Best Tips on How to Title an Essay

how to make a good essay title

How to Make a Good Title for an Essay

The success of an essay heavily depends on its title. This may not come as a surprise given that the essay title is the first aspect to provide the reader with a sneak peek into the text. It piques our interest to read the paper in the first place and gives us a preview of what to expect from the author.

Our research paper writing help prepared a thorough guide on how to title an essay. Here you may find tips and tricks for developing an effective APA or MLA essay title. So, let's dive straight into the article for more exciting details!

Essay Title Format

During your essay writing process, ensure you know the stylistic requirements before beginning an essay. Knowing the format you need to employ is crucial because different style manuals may have varying requirements. Mostly, you could have used an APA or MLA essay title format. Our service, where you can buy essay online , explains these two in more detail below.

Essay Title MLA

If you're required to create an essay title MLA format, check whether your instructor wants you to make a separate cover page. If not, put a heading at the beginning of your work that includes your name, the name of your professor, the course ID, and, lastly, the date.

On the other hand, if you must present a cover page for your essay title MLA, then you need to include the following:

  • The name of the college
  • The title of your paper
  • The subtitle of your paper, if applicable
  • Your first and last name
  • Your teacher or professor's name
  • The class name or course number
  • The date the paper is due

The formatting instructions are as follows:

  • Double-spaced
  • Times New Roman font
  • Size 12 font
  • Apart from very short terms, each word's initial letter should be capitalized. The initial word, however, must always be uppercase.
  • The title page shouldn't include a header with the page numbers.

Essay Title APA

Having discussed the MLA format essay title, let's explore what the APA student title page includes:

  • The paper title
  • Author names
  • Institutional affiliation where the author carried out the study
  • Name and number of the course
  • Professor name
  • Page number

The title of an essay format instructions:

  • double-spaced
  • 1" margins
  • 12-point Times New Roman
  • According to APA, your title should be targeted and brief, without unnecessary words or abbreviations

How to Choose a Good Title for an Essay: Important Qualities

Nobody will read a dull headline. Your title should grab your audience's attention and encourage them to read the rest of the work. As it is one of the initial things readers see, having a strong attention grabber is essential when writing an essay from scratch. To fully understand how to come up with a title for essay that is strong and exciting, let's consider a few following factors:

Employ a Catchy Hook - Usually, the title of essay format follows a similar basic structure, especially if they are used for an academic article. The hook serves as a unique component that attracts the reader. It's a captivating statement informing others about the topic of the essay. You can also explore several types of sentences with examples that can help you develop the ideal hook structure.

Consider Topic Keywords - These are essential terms or expressions pertinent to your subject and help your reader understand the focus and body of your article. These focus keywords should serve as a brief, one- to two-word article summary. You can choose some terms from the research topic your instructor gave you, but after your thesis statement is formed, this is where you should hunt for ideas.

Use a Colon - A colon is frequently used in academic titles to separate concepts and sentences. The standard procedure is to place a clever remark or brief quotation before the colon. Although these beginning words offer flavor, they can be overdone. Because of this, some individuals find using the colon to be repugnant. Therefore be careful not to misuse this method.

Ask a Question - To write essay title that is strong, consider asking a question. But, use it with caution because posing a question will make your tone less formal. As long as the question is suitably phrased to meet the subject of your essay, feel free to employ it. Always check to see if the title question still applies to your points in the essay's body. The thesis statement should be appropriately reflected as well.

Find Inspirational Quotes - There is no formula for selecting essay titles from the textual content. You may get playful and choose any quotation, proverb, or catchphrase that applies to your particular publication and works as a title. You may also create a great essay title using well-known expressions or idioms. Doing so will help your readers relate to and feel more comfortable discussing your subject.

How to Title an Essay headline

Here are other rules for how to create a good title:

  • Title every section of writing: In the process of writing, create interesting subheadings to give your paragraphs an identity. Also, they make your text look ordered and clear. 
  • The title must bear the theme of the text: choose a title that summarizes the essay. 
  • Capitalize all words with certain exceptions: Capitalize the first letter of every word in the title, but do not capitalize pronouns, articles, prepositions, and conjunctions.
  • Avoid underlining the title: Since topics come in boldface, underlining it will amount to overemphasis. Some authorities say that if you must underline it, do not bolden it.
  • Review the final version of the title: Do not forget to do a quick review of the final version of the title—check for grammar, structure, spelling and so on. Re-read it to determine if the title has given justice to the essay. Confirm if the topic is catchy enough to attract your reader’s attention. 
  • When using a colon in your title, follow the rules: Since we are dealing with punctuation rules here, let us talk about the colon – when you have two eye-catching topics, separate them with a colon.

Student’s Guide on How to Come Up with a Title for an Essay

Titling an essay can be easy, but there are a few core principles to be taken into account. The following tips will help you stay on track and avoid any common pitfalls.

Essay Goes First

Never start with a title! If you write it before the rest of the text, it will be based on it, and it should be vice versa. Writing an essay before choosing a heading will give you a clear understanding of what should make sense to the reader. Re-read the finished paper several times to decide on the title. The last thing to create is a title - such strategy will give more time to spend on crafting an essay outline, conducting research, or writing the paper itself.

How to Title an Essay, Complete Guide 2

What are you writing about? What is the style of your paper, and is it an academic essay or a free-form essay like a narrative essay? If the topic of your essay is “Do people who commit heinous crimes deserve the death penalty?” your title should not be humorous; it should be strict and to the point.

If your topic is “Why do people like watching funny cat videos?”, feel free to craft a funny title. Determine the tone of your essay and base your title on it—in consideration with the essay’s topic.

The tone can be:

  • Serious - “The implications of global warming”
  • Funny - “How cats and dogs love their masters”
  • Amiable - “Ways to fight depression”
  • Persuasive - “Why positive thinking is a must have skill for every person”
  • Informative - “Ten rules for creating a chemical at home”

The main goal of a title is to name its paper. There is no need to tell an entire story in the title, or provide any useless details. Sum up your paper in a few words! Another way to do this is to sum up your thesis statement, as it represents the main idea of your essay. Take your thesis and squeeze it into 3-4 words. Imagine that you are creating a title for your favourite newspaper or a slogan for Coca-Cola.

Don’t use fancy words! Take 2-3 main words (keywords), put them together, and stop wasting your time. Avoid jargon and abbreviations.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is something that can help any student and young writer reap benefits. While working on a title, detect the words related to the central idea of the paper. Type the words into the search field of Google and add the word “quote.” A search engine will show numerous web pages with in-text quotations that could be useful. Select the fragment you like. It is possible to learn how to make a creative title for an essay in this way.

Discover several more tips from experts:

  • Never forget the “What,” “Who,” “When,” “How,” “Why,” and “Where” questions (if you start with one of these questions, your title has a chance of getting noticed);
  • Come up with an unexpected image not related to the selected topic;
  • Sometimes, starting with a lie increases the chances of a title being able to catch an eye;
  • Review our catchy essay title examples.

how to make a good essay title

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

how to make a good essay title

Wednesday Addams

Mysterious, dark, and sarcastic

You’re the master of dark humor and love standing out with your unconventional style. Your perfect costume? A modern twist on Wednesday Addams’ gothic look. You’ll own Halloween with your unapologetically eerie vibe. 🖤🕸️

Need Some Help With Your Essay's Title?

Feel free to contact EssayPro and we will provide you with a writing help at a moment’s notice. With the years of essay writing experience, titling becomes second nature, so you no longer need to worry about having a catchy headline on your paper.

Essay Title Examples: Bad vs Good

The strongest essay titles condense lengthy essays into concise statements. When wondering how to make an essay title, think carefully about your stylistic choices and essay format to produce an excellent one. Our dissertation help has provided essay title examples to let you understand the difference between good and bad ones more vividly.

bad good essay titles

Bad Essay Title Examples

As we discussed how to create an essay title and the specific elements that go into it, you should have a clear idea of how important it is to craft a strong title. In contrast, first, look at weak essay title ideas that can break your paper. This should serve as an example of why your heading should not be like this:

Ex 1: ' How Television Has Changed Our World ' - too vast and not informative

Ex 2: 'The Ara Pacis Augustae' - unclear for those who don't know Latin

Ex 3: 'The Most Poisonous Frog' - does not provide any insight

Ex 4: 'A Brief History of Subcultures and How They Manifest Themselves in a Constantly Changing Socio-Economic Environment' - too long and complicated

Ex 5: 'The Little Mermaid 29 Years Later: Selling a Harmful Sexist Message Through a Naughty Image' - inappropriate language

Good Essay Title Examples

Now that you know what a bad essay title looks like, let's explore good essay title examples as their substitutes. Examine the following essay title format styles that will give you a clear understanding.

Ex 1: ' The Electronic Babysitter: A Social History of Uses of the Television' - gives an exact description of what the essay will be about

Ex 2: ' The Modern Historical Significance of the Ara Pacis Augustae to the City of Rome' - here, the reader can understand what they will be reading about

Ex 3: ' A Deadly Beauty: The Evolution of Skin Coloration and Toxicity of the Poisonous Dart Frog' - clear, informative, and on-point.

Ex 4: 'Reconsidering Counterculture in Contemporary Society' - informative enough and brief

Ex 5: 'The Projection of Gender Stereotypes in The Little Mermaid' - employs appropriate language

Catchy Essay Title Ideas

You now understand that long, complicated headlines do not accurately convey the paper's main idea. Take ample time to consider the word choice before tilting your work. How do you create good essay titles? Think creatively and with common sense. But meanwhile, for your convenience, we compiled title ideas for essays you may use as inspiration.

Persuasive Essay Titles

  • Why Receiving College Education is Important: Examining Long-term Benefits
  • Face-to-Face Courses Cannot Be Replaced by Online Learning
  • An MBA Does Not Ensure Corporate Success.
  • Every Company Should Adopt a Green Strategy.
  • Energy Drinks Represent a Lucrative Market Segment.
  • Aircraft, Excess Weight Charges, Need to be Prohibited.
  • Patients' Life Shouldn't be Put to Death by Nurses.
  • Google Glasses May Increase the Number of Auto Accidents.
  • All of the Conventional Malls Will Soon be Replaced By Online Shopping
  • How Do Team-building Exercises Contribute to the Development of Inventions?
  • Illegal immigrants are entitled to remain in the US.

Academic Essay Titles

  • Several English Dialects: The Link Between Various Cultures
  • Instagram: A social media innovation
  • Is it possible to reverse drug-induced brain damage, and if so, how?
  • What the Future Holds for Humans in the Light of Artificial Intelligence
  • The Story of Two Nations after Decades of Conflict: North and South Korea
  • Video Games and Their Learning Context in Schools
  • Free Wi-Fi: Strategies for Enhancing the City's Economy

Strong Research Paper Titles

  • Digital World Cybersecurity
  • E-business to Provide New Paths for Booksellers
  • Outsourcing for Large Businesses
  • Preparing for College Costs for High School Students
  • What News Reporters Should Do in the Digital Age and How to Do It: Examples
  • The Transformative Power of Music: How Heavy Metal Impacted My Life

Best Essay Titles for College Students

  • The Possible Benefits and Risks of Artificial Intelligence for Humans
  • The Potential for Time Travel in Virtual Reality
  • What Role Has Mathematics Played in Human History?
  • How to Succeed in the Real Estate Industry
  • E-Commerce: An Empire of Virtual Businesses Worth Millions of Dollars
  • How to Achieve Financial Independence in the Digital Age Without Opening a Real Business

More Creative Titles for Essays

  • When getting rewarded for their grades, would kids do better left alone?
  • How Does Fake News Impact the Mainstream press?
  • Homelessness in Contemporary Society: A Dilemma
  • What News Reporters' Best Job Is in the Digital Age and How to Uphold It
  • Elon Musk: Brilliant Mind or Insane Person?
  • Positives and Negatives of Employing a Smoker
  • Do We Employ the Appropriate Student Success Metrics?

Professional Academic Help

Now that you know how to make a good title for an essay, you should also understand that you should approach the task as a process. While composing your essay title, you must condense your whole thesis and point of discussion into a single, concise, yet powerful sentence. If you have time before your deadline, give it some thought and don't hurry.

Don't forget that you can always rely on our professional academic assistance, whether you need a reflection paper , ideas for a strong essay title, or any other academic papers. Consider the following words - write my essay for me - magic keywords for delegating your most complex tasks to our skilled writers!

Is the Volume of Schoolwork Getting Out of Hand?

Find an essay for sale online and handle your tasks without stress. You may always count on our experienced writers for help with any endeavor!

How To Title An Essay?

How to title an essay in mla format, what are some good titles for an essay.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

how to make a good essay title

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

How to Write a Position Paper

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Forums Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • Happiness Hub
  • This Or That Game
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Education and Communications
  • College University and Postgraduate
  • Academic Writing

How to Find a Catchy Title for Your Paper/Essay

Last Updated: February 23, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,075,311 times.

Coming up with an effective title can end up being the most difficult part of your essay. A catchy title can make your paper stand out from the pile and give your reader a sense of the content, slant, and perspective of your essay. To craft a strong title, you need to focus on the three elements of a standard title: the hook, the key terms, and the source or location. This structure applies specifically to academic essays, but you can also apply this structure to narrative essays.

Understanding the Structure of a Title

Step 1 Craft a hook.

  • The hook can be collection of keywords, an image, a play on words, or a quote from your essay.

Step 2 Choose one or two key terms.

  • Keep in mind good titles never state the obvious or contain generic terms or phrases. Titles like “Paper on 1950s China” or “Report on Shakespeare” are too general and do not give the reader a sense of the content of your paper. Avoid general and non specific terms like “society” “culture” “the world” or “mankind” in your title.

Step 3 Cite the source or location.

  • For example, a paper about Mao’s Great Leap Forward in Communist China in the late 1950s may have a title that has a hook (catchy phrase), one or two key terms, and the source or location (1950s Communist China). A possible title could be: “The Failure of One, the Fall of Many: Mao’s Great Leap Forward in 1950’s Communist China”.

Using Keywords or Images

Step 1 Consider the tone of your essay.

  • For example, the title of an essay about the Great Leap Forward might be something simple, professional, and clear, such as: "The Failure of the Great Leap Forward: China in the late 1950s". An essay about Shakespearean comedy may be more playful, such as: " Love's Labour Lost and Other Comedies."

Step 2 Sum up your paper in three words or less.

  • For example, an essay about the Great Leap Forward in 1950s China may focus on the failed use of industries like steel and farming by Mao’s government and the resulting mass famine in China. Three words that sum up the paper may be: steel, land, famine. A possible title of the essay could be: “Steel, Land, and Famine: The Failure of the Great Leap Forward”.

Step 3 Choose two to three keywords from your introduction or conclusion.

  • Look for two to three keywords that are short, descriptive, and clear. Consider if the words fit together in some way, or how they are very different. For example, your introduction on 1950s China may have keywords like “industrialization” “collectivization” and “collapse”. A possible title for the essay could then be: “The Collapse of Collectivization in 1950s China”.
  • In an essay on the conventions of Shakespearean comedy, the tone of the essay may be less serious or rigid, and you can look for keywords that are playful or humorous. For example, your conclusion may have keywords like “lovers” “obstacles” and “improbable” or “supernatural”. A possible title for the essay could then be: “Lovers in an Improbable Situation: The Conventions of Shakespearean Comedy.”

Step 4 Use a strange or unique image.

  • For example, a paper about a volcano could have the title: “The Day the Earth Bled: The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius”.

Using a Quote or a Play on Words

Step 1 Look for a key quote or phrase in your essay.

  • For example, an essay on Shakespearean comedy may quote A Midsummer Night’s Dream , where a character named Theseus professes his love to his betrothed, the Amazonian queen Hippolyta. “Hippolyta, I woo'd thee with my sword/ And won thy love doing thee injuries,/ But I will wed thee in another key,/With pomp, with triumph, and with reveling.”
  • A possible title for the essay may then be: “With pomp, with triumph, and with reveling: The Conventions of Shakespearean Comedy”.
  • Alternatively, you can look up a key quote or phrase that is not in your essay but reinforces central ideas or themes in your essay. Type keywords from your essay into a search engine, along with the word “quote” and see what comes up. You can then take a fragment of the quote and use it in your title.
  • For example, for an essay on Mao’s Great Leap Forward, you may use quotes from propaganda posters for the Great Leap Forward made by the Mao government, which are available online. A propaganda quote like “Brave the wind and the waves, everything has remarkable abilities” could be shortened to a title like: “Brave the wind and the waves: False Promises by Mao’s The Great Leap Forward”.

Step 2 Reword a cliche.

  • An essay on Shakespearean comedy could use the cliche “laughter is the best medicine” and change it into “laughter is thy best medicine.” A possible title could be: “Laughter is Thy Best Medicine: The Conventions of Shakespearean Comedy”.

Step 3 Go for a play on words, or a double entendre.

  • For example, an essay about missionaries in West Africa during the colonial period could have a title that plays on two key words, such as: “Prophets or profits: The European Colonial Invasion of West Africa”.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • There are also tools available online that can generate essay titles for you based on your topic. However, the effectiveness of these title generators vary and the quality of the titles may not be as high as if you take the time to create your own. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

  • Your title is the first thing readers will look at, so remember it's an important part of your essay! Pick one that really captures what your paper is about.
  • Take your time picking a good title. If you're stuck, take a break and come back to it later.

how to make a good essay title

You Might Also Like

Write an English Essay

  • ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-hook/
  • ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6398294/
  • ↑ http://canuwrite.com/article_titles.php
  • ↑ https://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/titles.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/essay-title/
  • ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/title
  • ↑ https://education.seattlepi.com/come-up-catchy-titles-college-essays-2131.html

About This Article

Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA

To find a catchy title for your paper or essay, start by thinking of 1 or 2 keywords or phrases to include in the title that applies to the topic of your essay and will hook your reader in. You can also try looking for a key quote or phrase and using part of it in your title. Alternatively, reword a cliche or familiar phrase so that it is specific to your essay. To give your title some punch, use a play on words or double entendre, like “Prophets or profits: The Colonial Invasion of West Africa,” which will show off your creativity. For more tips from our Writing reviewer, like where and how to find good keywords to use, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Joe C.

Mar 2, 2018

Did this article help you?

Tamara English

Tamara English

Nov 6, 2016

Angelo Casimiro

Angelo Casimiro

Sep 20, 2016

Emma Lou

Sep 11, 2016

Amanda Santolis

Amanda Santolis

Oct 7, 2016

Do I Have a Dirty Mind Quiz

Featured Articles

 Make Your Android Screen Black and White or Grayscale

Trending Articles

Spot Fake Louis Vuitton Purses

Watch Articles

Prevent Nail Polish Stains

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

how to make a good essay title

Learning Materials

Mastering how to title an essay: a comprehensive guide.

Author's Image

Updated: Feb 11, 2024

Post Cover

Crafting the perfect title for your essay can be as crucial as the content itself! Ever struggled with the blank space at the top of your essay, unsure of how to encapsulate your thoughts into a few impactful words? A well-chosen essay title not only grabs attention but also sets the tone and gives a glimpse into the content that follows. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore why a good title matters, how to format it correctly, brainstorming techniques, examples of effective titles, common mistakes to avoid, and creative ideas to enhance your title crafting skills.

Start Writing Your Free Essay!

Understanding the importance of a well-crafted essay title.

a row of books sitting on top of a shelf

A well-crafted essay title functions much like the cover of a book, providing a crucial first impression that can determine whether or not a reader decides to delve into the content. The significance of an essay title extends beyond mere aesthetics ; it plays a pivotal role in setting the tone and hinting at the narrative or argument that unfolds within the essay. Just as a well-designed doorway invites entry, a thoughtfully titled essay draws readers in, piquing their curiosity and setting expectations. This initial engagement is essential, as it can influence the reader's enthusiasm and readiness to engage with the material presented. Therefore, the title should not only be captivating but also reflective of the essay’s content and tone.

The impact of a title goes beyond the first glance. In the digital age, where countless texts vie for attention, a distinctive title can be the deciding factor in whether an essay is read or overlooked. Titles serve several key functions:

  • Grabbing attention : A strong title catches the eye and makes the reader want to learn more.
  • Predicting content : It provides a snapshot of what to expect in the essay, helping readers decide if it aligns with their interests or needs.
  • Establishing tone : The choice of words can convey whether the essay is formal, humorous, controversial, or informative. Crafting a title that balances creativity with clarity can significantly affect how the essay is perceived and received. This careful consideration ensures that the title accurately represents the essay’s content, encouraging a truthful and engaging reader experience.

Formatting Your Essay Title Correctly: APA, MLA, and Chicago Styles

a close up of a row of books

Formatting your essay title correctly is crucial not only for the aesthetic appeal but also for adhering to academic standards. Each academic style, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago , has its own set of rules for formatting essay titles. For instance, in APA style , the title should be centred on the page, typed in uppercase and lowercase letters, and positioned in the upper half of the page. It's important to use a legible font like Times New Roman with a 12-point size. Unlike APA, the MLA format does not require a separate title page unless specified; the title should be placed directly above the text of your essay and centred. It's crucial to use quotation marks for titles of shorter works included in your paper.

Moving on to the Chicago style , it gives you the flexibility to choose between including a title page or placing the title on the first page of your essay. If you opt for a title page, the title should be about one-third of the way down the page, centred, and followed by your name and other relevant information several lines later. Regardless of the style, ensure that you do not use bold or underlined text for your title unless specifically required. Here are some key points to remember:

  • APA style : Centre the title, use upper and lowercase letters, Times New Roman, 12 pt.
  • MLA style : Place the title above the essay text, centre it, and use quotation marks for short work titles.
  • Chicago style : Choose between a title page or a first-page title placement; if using a title page, centre the title one-third down the page.

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure that your essay not only looks professional but also meets the requirements of your academic institution.

Brainstorming Techniques for Crafting an Effective Essay Title

a cup of coffee next to a notebook with nuts on it

Brainstorming is a crucial step in crafting an effective essay title. It's a process where you jot down all your ideas, no matter how outlandish or off-topic they might seem at first. Start by considering the main theme or argument of your essay, as this will guide your title creation. For instance, if you're writing a compare-and-contrast essay, think about the key elements or perspectives you are comparing. Here are some techniques to kick-start your brainstorming:

  • List down keywords : Identify the main words related to your essay’s topic that capture the essence of your argument or analysis.
  • Use questions : Frame your title as a question that your essay answers. Questions beginning with 'How', 'Why', or 'What' can be particularly effective.
  • Play with words : Think about puns, alliterations, or famous phrases that you could adapt to suit your essay topic.

After your initial brainstorming, refine the ideas to suit the tone and purpose of your essay. If you're submitting your essay as part of a college application, you might want a title that catches the attention but also reflects your personal voice. On the other hand, for academic essays, clarity and directness might be more appropriate. Consider the following:

  • Avoid clichés and jargon : These can make your title feel overused or too technical.
  • Seek feedback : Sometimes, discussing your ideas with others can provide new insights or suggestions that improve your title.
  • Reflect on the impact : Choose a title that not only reflects your essay’s content but also grabs attention and makes the reader curious. This dual focus will help ensure that your title is both informative and engaging.

Using these brainstorming techniques, you can develop a pool of potential titles that are both creative and relevant, setting the stage for a strong introduction to your essay.

Examples of Effective and Ineffective Essay Titles

To truly grasp what distinguishes a good essay title from a bad essay title , it's instructive to look at some clear examples. A good title is like a good handshake; it introduces and sets the tone for what's to come. For instance, ' The Electronic Babysitter: A Social History of Uses of the Television ' immediately informs the reader about the essay's focus and scope, encapsulating the subject and angle of discussion succinctly. Similarly, ' A Deadly Beauty: The Evolution of Skin Coloration and Toxicity of the Poisonous Dart Frog ' not only catches attention with its vivid language but also clearly outlines the essay’s subject matter. Here are some characteristics of effective titles:

  • Clarity : The title should make it clear what the essay will discuss.
  • Precision : Specificity helps set the right expectations for the reader.
  • Engagement : A title should be interesting enough to compel the reader to delve into the essay.

Conversely, bad essay titles often leave potential readers confused or uninterested. Take, for example, ' How Television Has Changed Our World ', a title that is far too broad and vague, offering no real insight into the essay’s specific focus. Another example, ' The Ara Pacis Augustae ', might leave readers puzzled unless they have a prior understanding of the subject. These examples highlight common pitfalls:

  • Vagueness : Avoid titles that are too general or broad.
  • Complexity : Keep the title straightforward and avoid overly complicated language.
  • Inappropriateness : Ensure the language is suitable for the essay's audience and purpose.

Understanding these examples of good and bad titles can significantly enhance your ability to craft effective essay titles that are not only catchy but also informative and appropriate for your audience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Titling Your Essay

While crafting an essay title might seem straightforward, several common pitfalls can significantly diminish the impact of your essay. One of the most frequent mistakes is creating a title that is too vague or broad. This often leaves the reader unsure of the essay's focus, which can lead to disinterest before they even start reading the main content. Another error is over-complicating the title with jargon or overly complex language, which can alienate readers who are not familiar with the terminology. Here are key points to remember:

  • Avoid ambiguity : Make sure your title clearly indicates the subject and perspective of your essay.
  • Keep it simple : Use language that is accessible to your target audience, avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Additionally, some titles try to incorporate too much detail, which can overwhelm the reader and detract from the main message. It's essential to strike a balance between being informative and maintaining a level of intrigue that invites the reader to explore further. Titles that are too long can also be cumbersome, making them less memorable and harder to grasp at a glance. To avoid these common errors, consider the following strategies:

  • Be concise and focused : Aim for a title that is short yet descriptive enough to convey the key theme of your essay.
  • Engage your reader : Choose words that spark interest and curiosity without being misleading.

Remember, the goal of a great essay title is not just to inform but also to entice the reader into wanting to know more about what you have to say.

Generating Catchy and Creative Title Ideas for Your Essay

Crafting a catchy and creative title for your essay is essential for capturing the interest of your readers from the get-go. To start, think about the core message or argument of your essay and try to distill it into a few impactful words. Here are some strategies to help generate catchy essay titles :

  • Use a play on words : Puns or clever twists on common phrases can make your title stand out.
  • Incorporate a quote or a lyrical snippet : If there’s a famous quote that fits your topic, tweaking it to suit your essay can add an intriguing layer.
  • Ask a provocative question : Titles framed as questions can be very effective in drawing readers in. Make sure the question is directly related to the essay’s content.

Another method to create an eye-catching title is to use vivid language that evokes imagery or emotion. Think about words that paint a picture or invoke a strong response. Here are some additional tips to enhance the creativity of your essay title ideas :

  • Alliteration or rhyme : These can make your titles more memorable and engaging.
  • Use strong, active verbs : They add energy and clarity to your title.
  • Keep it concise and focused : A succinct title often has a stronger impact, making it easier for the reader to grasp the essence of your essay at a glance. Remember, a great title not only previews the content of your essay but also pulls the reader into your narrative world. By employing these techniques, you can ensure your title is not only informative but also captivating.

Elevate Your Essay with Samwell.ai: AI-Powered Writing Assistance

a website with the words ai powered essays and papers for academic success

Elevating your essay writing is not just about crafting a compelling title; it's about ensuring the entire content resonates with clarity, creativity, and correctness. This is where Samwell.ai, an AI-powered writing assistant, becomes an invaluable tool for students and professionals alike. By integrating artificial intelligence into the writing process, Samwell.ai offers a seamless experience from the initial title generation to the final plagiarism checks. Here’s how Samwell.ai can transform your essay writing:

  • Title Generation : Samwell.ai helps create engaging and relevant titles based on the content of your essay, ensuring that your first impression is both impactful and appropriate.
  • Content Development : With AI-driven suggestions, Samwell.ai assists in developing well-structured and coherent arguments, enhancing the overall flow and substance of your essay.
  • Citation and Academic Integrity : The platform ensures that all sources are cited correctly according to various formatting guidelines, supporting academic integrity with advanced plagiarism checks. This feature not only saves time but also instills confidence that your work adheres to the highest standards of academic writing.

Incorporating Samwell.ai into your essay writing process not only simplifies the task but also elevates the quality of your work, ensuring that every aspect of your essay, from title to conclusion, is polished and precise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write the title of an essay.

Writing the title of an essay involves various considerations such as adhering to academic standards, capturing the essence of the essay's content, and making it engaging for the reader. Depending on the academic style (APA, MLA, Chicago), the placement and formatting of the title may differ. For example, in APA style, the title should be centred on the page, typed in uppercase and lowercase letters, and positioned in the upper half of the page using a legible font like Times New Roman with a 12-point size. The title should be concise, clear, and reflective of the essay’s content and tone.

How do you make a good title?

Making a good title involves several key elements: clarity, precision, and engagement. The title should clearly reflect the content of the essay and be specific enough to set the right expectations for the reader. It should also be engaging, compelling the reader to delve into the essay. Techniques such as using questions, playing with words, or incorporating keywords that capture the essence of the essay can help in crafting an effective title. Avoiding clichés, seeking feedback, and ensuring the title is appropriate for the intended audience are also crucial steps.

How to write a title page for an essay?

Writing a title page for an essay depends on the formatting style required. For instance, in Chicago style, if you opt for a title page, the title should be about one-third of the way down the page, centred, and followed by your name and other relevant information several lines later. It's important to adhere to specific formatting guidelines such as font type, size, and placement on the page to ensure the title page is both aesthetically pleasing and meets academic standards.

How do I give a title to a paragraph?

Typically, individual paragraphs within an essay do not require separate titles. Instead, the entire essay should have a cohesive title that reflects the overall content. If you're referring to subheadings within sections of an essay, these should be concise, indicative of the content of the section, and formatted according to the academic style you are following. Subheadings help to organize the content and guide the reader through the structure of the essay.

Most Read Articles

Your Guide to Help Writing a Essay Successfully

Your Guide to Help Writing a Essay Successfully

Expert tips for help writing a essay - from crafting a thesis to structuring your essay effectively..

Tilen

How to Write Critical Thinking Essay: Expert Tips

Expert tips for writing a critical thinking essay. learn how to structure, choose topics, and use evidence effectively.'.

How to Write a Good Hook: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Write a Good Hook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Master the art of crafting a good hook with our guide. create compelling openers for a memorable first impression..

Ultimate Guide to Writing Tips: Enhance Your Skills Today

Ultimate Guide to Writing Tips: Enhance Your Skills Today

Discover a variety of writing tips in our ultimate guide to elevate your skills today.

  • Free Essay Examples

Components of Essay Title

Useful rules of creating interesting titles, steps to create essay titles, mistakes to avoid, tips for crafting an effective essay title, how to title an essay.

When it comes to essay writing, the title plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the entire piece. A well-crafted title can attract readers and make them eager to delve into the content of your essay. In this post, we will explore the art of titling an essay and discuss the key components that make a title effective.

A good essay title should have a catchy hook that grabs the reader's attention from the very beginning. Think of the title as the icing on the cake - it should be enticing and intriguing, enticing readers to dive into the text. However, it's important to ensure that the content of the essay lives up to the promise of the title. A great hook is only effective if it is supported by strong and engaging content.

For example, consider the title "Last journey: the tales of African migrants on the Mediterranean Sea." The phrase "last journey" immediately captures attention and sets a tone of tragedy and hardship.

Regardless of the type of essay, a well-crafted title typically includes the following components:

  • A Catchy Hook : The hook is the element that draws readers in and piques their interest. It should be creative and engaging, setting the tone for the rest of the essay. A good title should make readers curious and eager to explore the content further.

When crafting your essay title, focus on developing a hook that is both attention-grabbing and reflective of the content. Remember, the title is the first impression that readers will have of your essay, so make it count.

  • Topic Keywords: A good title should include topic keywords that describe the essay and identify the concept under review.
  • Focus Keywords: It is important for a title to contain focus keywords that tell the place and time being reviewed, making the title more professional and informative.

Creating an interesting title can be a challenging task, but there are certain rules to follow. Here are some basics on how to come up with a title for an essay:

  • Title every piece of writing: Create engaging headings for each section to give them a distinct identity.
  • Ensure the title reflects the theme: Choose a heading that accurately summarizes the content of the text to avoid confusion.
  • Think beyond the assigned topic: Explore different angles and perspectives when brainstorming title options.
  • Use proper capitalization: Capitalize the first letters of all words in the title, except for pronouns, articles, prepositions, and conjunctions.
  • Avoid underlining titles: Boldface is sufficient for emphasis; underlining may be excessive.
  • Review and revise the title: Check for grammar, spelling, and overall effectiveness of the heading in conveying the message of the text.
  • Use colons appropriately: When combining two distinct topics in a title, separate them with a colon.
  • Seek inspiration from renowned writers: Study the works of famous authors to enhance your writing style and techniques.

Now that we have touched the basics, read about how to create a title for essay. View the steps to know how to write a creative and effective title

1. Write your essay as the first step but the title as the last: The first step is to write it in the first place and for this, you may consider using an . You should form the content that the writer develops argument or view of the perfect topic. However, you can have a working title to start with, but later you can change it for a better one that attracts your attention based on the content. The type of essay determines what kind of heading you would give it.

2. Use your thesis: When reading a heading informs you why you are reading it. Since headline comes last, you can start creating thesis statement and writing the purpose of an essay. It is practical to take part in creation of thesis statement.

When generating essay title ideas, avoid using clichés and popular phrases as they can make your title less unique and engaging. Instead, try to come up with original and creative titles that reflect the content of your essay.

Avoid using quotes verbatim in your title. While quotes can be a great source of inspiration, it's important to put them in your own words to make the title more personalized and reflective of your writing style.

Make sure the tone of your title matches the tone of your essay. Using the wrong tone can confuse readers and make them lose interest in your writing. Keep it consistent and appropriate for the content.

Simplicity is key when it comes to crafting a title. Avoid using complex sentences or language that may confuse readers. Keep it clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Be original and give your title a unique voice. Avoid copying other authors' titles and make sure your title stands out from the rest. Make it your own and let your personality shine through.

Choose the right words for your title to accurately reflect the content of your essay. Avoid using inappropriate or misleading words that may misrepresent your writing.

Avoid using jargon or abbreviations in your title. Make sure your title is clear and easily understandable to a wide audience. Use full words instead of abbreviations to ensure clarity.

Draw inspiration for your title from the summary of your essay. Summarize the main points of your essay and use them to create a catchy and relevant title that captures the essence of your writing.

When creating titles for essays, avoid common mistakes such as using clichés, copying quotes verbatim, mismatching tone, overcomplicating the title, lacking originality, using inappropriate words, using jargon or abbreviations, and not drawing inspiration from the essay's summary.

  • Avoid negative themes: It is important to steer clear of sensitive, unethical, or immoral topics in your writing. 
  • Avoid making your negative past public: Your personal history should not be the focus of your writing. If you have learned valuable lessons from past experiences, you can incorporate them into your work without going into unnecessary detail.
  • Ask the right questions: Asking relevant questions related to your field of study is crucial in selecting a suitable topic for your essay.
  • Avoid being overly personal: Keep your writing professional and avoid delving into personal anecdotes or details that are not relevant to the topic at hand.
  • Follow the professor's guidelines: It is essential to understand and adhere to your professor's requirements to ensure that you choose a suitable topic and meet the necessary criteria for your assignment.
  • Avoid taking an offensive stance: Refrain from choosing controversial or offensive topics, such as religion, politics, or other contentious issues, in your writing.

If you're struggling to come up with a catchy title for your essay, consider these helpful tips:

  • Use a key sentence from your essay as a potential title.
  • Get creative and modify your chosen sentence to make it more engaging.
  • Start your title with popular question words like "What," "Where," "When," or "Who."
  • Consider using "How" and "Why" questions to pique interest.
  • Place your title above the main topic to grab attention.
  • Draw inspiration from famous book, movie, or song titles that align with your essay's theme.
  • If your title seems too basic, add a unique twist to make it more compelling.
  • Combine two simple titles to create a more dynamic headline.
  • Test different title options to see which resonates best with you.
  • Seek feedback from others if you're struggling to choose a title.
  • Experiment with different word counts for your title, from two words to five words.
  • Put a creative spin on clichés to make your title stand out.
  • Ensure your title is grammatically correct and free of spelling errors.
  • Avoid using overly complex language that may alienate readers.

Crafting an interesting title is a task that requires dedication and effort. As an , you are like a baker creating a masterpiece. Just like a baker decorates a cake with icing to enhance its appearance, a well-crafted title can make your essay more appealing.

Just as a cake without icing may taste delicious but lack visual appeal, an essay without a good title may not attract readers. So, make sure to put effort into creating a captivating title for your essay. Now that you have learned how to title an essay, go ahead and craft one yourself or use our essay title generator.

Related Posts

How to write an opinion essay successfully.

Wondering how to write an opinion essay successfully? Our easy and comprehensive guide will show you the best ways to craft an opinion essay.

How to Write a Good Topic Sentence

This in-depth guides will let you know how to write a good topic sentence. See the tips and examples here that can help you craft powerful topic sentences.

How to Write Recommendations in a Research Paper Correctly and Appropriately

How to write recommendations in research paper: find the best examples and tips from professionals at EduBirdie. Write great academic papers with us.

How to Write a Reflection Paper: Techniques and Tips

If writing a reflection paper is hard task for you, we'll tell about techniques and tips of reflection paper. Learn how to structure your paper, effectively convey your thoughts and insights, and engage your readers.

How To Write An Essay

How To Title An Essay

Barbara P

Learn How to Title an Essay Like a Professional Writer

15 min read

Published on: Mar 1, 2023

Last updated on: Oct 25, 2024

how to title an essay

People also read

How To Write An Essay - "The Secret To Craft an A+ Essay"

How to Write an Essay Outline Like a Pro

Essay Format - An Easy Guide & Examples

What is a Thesis Statement, and How is it Written? - Know Here

Arguable and Strong Thesis Statement Examples for Your Essay

200+ Creative Hook Examples: Ready, Set, Hook

A Guide to Writing a 1000 Word Essay for School or College

All You Need to Know About a 500-word Essay

Different Types of Essay: Definition With Best Examples

Writing an Essay Introduction - Step by Step Guide

Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

Jumpstart Your Writing with These Proven Strategies on How to Start an Essay

Learn How to Write a Topic Sentence that Stands Out

A Guide to Crafting an Impactful Conclusion for Your Essay

Amazing Essay Topics & Ideas for Your Next Project (2024)

Explore the Different Types of Sentences with Examples

Share this article

A title is the one thing that makes your essay and all academic papers impressive. This is because it is the first thing that a reader looks at and decides whether to give your essay a shot or not. 

Naturally, things with amusing and interesting titles tend to be more read-worthy.  A right and accurate title can either make your essay a success or a complete disaster. 

It might sound easy to give a title to your essay, but it can be daunting in reality. Creating a title is an art, and not everybody knows how to do it. 

This writing guide is provided to know how important it is to give a correct title to your writing and polish your writing skills. 

Order Essay

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

On This Page On This Page -->

What is an Essay Title

An essay title is the name or label given to an essay, which provides a brief summary of the main topic or theme of the essay.

It should be catchy, informative, and relevant to the content of the essay, while also giving readers an idea of what to expect from the writing. 

A good essay title should capture the reader's attention and make them interested in reading the essay.

Purpose and Importance of Essay Title

A title holds great importance in essay writing . It can easily make or break the quality of your work. 

Choosing a title that interests the audience and motivates them to read your essay. This is because they are intrigued, it serves as fertile land to present your knowledge, ideas, writing skills, and critical thinking.   

Qualities of an Essay Title

When coming up with the topic or title for your essays, keep in mind that it should contain the following qualities: 

  • Eye-catching and unique: The title should be eye-catching and unique to grab the reader's attention.
  • Based on facts: A good title is always believable and based on facts. Especially for writing essay types and papers that stand on facts and logic should have believable titles. 
  • Audience-appropriate: Readability is key. Using fancy and bombastic vocabulary that is not common for the audience will affect the readership. 
  • Tone: A great essay title is always written in an active voice. 
  • Brief and Short: The title should be brief and to the point. Avoid dragging titles into long sentences. 
  • To-the-Point: An essay title should be accurate and clearly present the main theme of the essay. This will allow the reader to know what to expect from the document. 

Components of an Essay Title

Just as all formal writings have an outline to follow, a good essay title is constructed using a formula as well. Keep in mind that the shorter, the better. A title must not exceed 10 to 12 words.

The components of an essay title include

  • An attention-grabbing and catchy hook
  • Tone sets the overall mood or attitude conveyed by the title.
  • The focus keyword - the "where" and "when" in your essay. 

Once you know the importance and elements of an essay title, you are more likely to create a better title.

How to Title an Essay?

Almost all essay writers find it tricky to make an appropriate title for their essays. However, writing a title is not only based on good writing skills. You need to know the basics of creating it. 

A good and effective essay title can be created by taking the following steps:

1. First Write an Essay 

It will be extremely beneficial and easy to create a title once you have written an entire essay.

After writing your essay, you will be clear about what title suits your content the most. Complete your essay and then start reading it.

This will give you a clearer picture of how to address the essay properly.

Deciding on a topic or a title can be time taking. Another advantage of writing a title at the end is that it saves a lot of your time. 

Also, the wrong topic makes it difficult for you to choose the best essay title.  

Struggling with getting started with your essay? Check out this helpful guide on how to write an essay !

2. Use your Thesis Statement

There is another reason you should leave your title for an end.  An effective title provides a reason for the readers to read your essay. The best part to find a reason is in the thesis statement in the introduction of your essay . 

You can always get a title from a thesis statement or by using a part of that argument in the title. 

3. Popular Phrases

Catchphrases and cliches that go with the theme of your essay can be used as the titles as well. When popular phrases are appropriate and interesting, they make effective puns. 

Play with the cliches and twist them to create something of your own. Be creative and innovative for your titles as much as you can. 

4. Consider the Tone

Another trick to creating an effective title for your essay is to consider the essay's tone and come up with something related to it. 

If the tone and subject of your essay are serious and sad, never make the mistake of addressing your title in an informal and fun way.  

Do not try to go off the wall in such cases. The tone of your essay and the title have a strong connection to a good essay. 

5. Use a Central Idea or a Quote 

It is not mandatory but an easy way to create a title that uses a central idea. You can use a quote as the title of your essay topic. 

If the purpose is served correctly, even song lyrics work the best sometimes. 

6. Summary in Three Words

The most common and basic technique is to get a title from the summary of your essay. 

A writer can summarize the entire essay or the central idea and thesis statement in three words and write a title. 

This can be a title by putting it in a headline, inserting a colon, and stating the purpose of your essay. 

7. Movie Titles in an Essay 

A movie title can also be used as a title in an essay.

There are some basic ways to do that. A writer can highlight the title, use a capital letter for the first letter of the movie title, and italicize its font. 

Another technique is by creating a sentence structure and using a movie title in it. You can use quotation marks as well as the underlining tool. However, title the essay according to the field of study and don't make it irrelevant. 

Mistakes to Avoid While Giving a Title to Your Essay

Here are some tips to keep in mind when crafting effective essay titles to avoid common mistakes:

  • Positive themes

Avoid writing about sensitive, unethical, or immoral topics, such as drugs, prostitution, or murder.

  • Personal information

Your personal negative experiences should not be included in your essay. However, you can still include lessons learned from those experiences in a professional manner.

  • Relevant Questions

Make sure to ask questions that are relevant to your field of study to ensure you choose an appropriate topic.

  • Professional tone

Keep your essay professional and avoid including personal information or experiences that are not relevant. Your readers are not interested in your personal life.

  • Understanding requirements

It's important to understand your professor's requirements to avoid choosing the wrong topic and wasting time and effort.

  • Neutral perspective

Avoid taking an offensive approach in your essay and steer clear of controversial topics such as religion, abortion, and politics.

How to Title an Essay in Different Formats?

All academic essays require a format through which the writer shapes his document. This format varies from academic level to level and institution as well. The format styles include MLA, APA, Chicago, and Harvard. 

MLA, APA, and Chicago are the most common formats that are usually used. If you are writing an essay choosing a specific format, all of the parts should be drafted accordingly. 

From titling an essay to drawing a conclusion, the writer must follow the format properly to create a strong essay. 

How to Title an Essay in MLA Format?

No matter which essay format you are using to shape your argumentative essay, descriptive essay, etc. The qualities of the title and components remain the same.

Although the formatting of the title may differ. For an MLA style , format your essay title in the following pattern:

  • On the cover page of your essay, using double spacing, write your name in the upper left corner
  • Along with your name, present your instructor's name, the course title, and the date. 
  • Double-space a line and using centered alignment, provide the essay title in font size 12 pt. 
  • Do not bold or italicize the title.
  • Capitalize important words only and not the articles in the title. 

How to Format an Essay in APA Format?

If you are writing an essay in APA style, you might be wondering how to title an essay in apa format. 

Simply use the following guidelines to format your title and make your writing process easy: 

  • Type the title in upper and lowercase letters
  • Use centered alignment on the upper half of the page and write the title
  • The title in APA style should not exceed more than 12 words
  • Avoid using abbreviations and irrelevant words 
  • The title should be presented in a line or two and not more than that
  • Use double spacing between the lines 
  • Beneath the title, write your name and the institutional affiliation.

How to Title an Essay Chicago Style 

To create an appropriate final version of the title for your essay in Chicago style, you should follow certain guidelines.

  • Use a heading level 2 (H2) for your title
  • Center the title on the page and use title case capitalization
  • Keep the title informative and concise, aiming for no more than 12-15 words
  • Consider including relevant keywords to make your essay easier to find
  • Avoid using slang or informal language in your title
  • Use proper grammar and punctuation

How to Choose a Good Title for an Essay 

Choosing a good title for an essay is crucial as it sets the tone and theme for the reader. 

Here are some important qualities to consider when selecting a title:

  • Informative: A good title should give the reader an idea of what the essay is about. It should be concise and clearly convey the main topic or argument of the essay.
  • Catchy and Memorable: A title that is catchy and memorable can grab the reader's attention and make them more likely to read the essay. Consider using wordplay, puns, or alliteration to make your title stand out.
  • Unique: A title that is unique and original can make your essay stand out from others. Avoid using generic or cliche titles that have been overused.
  • Accurate: A title should accurately reflect the content of the essay. Avoid using sensational or misleading titles that do not accurately convey the main point or argument of the essay.
  • Relevant: A title should be relevant to the current times or issues. Especially in subjects like current events, social or political issues, and scientific research.
  • Reflective of Tone: The title should also reflect the tone of the essay. If the essay is humorous, the title should be as well. If the essay is serious or academic, the title should reflect that.

Essay Title Examples

Just like the tone of every essay differs, the title also differs from each type of essay. For example, movie titles can only be used for informal writing and narrative essays. 

Some examples of essay titles are provided below.

Here are some more examples of essay titles.

Tips to Draft an Essay Title

Titles for Different Types of Essay

How To Title An Essay About A Book

Bad vs Good Essay Title Examples

Tips for Crafting an Outstanding Title 

Here are some tips for crafting an outstanding title:

  • Brainstorm: Begin by brainstorming a list of potential titles for your essay or paper. Write down as many ideas as you can think of, even if they seem silly or irrelevant at first.
  • Be Specific: A good title should be specific and accurate. It should give the reader an idea of what the essay is about. Avoid vague or general titles that don't provide any useful information.
  • Use Keywords: Including keywords in your title can make it easier for readers to find your work in searches. Consider what words or phrases a person might use to search for your topic and incorporate them into your title.
  • Be Creative: A creative and unique title can make your work stand out from others. Consider using wordplay, puns, alliteration, or metaphors to create a memorable and attention-grabbing title.
  • Keep It Short and Sweet: While a title should be specific and informative, it should also be concise. Try to keep your title under 10-12 words, as longer titles can be difficult to read and remember.

For more tips, you can check out this video:

The success of your overall essay is not just based on how well you presented the argument and conducted research to gather the information. A title plays a vital role as well. 

Creative titles are like the icing on the cake. Nobody will want to read it when it will not appeal to them. 

Make your college essay and paper flawless, as they are the only thing that will get you scores in academics. So, you have to know what mistakes to avoid and what to do when title the essay.   

However, you can ask professionals at our best essay service to write your essays perfectly and with the best quality.

Place your " write my college essay for me " request today to get your essays and research papers written by professionals and get writing services at exciting prices. 

Also, try our AI writing tool to make your academic journey easier!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to use a question or a statement as my essay title.

Whether to use a question or a statement as your essay title depends on the content and purpose of your essay.

Using a question can be effective if your essay is exploratory and seeks to answer a specific question. On the other hand, using a statement can be more appropriate if your essay has a clear argument or thesis statement.

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

Need Help With Your Essay?

Also get FREE title page, Turnitin report, unlimited revisions, and more!

Keep reading

how to title an essay

OFF ON CUSTOM ESSAYS

CollegeEssay - Custom Essay Writing Service

Essay Services

  • Argumentative Essay Service
  • Descriptive Essay Service
  • Persuasive Essay Service
  • Narrative Essay Service
  • Analytical Essay Service
  • Expository Essay Service
  • Comparison Essay Service

Writing Help

  • Term Paper Writing Help
  • Research Writing Help
  • Thesis Help
  • Dissertation Help
  • Report Writing Help
  • Speech Writing Help
  • Assignment Help

Legal & Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Refunds & Cancellations
  • Our Writers
  • Success Stories
  • Our Guarantees
  • Affiliate Program
  • Referral Program

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

how to make a good essay title

IMAGES

  1. How to Title an Essay? The Complete Guide to Essay Title

    how to make a good essay title

  2. How to Title an Essay: Guide with Creative Examples [2023]

    how to make a good essay title

  3. How to Title an Essay: Tips and Examples

    how to make a good essay title

  4. How to write the best Essay Titles?

    how to make a good essay title

  5. How to Write a Strong Title for an Argumentative Essay: 14 Steps

    how to make a good essay title

  6. How To Write A Good Essay Title? A Definitive Guide

    how to make a good essay title

VIDEO

  1. How Do You Write The Title of a YouTube Video in an Essay?

  2. How to write a Title for English Precis

  3. 6 issues to AVOID when writing your [dissertation / thesis] TITLE

  4. How To Title Your Manga, Comic Or Light Novel

  5. How to Write an Essay: Step by Step Process to Writing an Effective Essay From Outline to Completion

  6. Writing the Most Important Line of your Song