• Accuracy: Make sure that your title accurately reflects the content and tone of your essay, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Here is an example to help you understand what a good title looks like:

6 Steps to Create an Impressive Essay Title

Here are the 6 easy steps you can follow to create a title that’s as compelling as your essay’s content:

Step 1: Understand the Essay’s Content

First things first, make sure you really understand what your essay is all about. What's the main idea? What are you trying to say? Take a good look at your essay and jot down the most important stuff.

Understanding your essay's main points will help you make a title that matches what you've written and gets people interested.

Step 2: Identify the Tone and Style

Is your essay serious or humorous? Scholarly or conversational? The tone of your essay should be reflected in your title. 

Every essay has its vibe. Some are serious, others are more fun. Think about how you want your essay to feel to the audience. 

Deciding on the vibe will help you pick the right words for your title, so it matches the feeling of your essay.

Step 3: Summarize the Main Idea Concisely

Now, try to sum up what your essay is all about in just a few words. What's the main message you're trying to get across in your essay? Keep it short and to the point. You can use your essay’s thesis statement to get an idea. 

This sentence will be the backbone of your title, giving people a quick idea of what your essay is about.

Step 4: Brainstorm Key Phrases

Think of some cool words and phrases that go with your essay's main idea. Maybe some words stand out or get people interested. Brainstorming different words and phrases will give you lots of options for your title.

Step 5: Add a Creative Twist

Now it's time to make your title stand out! Try to make it sound fun or interesting so people want to read more. You could try using rhymes, or comparisons.

A catchy title will grab people's attention and make them curious about your essay.

Step 6: Check for Clarity and Accuracy

Last but not least, double-check your title to make sure it's clear and makes sense. You don't want any mistakes or confusing words. Make sure your title matches what your essay is about.

How to Format Your Essay Title in Different Styles

If you’re required to write and submit an essay using a popular format such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, your title needs to follow some guidelines, as provided by these popular formats. 

Let’s see how you should format your title according to these three formats. 

Formatting a Title in APA

Here is how to title an essay in APA format:

• The title should be centered on the page. It should not be bolded, italicized, or underlined.
• Capitalize the first letter of the first word, the first word after a colon or dash, and proper nouns. Do not capitalize articles (a, an, the), coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or), or prepositions unless they are the first word of the title.
• The title should be written in the same font and size as the rest of the paper, typically Times New Roman, 12-point font.
• Ensure that the title is double-spaced from the rest of the text on the page.
• Avoid abbreviations and acronyms in the title unless they are universally recognized (e.g., NASA).

Formatting a Title in MLA

Here is how to title an essay in MLA format:

• The title should be centered on the page and it should not be bolded, italicized, or underlined.
• Capitalize the first letter of the first word, the first word after a colon or dash, and all major words in the title. 
• Do not capitalize articles (a, an, the), prepositions, or coordinating conjunctions unless they are the first word of the title or part of a hyphenated compound word.
• The title should be written in the same font and size as the rest of the paper, typically Times New Roman, 12-point font.
• Ensure that the title is double-spaced.
• Keep the title concise and informative.
• MLA does not require the use of quotation marks around the title.

Formatting a Title in Chicago

Let’s take a look at the guidelines for formatting a title in Chicago Style:

• The title is placed about one-third of the way down the page. It is centered, but not in bold or italics.
• Capitalize the first letter of the first word, the first word after a colon or dash, and all major words in the title. 
• Do not capitalize articles (a, an, the), prepositions, or coordinating conjunctions unless they are the first word of the title or part of a hyphenated compound word.
• The title should be written in the same font and size as the rest of the paper, typically Times New Roman, 12-point font.
• Ensure that the title is double-spaced from the rest of the text on the page.
• Keep the title concise and informative.
• The Chicago style does not require the use of quotation marks or italics for the title.

Examples of Good Essay Titles

Examples are a great way to not only help you learn but also to get ideas. Here are different essay title examples for your ease:

Examples of Essay Titles About Yourself

Here are some personal essay title ideas that can help you express your own story and experiences. These examples can inspire you to reflect on your journey.

• Exploring My Identity: A Journey of Self-Discovery
• Unveiling the Layers: My Life Story in Reflection
• Through My Lens: A Personal Narrative
• Embracing Imperfection: My Path to Self-Acceptance
• In My Own Words: A Portrait of My Life

Examples of Essay Titles For College

College essays often explore important social and academic issues. These examples will help you think about how to frame your ideas for a college audience.

• The Impact of Technology on Modern Education: A Critical Analysis
• Diversity on Campus: Celebrating Differences and Fostering Inclusion
• The Importance of Liberal Arts Education in the 21st Century
• Exploring Sustainability: Building a Greener Future on Campus
• Student Mental Health: Addressing Challenges and Promoting Well-being

Examples of Essay Titles About a Book

When writing about books, it’s important to highlight key themes and elements. These titles will help you focus on the deeper meanings of literature.

• Symbolism and Allegory in [Book Title]: Unraveling Hidden Meanings
• Character Development in [Book Title]: Analyzing Protagonists and Antagonists
• Themes of Love and Loss in [Book Title]: A Literary Exploration
• Setting the Stage: The Role of Place and Time in [Book Title]
• Narrative Structure and Point of View in [Book Title]: An Authorial Perspective

Examples of Essay Titles For a Scholarship

Scholarship essays should highlight your potential and personal journey. These title ideas will guide you in presenting your achievements and vision.

• Overcoming Adversity: My Journey to Educational Excellence
• Empowering Youth: Building a Brighter Future Through Education
• Fostering Diversity: Promoting Inclusion in Higher Education
• Innovative Solutions for Social Change: A Scholar's Vision
• The Power of Resilience: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Argumentative Essay Title Examples

Argumentative essays present a clear stance on a controversial issue. These examples will inspire you to form strong, evidence-based arguments.

• The Case for Renewable Energy: A Sustainable Future
• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Addressing the Detrimental Effects
• The Necessity of Gun Control Legislation: Protecting Lives and Ensuring Safety
• Universal Healthcare: A Fundamental Right or a Financial Burden?
• The Benefits of Remote Work: Embracing Flexibility in the Modern Workplace

Persuasive Essay Title Examples

Persuasive essays are all about convincing your reader. These titles show you how to make a compelling argument on various important topics.

• Embracing Renewable Energy: A Call to Action for a Greener Future
• Social Media Detox: Reclaiming Your Mental Well-being
• Strengthening Gun Control Laws: Ensuring Safer Communities for All
• Healthcare for All: Why Universal Coverage is Non-Negotiable
• The Future of Work: Why Remote Work Should Be the Norm

Research Paper Title Examples

Research papers focus on a specific and focused specific topic. These examples will help you narrow down your subject for a detailed study.

• Exploring the Link Between Social Media Use and Mental Health in Adolescents
• The Impact of Climate Change on Global Food Security: A Review of Current Research
• Understanding the Role of Genetics in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Examining the Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults
• The Influence of Parental Involvement on Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analysis

Good vs. Bad Essay Title Practices

Take a look at the table below to understand the difference between good and bad practices of titling your essays:

Some Tips and Tricks to Keep in Mind

Till now, you are well aware of the steps to make a great essay title. However, there are some strategies you can use to refine it and make it truly stand out.

1. Essay First, Title Last

Write your essay before worrying about the title. Once the content is complete, you'll have a clearer idea of the main message and can craft a title that fits perfectly.

2. Start with a Question

Using a question as your title can instantly engage readers. It sparks curiosity and invites them to explore the answer in your essay. For example: "How Does Social Media Affect Mental Health?"

3. Avoid Negativity

Stay away from negative or discouraging language. A positive or neutral tone in your title will make it more appealing to readers.

4. Avoid Clichés

Stay away from overused phrases. Try to make your title unique to stand out.

5. Use the Thesis Statement 

Your thesis statement sums up the main argument or focus of your essay. Use it as inspiration for your title. 

6. Use a Question (If It Fits)

Sometimes, asking a question in your title can make it more engaging, especially for persuasive or argumentative essays.

7. Experiment with Wordplay

If it suits your essay’s tone, use puns, alliteration, or other creative word choices to make your title stand out.

So there you have it!

By now, you must have a clear understanding of how to title an essay. By following these six steps, you can make a great title for your essay that gets people interested and excited to read what you've written.  

So, next time you're making a title, have fun with it! It's your chance to make a great first impression.

However, if you run into problems when writing your essay or titling it, then don’t worry. You can get professional help for your essay-related problems at WriteMyEssay.help. 

At WriteMyEssay.help, we have a team of dedicated and professional writers who are ready to tackle your essay writing worries. Just send us a request at ‘write my essay’ and let us handle the rest.