Some of the content of this guide was modelled after guides originally created by the Center for Writing at the University of Minnesota and the Sacred Heart University Library. Content has been adapted for the NWP Learning Commons in November 2020.
Choosing a Title
Creating a title for your research paper or essay can be tough. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you create an interesting and informative title.
A good title:
Remember: creating a good title takes time; start by creating a working title and revise it as you go!
Working Titles
Early in your research process, create a working title. This will help you refine and focus on the topic of your paper throughout the research and writing process. Having a working title to refer back to can also help you reorient yourself with the main purpose of your research during the process.
Final Titles and Subtitles
For research or academic papers, an ideal title should be both interesting and descriptive. Include keywords and clearly indicate the subject or scope of your research. Avoid abbreviations and overly long titles (20+ words).
Many academic titles also include subtitles that typically come after the main title and a colon (:). Subtitles are intended for additional clarification or content and are useful in qualifying your research further.
Title Examples:
A Deliberative Conception of Politics: How Francesco Saverio Merlino Related Anarchy and Democracy
A Comparison of the Progressive Era and the Depression Years: Societal Influences on Predictions of the Future of the Library, 1895-1940
The Geopolitics of the Eastern Border of the European Union: The Case of Romania-Moldova-Ukraine.
Examples from Sacred Heart University Library