FAQ: How do I write and format a title for a research paper?

The title of your paper should draw your readers in.  Think creatively.  Spark their interest in what you have to say. Try using humor or a clever turn-of-phrase as an attention-getting device.  For example:

• “An Embarrassment of Riches: Does Crime Pay in Video Games?”
• “Feeling the Heat: Effects of Stress on Job Performance”
• “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Taking Lecture Notes by Hand”
• “Breaking Bread Together: The Cafeteria as a Cornerstone of Campus Collaboration”
• “Into the Dark: Wellness and Cocoa Percentages in Chocolate”

See these related FAQs if you have questions about formatting a paper title based on the citation style required in your class, including how to format a cover sheet and other formatting details:

• How do I format a paper in APA style?
• How do I make an APA cover sheet?
• How do I format a paper in MLA style?
• How should a title page be formatted in MLA style?
• How do I format a paper in Chicago style?
• How should a title page be formatted in Chicago Style?

Further Help

This information is intended to be a guideline, not expert advice.

Campus Students

To access academic support, visit your Brightspace course and select “Tutoring and Mentoring” from the Academic Support pulldown menu.

Online Students

To access help with citation and more, visit Academic Support via modules in Brightspace:

• The Complete Guide to Using Academic Support via Brightspace This link opens in a new window
• Accessing Writing STEM Help This link opens in a new window

Content authored by: CD