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Tips for creating an engaging essay cover page to impress your readers.

How to write a cover page for an essay

When it comes to academic essays, the cover page is the first thing your reader or instructor will see. It’s essential to make a good first impression, so having a well-designed and professional cover page is crucial.

Creating an effective cover page requires attention to detail and adherence to formatting guidelines. In this article, we will provide you with tips on how to create a standout cover page that will enhance the overall presentation of your essay.

Tips for Crafting a Compelling Cover Page

When creating a cover page for your essay, it is important to make it compelling and attention-grabbing. Here are some tips to help you craft a standout cover page:

1. Choose a clean and professional font that is easy to read.

2. Use a font size that is large enough to be easily visible, but not too big that it overwhelms the page.

3. Include the title of your essay in a prominent position at the center of the page.

4. Add your name, course title, instructor’s name, and date below the title in a smaller font size.

5. Consider using a subtle border or a colored background to make your cover page visually appealing.

6. Make sure the information on your cover page is aligned properly and evenly spaced.

7. Double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors before finalizing your cover page.

By following these tips, you can create a compelling cover page that sets the tone for your essay and makes a great first impression on your readers.

Key Elements to Include

Key Elements to Include

  • Title of the essay
  • Institutional affiliation (if applicable)
  • Date of submission
  • Title of the course or class
  • Instructor’s name
  • Word count (if required)

These elements will help provide essential information about your essay and ensure that your cover page is complete and professional.

Choosing the Right Format

When creating a cover page for your essay, it is essential to choose the right format. The format you choose should align with the requirements of your academic institution or the specific guidelines provided by your instructor. Some common formats for cover pages include APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard styles.

APA: If you are following APA style, your cover page should include the title of the paper, the author’s name, institutional affiliation, and the date. The title should be centered and written in title case.

MLA: In MLA format, the cover page is not required. Instead, the necessary information is included on the first page of the essay, including the student’s name, instructor’s name, course name, and date. The title of the essay is centered.

Chicago: Chicago style cover pages typically include the title of the paper, the author’s name, course information, and the date. The title is centered, and it may include a subtitle if necessary.

Harvard: Harvard style cover pages usually feature the title of the essay, the author’s name, the course name, and the date. The title is centered, and the author’s name is placed below the title.

Before creating your cover page, be sure to consult the specific guidelines for the format you are using to ensure that you include all the necessary information in the correct placement.

Design and Layout Suggestions

1. Keep it Simple: A clean and minimalistic design is often the most effective. Avoid cluttering the cover page with too many elements.

2. Use Consistent Fonts: Choose a readable font for the title and make sure all text is consistent throughout the page.

3. Incorporate Visuals: Consider using relevant images or graphics that enhance the theme of your essay, but don’t overload the page with visuals.

4. Align Elements Properly: Ensure that all elements on the cover page are aligned neatly and in a visually pleasing way.

5. Include Necessary Information: Make sure to include essential details such as the title of the essay, your name, course information, and date.

6. Use Colors Wisely: Choose a color scheme that is appropriate for the topic and maintain consistency in color use throughout the page.

7. Leave Ample White Space: White space can help make your cover page look more professional and organized. Don’t be afraid of empty spaces.

Importance of Clear and Concise Information

When designing your cover page, it is crucial to provide clear and concise information that effectively communicates the purpose of your essay. A well-designed cover page should include key details such as the title of your essay, your name, the course name, the instructor’s name, and the date of submission.

Clear and concise information helps the reader understand the content of your essay at a glance. It sets the tone for your work and creates a professional impression. Avoid cluttering the cover page with unnecessary details or distracting design elements that can confuse the reader.

By presenting information in a clear and concise manner, you demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to delivering a well-organized piece of writing. A visually appealing cover page with relevant and succinct information can make a positive first impression on your readers and showcase your professionalism.

Tying It All Together with a Strong Title

Once you have crafted your cover page layout and included all the necessary information, it’s time to tie it all together with a strong title. Your title should be clear, engaging, and relevant to the content of your essay. It should give readers a preview of what to expect and entice them to dive into your work.

Consider using a title that is catchy and captures the essence of your essay. Avoid generic titles that do not provide any insight into the topic or argument of your paper. A strong title can make a significant difference in grabbing the attention of your readers and setting the tone for your essay.

Make sure your title is prominently placed on your cover page and is formatted in a way that stands out. You can use a larger font size, bold text, or a different color to make your title pop. Remember, your title is the first thing readers will see, so make it count!

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Home / Guides / Writing Guides / Parts of a Paper / How to Write an Essay Cover Page

How to Write an Essay Cover Page

What you include in your cover page depends slightly on which citation style you are using, but the rules are generally the same.

Guide Overview

  • APA cover pages
  • MLA cover pages

For APA cover pages:

Include the title of the paper, running head, the author’s name, institutional affiliation, and an author’s note.

Here is an example of a cover page in APA:

APA Cover Page

For MLA cover pages:

Cover pages are not as frequently used in MLA format, as the inclusion of headers is preferred.

A header looks like this:

Header in MLA

Cover pages can include the name of your school, your paper title, your name, your course name, your teacher or professor’s name, and the due date of the paper. If you are unsure of what to include, check with your instructor.

Here is an example of a cover page in MLA format:

Cover page in MLA

For more help making cover or title pages, visit our title page generator   here.

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Essay Cover Page - MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and APA Format Cover Sheet

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Picture this, you have completed your daily duties and now settling in to complete an essay. What is the worst that would happen? Well, the majority of high school, college, university, and graduate students undervalue the need to format an essay cover page properly. In return, most of them end up with either great essays with a poorly done cover page or a poorly done essay with a poorly formatted cover page.

I don’t know which of the above categories, but mine was worse. It is a great mistake to care less about the proper formatting of a title page for any essay. Sometimes the content in the entire class can be great, and the cover page becomes what separates a good grade from a poor grade. You do not have to leave anything to chance when working to maintain a good GPA, do you?

Why master how to make an essay Cover Sheet?

Your title page informs the reader or the professor what to anticipate in your essay. Sometimes, if they are in a hurry, a catchy topic can entice them to read your essay from introduction to conclusion.

The cover page has your name, title of the essay, institution, instructor, and date. A well-formatted title page is enough a getaway to a strict professor’s marks or grade fountain.

And when you are almost giving up on your cover page, we give you a reason to smile. In this article, we will teach you how to make a cover page for an essay, MLA cover page format, Chicago cover page format, APA cover page format, and Harvard cover page format, with examples.

Why should you learn How to Make a Cover Page for an essay?

Sometimes professors and instructors assume the basic things like formatting a college essay. In the end, students end up losing marks over flimsy mistakes. A common question students ask is “how do you make a cover page for an essay?” or “what is to be included on a title page?”

If you have had these questions or related ones, you are in the right place at the right time. We will take you through cover page essay essentials. But before then, why do we have an essay cover page. Or simply, what is an essay cover page?

An essay cover page is the opening page, sometimes called the title page, and offers a comprehensive description of the essay title, identifies the student, and sometimes bears the date and the instructors’ names.

You will notice that the cover pages for essays differ depending on the specific format you are using. For instance, when creating the MLA essay cover page format, you should only do so if the essay prompt requires you to. If not asked for one, there is never any need to include one. The same applies to Harvard, Chicago, and APA cover page formats.

MLA Essay Cover Page Format with Template/Example

Also known as the Modern Language Association, MLA is a unique essay writing and citation format. It is important to mention that most MLA essays do not require an essay cover page. Nevertheless, some instructors insist on you having a cover page for your MLA paper.

When requested to have an opening or cover page for MLA papers, these are some of the details to include:

  • Author’s Name
  • Instructor’s Name
  • The Due Date

Here is a sample MLA cover page template

MLA Sample essay cover page

Note that the format for MLA research paper cover page is slightly different. It will contain:

  • Name of university
  • Title of the Research Paper
  • The subtitle of the research paper
  • Your Name (Author’s Name)
  • Course Name and Number
  • Instructor/Professor’s Name

Below is a sample MLA research paper cover sheet

MLA research paper title page cover sheet

Some professors or instructors will advise you to use the research paper MLA format title page for your essay.

How do you format an MLA Cover Page?

Formatting an MLA title page is easy!

  • It should be double-spaced.
  • The preferable font is Times New Roman size 12 or a legible font.
  • All the letters must be in Title Case.
  • It should have 1-inch margins throughout the paper.
  • Ensure that the title page is double spaced.
  • Remove any spaces between paragraphs from your Microsoft Word settings page.

See the details in the sample MLA format cover page provided above. Notice the difference between the two and always read the instructor’s essay prompt before deciding on which one to settle for.

APA Cover Page Format with Example/Template

Students have been asking this for a while, and we felt like addressing it would save many of you out there. “How do I make an APA cover sheet?” Well, just like MLA, an APA essay cover page is easy to make.

To begin with, the APA style title page should include:

  • Running head (Left aligned in the header section).
  • Page Number (Right aligned).
  • Title and subtitle of the essay/paper (centered)
  • Name of the author (centered).
  • Institutional Affiliation (centered).
  • Author’s Note (for long research papers, thesis, and dissertations).

An important note, in APA the title should not exceed 50 characters and should be in capital letters. Times New Roman font size 12 is always preferred as well.

For more details, see the example APA title page provided below.

sample APA essay cover page

Note that there are changes to APA 6. In APA 7, there is no "Running head" instead, you will only need a page number situated to the top left of the paper. Here is a sample APA 7 Cover page.

APA 7 sample Cover Page

Chicago Cover Page Format with Example/Template

Even though less common in academic essay writing, understanding the Chicago essay title page is necessary. It can save you some trouble when writing a Chicago style paper, which is the case with most literature and humanities subjects such as history. Thus, after reading this, you should understand how to format a Chicago essay title cover page correctly.

Here are tips when making Chicago format opening page:

  • Chicago title page has no page number or running head in the header section.
  • Using Times New Roman or any legible font of size 12 is preferred.
  • All the text on the cover page is centered.
  • The cover page is double spaced with no spaces between paragraphs

You see, a Chicago style paper opening page is relatively simple to make. A caution, though, when making any type of cover page, your professor’s guidelines are your rule book. Therefore, everything you need to format an essay cover page is always in the prompt.

Chicago style papers are the easiest to handle. However, despite the ease of inserting a title page, it remains a challenge to most students. Sometimes, seeking professional help can be the only option. Our experts can help you craft your Chicago format essays and research papers, talk to us!

Here is a Chicago style format essay cover page.

Harvard Cover Page Format with Example/Template

Harvard formatting has a specific and well-organized cover page.

  • The shortened version of the title of the paper comes in the header section (aligned to the right) and is preceded by the page number).
  • The full title, written in all capital letters , appears halfway through the page.
  • The author’s name (three lines from the title).
  • Then four lines down you will have class name and code, name of the professor, City and State the university is located, and the due date.

Here is an example of the Harvard format Cover Sheet Page.

harvard  essay cover page template

Bottom Line

A cover page for an essay is a critical aspect when undertaking your academic writing tasks. Even though it might seem boring and unnecessary, it can be the only aspect left to differentiate who passes a course and who fails.

When writing an APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago format paper, produce an essay cover page that fits each formatting and citation style. I don’t know about you, but I find it easier to do the cover page as the last part of the essay after writing and proofreading. Yet some in our team prefer setting the cover page for their essays first before they outline the essays . As a ritual, it is my last part to shake hands with the mighty Microsoft Word or Google Document applications.

Check out our article on indenting paragraphs and how to title an article when writing an essay. 

Sometimes, you can ask the instructor or professor how to make a cover page for your essay. We believe no teacher will reprimand you. These are essential basics to keep with you as they will help you understand how to make a cover page for an essay. If you need help writing an essay, our professional writers can always come in handy. Until then, have a happy academic writing session!

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How to write a character analysis essay, how to make a cover page for an essay.

Lesley J. Vos

So, you have a pending paper and your professor wants you to add a cover page? Don’t worry if this sounds like a big deal – it’s actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. All you need to do is just format it in a proper way and state all of the necessary information, which we talk about below. Let’s break it down step-by-step and make your cover page stand out.

What Is a Cover Page

What’s a cover page, anyway? Simply put, it’s the first page of your essay that provides key details about your work. It usually includes the title of your essay, your name, your instructor’s name, the course, and the date . Think of it as the face of your essay – the part that gives the first impression. A well-made cover page shows that you’re organized and professional, even before anyone starts reading your essay.

But why is a cover page important? It sets the tone, gives a hint about what’s to come, and helps your professor sift through tens of other assignments. A sloppy cover page might make the reader think your essay is equally disorganized. On the other hand, a neat and well-structured cover page can create a positive mindset for the reader, making them more inclined to view your work favorably (and who doesn’t want to get a higher mark?).

When Do You Need an Essay Cover Page 

Not every essay needs a cover page, but it’s often required for longer, more formal papers. Here are a few types of papers where you might need one:

📚Research PapersProfessors often ask for cover pages for these to keep things neat and tidy. Research papers are usually extensive, and a cover page helps manage all the information efficiently.
📃College EssaysSome assignments, especially those with specific formatting guidelines, require a cover page. This is common in college-level writing where adhering to formatting standards is part of the assignment.
📝ReportsFor those lengthy reports in high school or college, a cover page helps keep your work organized. Whether it’s a science report, a history analysis, or a literature review, a cover page adds that professional touch.
🗂PortfoliosIf you’re submitting a collection of works, a cover page can give a great first impression. It introduces the reader to what they can expect in your portfolio and sets the stage for the content within.

You might be wondering, “Do I really need to bother with a cover page for every assignment?” The answer is no, not always. Short essays, informal writing assignments, or creative pieces often don’t require a cover page. Always check with your instructor to see if a cover page is necessary for your specific assignment.

Creating a Cover Page for Essay – What to Include

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what you need on your cover page. While different formats might have specific requirements, here are the universal basics you’ll typically include:

  • Title : The name of your essay, centered on the page. Make it catchy and relevant. Your title should be informative and give the reader an idea of what your essay is about.
  • Your Name : Centered, right below the title. This ensures the reader knows who wrote the essay.
  • Instructor’s Name : Below your name, also centered. This is essential, especially in educational settings where the instructor needs to know who submitted the work.
  • Course Name : The course or subject for which you’re writing the essay. This helps in categorizing the essay for the appropriate class or subject matter.
  • Date : The submission date, placed under the course name. Including the date helps track when the assignment was submitted.

How to Do a Cover Page in APA and MLA

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s look at how to format your cover page in APA and MLA styles – the two most common formatting styles you’ll encounter.

APA (American Psychological Association) style is often used for social sciences. Here’s what makes an APA cover page special:

  • Running Head : A short title (50 characters or fewer) at the top of the page.
  • Page Number : Aligned to the right, on the same line as the running head.

An APA cover page typically includes a running head that appears on every page of the document. This running head is a shortened version of your essay title and helps keep track of the pages if they get separated. The page number is also included in the header, aligned to the right.

Example APA Cover Page

How to Make a Cover Page for an Essay

In this example, “THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA” appears at the top, followed by the page number on the right. The title, your name, the instructor’s name, the course name, and the date are centered.

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is typically used for humanities. Here’s what’s unique about an MLA cover page:

  • No Running Head : Unlike APA, MLA doesn’t require a running head.
  • Double-Spacing : Everything should be double-spaced.

An MLA cover page is simpler in structure. It doesn’t include a running head, but it does require double-spacing throughout the document. This style focuses on readability and simplicity.

Example MLA Cover Page

How to Make a Cover Page for an Essay

In this example, your name, the instructor’s name, the course, and the date are double-spaced and left-aligned at the top of the page. The title is centered below this information.

As you’ve probably gathered, there is nothing complicated about creating cover pages. Yes, it might sometimes be annoying, but it’s worth spending some time on a proper cover page to make a better impression on your professor. Here are some tips you should follow when it comes to starting your works:

  • Stay consistent by using the same font and size as the rest of your essay. This consistency helps maintain a professional appearance.
  • Always check and follow specific guidelines given by your instructor or institution beforehand. Each school or professor might have slightly different requirements, so double-check to avoid any mistakes.
  • Keep it simple! Don’t overdo it with fancy fonts or images . Clean and professional is the way to go. While it might be tempting to add some flair, sticking to a straightforward and tidy format is usually best.

Remember, the cover page is the first thing your reader sees, so making it look sharp is a great way to start off on the right foot. 

How to write a cover page for an essay?

To write a cover page for an essay, start by centering your title about a third of the way down the page. Beneath the title, include your name, the instructor’s name, the course title, and the date of submission. Make sure all text is properly aligned and follows any specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution.

How do you create a cover page?

Creating a cover page involves a few key steps. Begin with the title of your essay, followed by your name, your instructor’s name, the course, and the date. Use a consistent font and size, and center the text on the page. Depending on the required format (APA, MLA, etc.), adjust elements like the running head or double-spacing accordingly.

How do you format a cover page for a paper?

To format a cover page for a paper, follow the specific style guidelines required, such as APA or MLA. For APA, include a running head, page number, title, author name, institution, course, instructor, and date. For MLA, double-space the title, author name, instructor, course, and date, without a running head. Always align the text as required by the formatting style.

Do I need a cover page for my essay?

Whether you need a cover page for your essay depends on your instructor’s requirements and the type of paper you’re writing. Longer, formal papers like research papers and reports often require cover pages, while shorter, informal essays might not. Always check the specific guidelines provided for your assignment to determine if a cover page is necessary.

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How to Make a Cover Page for an Essay

Rachel r.n..

  • May 1, 2024
  • How to Guides

Creating a cover page is an important step when writing an essay, as it introduces your work and helps create a professional first impression. A cover page typically includes the title of your essay, your name, the course name/number, the instructor’s name, and the submission date. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make a cover page for your essay:

  • Check your instructor’s requirements Before you start making your cover page, it’s crucial to review any specific guidelines or formatting requirements provided by your instructor. Some instructors may have precise expectations for the cover page, while others may allow more flexibility.
  • Select a clean, readable font Choose a font that is easy to read and looks professional. Some recommended fonts for cover pages include:
  • Times New Roman (a classic choice)
  • Arial (a clean, modern font)
  • Calibri (a popular sans-serif font)

Avoid using decorative or overly stylized fonts, as they can be distracting and difficult to read.

  • Center your text Most cover pages have the text centered both horizontally and vertically. This creates a balanced and visually appealing layout.
  • Include the necessary information Your cover page should include the following information, typically arranged in this order:
  • Title of your essay (in a larger font size, bolded)
  • Your full name
  • Course name and number (e.g., English 101)
  • Instructor’s name
  • Submission date (e.g., May 1, 2024)

Here’s an example of how your cover page might look:

[Title of Your Essay]

John Doe English 101: Introduction to Literature Prof. Jane Smith May 1, 2024

  • Add spacing and margins Use appropriate spacing between each line of text to improve readability. A common approach is to add a blank line between the title and your name, and between the other lines of information.

Additionally, leave sufficient margins (typically 1 inch) around the edges of the page to create a clean and professional look.

  • Consider adding a header or footer (optional) Some instructors may require or prefer that you include a header or footer with your name and the page number on the cover page. If so, make sure to follow their specific guidelines.
  • Double-check for accuracy Before submitting your essay, carefully review your cover page to ensure that all the information is accurate and correctly formatted. This includes checking for spelling errors, proper capitalization, and consistent formatting.

What You'll Learn

APA Format Cover Page:

  • The title of your essay should be centered, bolded, and in title case on the first line of the cover page.
  • On the next line, include your name (first name, middle initial, last name).
  • On the next line, include your school or university’s name.
  • On the next line, include the course number and name.
  • On the next line, include your instructor’s name.
  • On the next line, include the assignment due date.
  • Use 1-inch margins and a readable font like Times New Roman (12pt) or Arial (11pt).
  • Double-space the entire cover page.

Jane Q. Student Awesome University ENGL 101: Introduction to Literature Dr. John Smith May 1, 2024

Related Article: Updated APA 7 Format and Citation Guide

Chicago Format Cover Page:

  • The title of your essay should be centered and in title case on the first line of the cover page.
  • Approximately one-third of the way down the page, include your full name.
  • Use 1-inch margins and a readable font like Times New Roman (12pt).

Jane Q. Student ENGL 101: Introduction to Literature Dr. John Smith May 1, 2024

Related Article: Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide

MLA Format Cover Page:

  • On the next line, include your full name.
  • On the next line, include the course name.

Jane Q. Student Dr. John Smith Introduction to Literature May 1, 2024

Related article: Guide to correct MLA 8 Citation and Referencing

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In the academic and professional realms, the presentation of written work is nearly as crucial as the content itself. The most popular guidelines are the APA, MLA, and Chicago style. Each has its unique specifications and nuances, particularly when it comes to crafting the cover page , a pivotal aspect that provides the first impression of any document. This article delves into the distinct features and requirements with examples .

Inhaltsverzeichnis

  • 1 Cover page in a nutshell
  • 2 Definition: Cover page
  • 3 When is a cover page used?
  • 4 Essentials of a cover page
  • 6 Cover page for students

Cover page in a nutshell

What is a cover page? A cover page is also called the title page and is the first page of an academic essay or other kinds of academic papers. It displays its title, the author’s name, and other relevant information, serving as an introduction or a preview of what’s inside. Think of it like the cover of a book, giving a glimpse of what the content is about.

Definition: Cover page

The cover page serves as a representation of the author. The format will differ based on the style you choose. It typically contains:

  • Name of the author
  • Name of the professor
  • Name of the student’s educational establishment
  • Due date of the paper

The topic of the paper and the course name are always included on the title page, regardless of the format used. As the name suggests, it is placed at the front of the paper and is the first thing your professor will see when they receive your paper. When writing an academic paper, you have to adhere to certain established standards. A cover page is required for many papers, as it introduces the professor to the project. In this article, we will look at the different types and their formats.

When is a cover page used?

A cover page is used in various academic, professional, and publishing contexts to provide a clear and organized introduction to a document. Its usage can vary based on the style guide in reference. Here’s a brief overview of when it is used in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles .

  • APA style always requires a title page for both student papers and professional articles or studies. You can read more in our article about the APA format title pages.
  • Title of the paper, author’s name, institutional affiliation, course name and number (for students), instructor’s name (for students), and due date
  • MLA style does not typically require a title page for research papers , unless specifically requested by the instructor. Instead, essential details are usually placed in the top-left corner of the first page.
  • Title, name of the author, instructor’s name, course, and date

Chicago style

  • Its usage depends on specific publication or institutional requirements. For formal publications and individual assignments, a title page is typically preferred.
  • Title, author’s name, often the specific class or course information, and date of submission

Essentials of a cover page

A cover page requires:

  • A running head
  • The title of your academic paper
  • The name of your university
  • The name of the author or authors

Besides these requirements, your professor may ask you to add extra information . As mentioned earlier, you should refer to the latest guidelines to see how the cover should be formatted. With APA style, you have to use 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spacing, and 1-inch margins.

The running head has to be left-aligned, and it should be capitalized. Besides the ‘running head,’ your header should have a maximum of 50 characters.

The title of your paper should also be properly formatted. It should be in the title case, meaning the first letters of every word is capitalized. The only words that should not be capitalized are small words like articles and prepositions . The title should be no more than 12 words in length. For the title, you should use whole words only. Avoid contractions and abbreviations.

The names of the authors should also be properly formatted. If multiple authors were involved in writing the paper, they should all be mentioned, along with the institutions they are affiliated with. Students with different affiliations should be listed separately.

The cover page should not be spruced up unnecessarily. Its only objective is to provide the reader or professor with essential information. Don’t use colored paper, colored text, or fancy images to make it look more attractive. That will only make you appear less professional.

There are as many kinds of cover pages as there are academic writing formats. The most commonly used cover page formats are MLA , APA , and Chicago . The difference lies in their format and content. Here is an overview of each of these types.

APA cover page

The APA format cover page should start with the running head, positioned at the top left of your paper. The page number is on the top right. Your paper title is to be in title case, in the upper half of the page. For the title, you simply respect the rules for capitalization in titles . APA recommends that your title should be 12 words in length or less, and it should not include any abbreviations or contractions. Words that serve no purpose should also be left out. The title can take up one or two lines.

The information for an APA format cover is below the title of your paper, then the names of the authors and their institutional affiliations are listed. The author’s name should include first name, middle initial(s), and last name. The titles of the author(s) and their educational qualifications should not be included in this part of the paper. The institutional affiliation is included under the author’s name, and it shows where the researcher carried out the research.

For more information, read our article about the APA cover page .

APA-cover-page

MLA cover page

When using an MLA format cover page, it is not required. Your instructor will let you know whether they require a cover. For some assignments, a cover can make your paper look more professional, so you should always consider adding one. For MLA, you will have to include:

  • School or university name
  • Title of your paper
  • Name of the class
  • Name of your professor
  • Date of submission

Note: Different instructors may have different style requirements. You may need to add other details to the cover page.

Like in APA, the format cover page is double-spaced and the letters are centered on the page. The name of your university should be typed first, after which you can skip down to a third of the page and add the title of the research paper. From here, you can skip several lines and add the rest of the details. These details should be on the bottom half of the page.

MLA-cover-page

Chicago style cover page

Usually, the Chicago style does not require a cover. However, they may be requested for individual assignments. In this case, the Chicago cover page includes the title of your page, the name of the author, the name of your teacher, the course title, and the due date. The title should be typed at about one-third of the way down the page. Some professors accept covers using 11 pt. Arial font, but the most widely used font is 12 pt. Times New Roman. You should generally avoid using fancy fonts or underlining the text. You can only use bold for the title and subtitle. The page should be double-spaced. The page number should not be included in a Chicago style cover page.

Chicago-cover-page

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Cover page for students

Creating a student cover page involves considering the essential elements that offer a concise overview of the work, while also adhering to any style or formatting guidelines in place. Here’s a general outline of what should be included.

  • Title of the document/paper Ideally placed at the center of the page Should be specific and concise, capturing the essence of the paper
  • Student’s name Usually positioned under the title Full name is recommended unless specified otherwise
  • Course name and code Essential for academic submissions to ensure the paper reaches the correct instructor or department
  • Instructor/professor’s name Specify the honorific title (e.g., Dr., Prof.) if applicable
  • Date of submission Can be written in different formats (e.g., September 21, 2023, or 21-09-2023) depending on institutional or style guide preferences
  • Institution Name Name of the school, college, or university
  • Class or section If applicable Especially useful for larger courses with multiple sections
  • Assignment number or type Optional E.g., “Assignment 1”, “Final Project”, “Research Paper”, etc.

Formatting tips

Use a readable font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Typically, a 12 pt. font size is recommended. Details on the cover are usually double-spaced for clarity. Ensure you have standard margins (typically 1 inch, so 2.54 cm, on all sides) unless specified otherwise by your institution or style guide. Most of the details are typically centered on the page, but some style guides might have different requirements. Always refer to specific institutional guidelines or the requested style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) as they may have distinct stipulations for page composition.

How do you write a title page for an essay?

The title page of your academic essay should be simple and straightforward, and it should only consist of text. For the cover page design, you should consult the latest manual of your institution. You may be required to use a certain style of formatting, such as APA, or MLA. The requirements for an APA title page differ from the requirements of an MLA title page .

Does the title page count as one page?

The title page will take up a whole page of your essay. However, it does not count as one page in terms of the page count for your essay . The table of contents and bibliography are also not included in the word/page count of your essay.

How do you format the names of multiple authors?

If more than one person was involved in writing the paper, all the names should be clearly indicated. The format used will depend on the affiliations of the authors and the institution that they’re working with. For an APA cover page, the authors should be listed below the title of the paper. List their first names, middle initials, and last names with any titles and qualifications.

Is a cover page always required?

The cover page is typically required when you use the APA citation style. With the MLA and Chicago formats, your instructor will advise you on whether you have to include a cover. However, more often than not, MLA formatting does not require a title page.

Will you be penalized for adding a cover page when it is not required?

No instructor will penalize you for including a cover page when it is not strictly required. You should consider adding one if you are uncertain whether it is required for your academic writing work. Nevertheless, you should check with your institution anyway to ensure that you’re fulfilling all requirements.

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How to Make a Cover Page for an Essay?

The essay writing always involves making a cover page, and this is usually the first thing that your readers see. Therefore, you should use this opportunity to make a good impression and make sure that your readers will understand what your essay or research paper is about, and why it can be interesting to them. In this quick guide, we will consider cover pages in more detail and share some tips on how to make a cover page for an essay when dealing with different citation styles.

What an Essay Cover Page (Title Page) Is

A cover page is the very first page of an essay, research paper, or another academic paper. The cover page, which can also be called the title page, provides basic information about the author and the paper. The title page also features information on the author’s institution, and the publication date. The format of the title page and its content depends on what citation format you should use. For instance, some citation formats require you to include a running head.

The main purpose of a cover page is to help your readers immediately understand what your essay is, what it’s about, what its purpose is, and who wrote it. A proper cover page also makes your essay look more professional and formal. Quite often, a cover page isn’t a mandatory part of an academic paper. However, it’s usually included in papers formatted according to the APA style. Professors usually provide students with instructions regarding the cover page so if you’re not sure whether or not you need to write it for your essay, we recommend that you talk to your instructor.

Generally, it’s better to include the cover page because, even if your instructor doesn’t ask for it, nobody will deduct your points for providing it. The main thing is to know the required formatting because cover pages written in different styles may look completely differently. Let’s take a closer look at the common types of cover pages.

MLA format cover is one of the most common ones. Usually, papers written according to the MLA format don’t feature a cover page. If you need to include information about you, your course, professor, and date of writing, you can do it in the top left corner above the essay titlefname. However, sometimes professors ask students to make a title page for their MLA essays, and in this case, you should know what an MLA title page looks like.

The name of your university should be centered and written at the top of the page. In the middle of the cover page, include the title of the paper. You may also add the necessary subtitles and a running head with your last name and the page number. Author's name, course name and number, the date of writing, and your professor’s name should be written at the bottom of the page. You should also add 1 inch margins on all sides and use the 12 pt Times New Roman font size.

MLA Cover Page Format

Image source: https://www.chegg.com/writing/guides/style-guides/mla-format/mla-title-page-format-example/

As we’ve already mentioned above, cover pages are common in APA papers. When creating an APA cover page, you should include your name, the essay title, and the name of your institution (institutional affiliation). You should also add a running head to the top of your page. The running head should include the page number, and it may also feature the shortened title of your paper written in all caps. You may even include the words “running head” before the paper title, but on the first page only.

Just like all the other pages of your essay, the title page should have one-inch margins on all sides. Make your document double-spaced and use Times New Roman font size 12 or Arial font. Make sure that the entire title page is double-spaced and don’t include any additional spaces. Here's the cover page template that you can use as an example.

APA Cover Page Format

Image source: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/title-page

Chicago Style

When dealing with the Chicago format, your cover page should look similar to an MLA cover page. At the same time, these two formatting styles also have some differences. For instance, Chicago style requires you to include the title of your essay in the top half of the page. At the bottom, you should provide name of the author, name of the course, and the date. The Chicago cover page format doesn’t require you to provide the name of your university.

Chicago Cover Page Format

Image source: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org

Although making a cover page for an essay isn’t always required, it’s better to know what a title page should look like depending on the format. Adding a title page to your essay is always a good decision because it will make your essay look more professional. Cover pages are necessary elements of formal writing, and if you need to write a well-formatted cover page, our tips will help you.

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First Impressions Matter: Writing Perfect Cover Page for Essay

Unleash your essay’s potential! Craft a perfect cover page for an essay that grabs attention & impresses graders.

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Writing a cover page for your essay is a crucial task yet a hard one as well. You need to follow a set of procedures to write the perfect cover. That is what we are going to see in this article, a detailed guide to writing a cover page for essay.

Cover Page for Essay Outline 

Title of the essay.

The first thing to do when you’re writing an essay or a cover page for your essay is to decide upon a title .  The title of your essay is crucial because it gives the reader an immediate idea of what to expect. It should be clear, concise, and informative. Here’s how to craft a good title for your essay:

Be Specific: Make sure your title accurately reflects the main topic or argument of your essay. Avoid vague or broad titles. For example, instead of “Climate Change,” use “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems.”

Use Keywords: Incorporate important keywords related to your essay’s content. This helps in making your title more searchable and relevant. For example, if your essay is about the effects of social media on teenagers, you might title it “Social Media’s Influence on Teen Mental Health.”

Be Engaging: Try to make your title interesting to draw in your readers. A catchy title can spark curiosity. For example, “From Tweets to Anxiety: How Social Media Affects Teenagers.”

Keep it Short: Aim for a title that is not too long. A concise title is easier to read and remember. Ideally, keep it under 12 words.

Example Titles:

“The Benefits of Renewable Energy Sources” “Exploring the Cultural Significance of Traditional Music” “The Role of Technology in Modern Education”

By following these tips, you can create a compelling and informative title for your essay that grabs attention and sets the stage for your content.

Author Information

Including author information on your essay cover page is essential for identifying your work and providing context for the reader. Here’s a simple guide on what to include and how to format it:

Name: Start with your full name. This identifies you as the author of the essay. Place your name below the title of the essay, centered on the page. For example: Jane Doe

Course: Next, include the course name and number. This specifies for which class the essay is written and helps instructors keep track of submissions. Place this information below your name. For example: Biology 101

Institution: Include the name of your school or university. This provides additional context and helps if the essay is shared beyond your immediate class. Place this below the course information. For example: University of California, Berkeley

Date of submission: Finally, add the date of submission. This is important for record-keeping and helps both you and your instructor track when the work was completed. Place the date below the institution’s name. Use the format that is common in your region. For example: July 24, 2024, or 24 July 2024

Here’s how your author information should look on the cover page:

Jane Doe Biology 101 University of California, Berkeley July 24, 2024

Instructor Information

Including instructor information on your essay cover page is important for clarity and organization. It ensures that your work is correctly attributed and directed to the right person. Here’s how to include this information:

Name: Start by writing the full name of your instructor. This helps identify to whom the essay is being submitted. Place this below your own name on the cover page, centered on the page. For example: Professor John Smith

Position: Next, include the instructor’s position or title. This could be something like “Professor,” “Dr.,” or “Lecturer.” This information shows respect and provides more context about your instructor’s role . For example: Professor of Biology

Department: Finally, mention the department your instructor belongs to. This further clarifies the specific area of study and helps in categorizing the essay within the institution. Place this below the instructor’s position. For example: Department of Biological Sciences

Here’s how the instructor information should look on the cover page:

Professor John Smith Professor of Biology Department of Biological Sciences

Tips for Formatting

Center Align : Align all the instructor information to the center of the page, just like your own author information, to maintain a neat and professional appearance.

Font and Size : Use the same font and size as the rest of your cover page, typically Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point size.

Spacing : Ensure there is adequate space between each line to keep the information clear and easy to read.

Consistency : Keep the formatting consistent with the rest of your cover page for a polished look.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the instructor information on your cover page is clear, professional, and respectful. This will help your essay be properly attributed and appreciated.

Also read: How To Make An Essay Longer: Effective Expansion Techniques

The abstract is a brief summary of your essay that provides an overview of your topic, main argument, and key points. It helps readers quickly understand the essence of your work. Here’s how to write an effective abstract:

Start by clearly stating the purpose of your essay. This should explain what your essay is about and why it is important. For example: “This essay explores the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.”

Main Argument

Next, summarize your main argument or thesis statement. This is the central idea that you will be supporting throughout your essay. For example: “The essay argues that rising sea levels and increasing temperatures are causing significant damage to coastal habitats, which threatens biodiversity and human communities.”

Briefly outline the key points that support your main argument. These are the main sections or findings of your essay that you want the reader to know about. 

For example: 

  • Rising Sea Levels: Discusses how higher sea levels lead to the erosion of coastlines and the loss of habitats for species such as turtles and shorebirds.
  • Temperature Changes: Explains how warmer temperatures affect marine life, including coral bleaching and the migration patterns of fish.
  • Human Impact: Examines how human activities, such as coastal development and pollution, exacerbate the effects of climate change on these ecosystems.
  • Conservation Efforts: Highlights successful conservation strategies and suggests actions that can mitigate the impact of climate change.

Example Abstract :

“This essay explores the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. It argues that rising sea levels and increasing temperatures are causing significant damage to coastal habitats, which threatens biodiversity and human communities. Key points include the effects of rising sea levels on erosion and habitat loss, temperature changes on marine life, human impacts, and effective conservation strategies.”

Tips for Writing

Keep it Concise: Aim for about 150-200 words. Be clear and to the point.

Engage the Reader: Use interesting and impactful language to draw in your audience.

Avoid Details: Focus on the main points without going into too much detail.

By following these guidelines, you can write a concise and engaging abstract that effectively summarizes your essay.

Related article: Words To Use In Essays: Amplifying Your Academic Writing

Keywords are crucial in capturing the essence of your essay topic and making it easier for others to find your work through searches. They summarize the main themes and concepts of your essay in just a few words. Here’s how to select and list effective keywords for your essay:

Purpose of Keywords

Keywords help categorize your essay and make it searchable in databases and on the internet. They should be specific to your topic and reflect the core ideas discussed in your essay.

Choosing Keywords

  • Relevance: Choose words that are directly related to the main topics of your essay. Think about what terms someone might use to search for your work.
  • Specificity: Be as specific as possible. Broad keywords can be less effective because they may bring up a wide range of unrelated results.
  • Key Concepts: Identify the key concepts and terms that are central to your essay. These should reflect the main arguments and points you discuss.

Example Keywords for an Essay on Climate Change and Coastal Ecosystems:

Climate Change Coastal Ecosystems Sea Level Rise Biodiversity Loss Marine Life Coral Bleaching Conservation Efforts Human Impact Temperature Increase Environmental Policy

How to List Keywords

  • Place the keywords at the end of your abstract or on a separate line following your abstract. 
  • Format them in a way that they are easy to read and identify. 

For example:

Keywords: Climate Change, Coastal Ecosystems, Sea Level Rise, Biodiversity Loss, Marine Life, Coral Bleaching, Conservation Efforts, Human Impact, Temperature Increase, Environmental Policy

Tips for Using Keywords

Limit the Number: Use between 5 to 10 keywords. Too many can be overwhelming and less effective.

Use Variations: Include variations of terms (e.g., “Climate Change” and “Temperature Increase”).

Review Your Essay: Ensure the keywords accurately reflect the content of your essay.

By selecting and listing effective keywords, you can enhance the visibility of your essay and make it easier for others to find and understand your work.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide: How to Write an Academic Essay

In conclusion, by creating an effective essay cover page you ensure your work is presented professionally and clearly. Start with a compelling title that accurately reflects your topic. Include your name, course details, institution, and submission date.

Add your instructor’s information to direct your work appropriately. Write a concise abstract summarizing your essay, and list relevant keywords to enhance searchability. By following these steps, your essay will be well-organized and accessible.

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About Sowjanya Pedada

Sowjanya is a passionate writer and an avid reader. She holds MBA in Agribusiness Management and now is working as a content writer. She loves to play with words and hopes to make a difference in the world through her writings. Apart from writing, she is interested in reading fiction novels and doing craftwork. She also loves to travel and explore different cuisines and spend time with her family and friends.

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APA Style for beginners

writing a cover page for an essay

Then check out some frequently asked questions:

What is APA Style?

Why use apa style in high school, how do i get started with apa style, what apa style products are available, your help wanted.

APA Style is the most common writing style used in college and career. Its purpose is to promote excellence in communication by helping writers create clear, precise, and inclusive sentences with a straightforward scholarly tone. It addresses areas of writing such as how to

  • format a paper so it looks professional;
  • credit other people’s words and ideas via citations and references to avoid plagiarism; and
  • describe other people with dignity and respect using inclusive, bias-free language.

APA Style is primarily used in the behavioral sciences, which are subjects related to people, such as psychology, education, and nursing. It is also used by students in business, engineering, communications, and other classes. Students use it to write academic essays and research papers in high school and college, and professionals use it to conduct, report, and publish scientific research .

High school students need to learn how to write concisely, precisely, and inclusively so that they are best prepared for college and career. Here are some of the reasons educators have chosen APA Style:

  • APA Style is the style of choice for the AP Capstone program, the fastest growing AP course, which requires students to conduct and report independent research.
  • APA Style helps students craft written responses on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT because it teaches students to use a direct and professional tone while avoiding redundancy and flowery language.
  • Most college students choose majors that require APA Style or allow APA Style as an option. It can be overwhelming to learn APA Style all at once during the first years of college; starting APA Style instruction in high school sets students up for success.

High school students may also be interested in the TOPSS Competition for High School Psychology Students , an annual competition from the APA Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools for high school students to create a short video demonstrating how a psychological topic has the potential to benefit their school and/or local community and improve people’s lives.

Most people are first introduced to APA Style by reading works written in APA Style. The following guides will help with that:

Handout explaining how journal articles are structured and how to become more efficient at reading and understanding them

Handout exploring the definition and purpose of abstracts and the benefits of reading them, including analysis of a sample abstract

Many people also write research papers or academic essays in APA Style. The following resources will help with that:

Guidelines for setting up your paper, including the title page, font, and sample papers

More than 100 reference examples of various types, including articles, books, reports, films, social media, and webpages

Handout comparing example APA Style and MLA style citations and references for four common reference types (journal articles, books, edited book chapters, and webpages and websites)

Handout explaining how to understand and avoid plagiarism

Checklist to help students write simple student papers (typically containing a title page, text, and references) in APA Style

Handout summarizing APA’s guidance on using inclusive language to describe people with dignity and respect, with resources for further study

Free tutorial providing an overview of all areas of APA Style, including paper format, grammar and usage, bias-free language, punctuation, lists, italics, capitalization, spelling, abbreviations, number use, tables and figures, and references

Handout covering three starter areas of APA Style: paper format, references and citations, and inclusive language

Instructors will also benefit from using the following APA Style resources:

Recording of a webinar conducted in October 2023 to refresh educators’ understanding of the basics of APA Style, help them avoid outdated APA Style guidelines (“zombie guidelines”), debunk APA Style myths (“ghost guidelines”), and help students learn APA Style with authoritative resources

Recording of a webinar conducted in May 2023 to help educators understand how to prepare high school students to use APA Style, including the relevance of APA Style to high school and how students’ existing knowledge MLA style can help ease the transition to APA Style (register for the webinar to receive a link to the recording)

Recording of a webinar conducted in September 2023 to help English teachers supplement their own APA Style knowledge, including practical getting-started tips to increase instructor confidence, the benefits of introducing APA Style in high school and college composition classes, some differences between MLA and APA Style, and resources to prepare students for their future in academic writing

Poster showing the three main principles of APA Style: clarity, precision, and inclusion

A 30-question activity to help students practice using the APA Style manual and/or APA Style website to look up answers to common questions

In addition to all the free resources on this website, APA publishes several products that provide comprehensive information about APA Style:

The official APA Style resource for students, covering everything students need to know to write in APA Style

The official source for APA Style, containing everything in the plus information relevant to conducting, reporting, and publishing psychological research

APA Style’s all-digital workbook with interactive questions and graded quizzes to help you learn and apply the basic principles of APA Style and scholarly writing; integrates with popular learning management systems, allowing educators to track and understand student progress

APA’s online learning platform with interactive lessons about APA Style and academic writing, reference management, and tools to create and format APA Style papers

The APA Style team is interested in developing additional resources appropriate for a beginner audience. If you have resources you would like to share, or feedback on this topic, please contact the APA Style team . 

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How to Write an Essay Cover Page

  • Essay Cover Page

An essay cover page provides essential information about the essay.  

For this reason, academic and professional writing demands good skills on how to write a cover page.

It is essential when it comes to how to write an essay .

Note that the cover page is also referred to as the title page.

What to Include

Apa cover page, mla cover page, harvard cover page, chicago cover page.

As a scholar, you are required to appreciate the differences in respective title pages.

Rightly, this brings us to the question, “what goes on the title page?”

Answering the above question requires you to first understand what it is a cover page.

Per se, a cover/title page is your academic or professional essay’s front page.

It particularly includes key details about your work and yourself.

It is clear that the cover page could have different details and features depending on the formatting style being used.

With this mind, different cover pages are as explored below.

This is one of the most common cover pages in academia.

It contains the following:

1. Running head

2. Paper’s title

3. Author’s name, and

4. Institutional affiliation

The above APA cover page features should appear as explained below.

Running Header

The running header should:

-Be flush to the left and to the top of the page

-Have a page number flush to the right and to the top of the page

The header and paper’s title should look as illustrated below:

Running head: PAPER TITLE

Skills on how to write an essay cover page requires you to understand the features of the title. In this, the title should:

-Be in UPPERCASE and LOWERCASE letters.

-Be centered in the page’s upper half.

-12 or less words.

-Be in one or two lines.

-Be double-spaced.

Author’s Name

In an APA cover page, the author’s name should:

-Be immediately beneath the title.

-Include the author’s first name, middle name initial (s), and the last name

-Not use titles like Dr. or PhD

Institutional Affiliation

This is another important feature in the APA cover page. Institutional affiliation should:

-Indicate where the research was conducted by the author(s).

APA cover page template should as illustrated below.

MLA is another formatting style the features extensively when it comes to how to write an essay cover page. As illustrated in respective cover page templates, it is quite different from the APA style. The question is, what goes on a title page in the MLA style?

The contents of the MLA cover page should follow each other like:

1. The header

2. Author’s name

3. Instructor’s name

4.  Course’s name

5. Publication date

6. Paper’s title

The MLA header should:

-NOT have a separate title or first page.

-Have a header on the top right side.

– Have the author’s surname as the header.

-Be in Upper and Lowercase letters.

-Have the page number after the header, separated with a space.

The header should be as shown below:

     Surname 1

The author’s name should:

-Be on the top left-hand corner.

-Include your two names.

Instructor’s Name

Skills on how to write an essay cover page demand that the instructor’s name should:

-Be immediately after the author’s name.

-Include the title of the instructor, e.g. Professor.

Course’s Name

The name of the course should:

-Be immediately beneath instructor’s name.

-Include the full name of the course for the essay.

Publication Date

This entails the date the essay was write and should:

-Be immediately beneath the title of the course.

-Start with the day, followed by month and then the year, e.g. 2 January 2020.

Paper’s Title

This should:

-Appear immediately after the publication date.

-Be centered on the page.

-Use italics and or quotation marks when referring to other works, e.g. Analysis of Symbolism in  Merchant of Venice .

MLA cover page template is as illustrated below.

This is also a common style that requires you to demonstrate savviness on how to write an essay cover page.  The below is what goes on a title page in Harvard style.

2. Page number

3. Essay’s title

4. Author’s name

5. Class/Course’s name

6. Instructor’s name

7. Institutional affiliation

8. City and State

9. Publication date

When it comes to how to write an essay cover page in Harvard, the header should:

-Entail a short description of the essay’s title.

– Be placed on the top right side.

– Be in lower and uppercase letters.

Page Number

The page number should:

-Be in numerical numbers.

-Be 5 spaces after the header.

Essay’s Title

The title should:

-Be in uppercase letters.

-Be centered at about the upper two-thirds of the page.

-Be about 3 spaces below the title.

-Start with the preposition “by”.

-Include all your names.

Class/Course’s Name

-Be placed about 5 spaces below the author’s name.

-Include either the name of the class or course.

The instructor’s name should:

-Be directly below the class/course’s name.

-Include the instructor’s full names, and titles if any.

-Be directly below the instructor’s name.

-Include the school/college/university the student is studying at.

City and State

The city and state should:

-Be directly below the institutional affiliation.

-Include information on the city or state the institution is within.

-Be directly below the city and state.

-Start with the day, followed by the month, and end with the year, e.g. 7 th  January 2020.

Harvard cover page template would look as below.

The Chicago style is also common in academics and professional work. It is therefore important to learn how to write an essay cover page in Chicago.

Accordingly, the below is what goes on a title page in Chicago style.

1. Title

4. Date of publication

-In case of a subtitle, the title line should end with a colon, and the subtitle in uppercase placed under the title.

When it comes to how to write an essay page in Chicago style, the author’s name should:

-Be placed at about the lower two-thirds of the page.

-Include all the names of the author.

The class should:

-Be placed immediately below the author’s name.

-Include all the relevant details about the class.

Date of Publication

-Be placed immediately below the class.

-Start with the month, followed by the day, and end with the year, e.g. January 7, 2020.

A Chicago cover page template should be as illustrated below.

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A college essay format: a guide for students

You can have a great story, but you will fail without a proper formatting. There are a few things to consider:

  • Use 12 Font, You can choose either Times New Roman or Arial;
  • Use double spacing;
  • Use one-inch margin from all the sides;
  • Put your title in the middle of the page;
  • Align your text to the left side;
  • Start every new paragraph with an intended line.

An example of a college essay format for students.

How to write a good college essay

The first thing to find out after you get the task from your tutor is how long should a college essay be. If you need to write a one-page text, you will spend about three days on doing the task. If you have to write about 5 pages, you will need more time. Once you know the number of pages, you can start preparation. Here are a few steps for you to follow.

Choose the topic

Your goal is to make readers interested in your essay. You can ask a question or write a controversial statement. The more thoughts your topic will evoke the more impressive essay you will have. If you have no college essay ideas for the topic, write down a list of common problems that are related to the course that you’re taking.

Here are a few argumentative essay topics for college students:

  • A dream city where you would like to live in.
  • The most prominent novel of the 20th century: the influence of literature on society.
  • The key features of the democracy today and one hundred years ago.
  • Keep it simple: healthy way of living is available for everyone.
  • Five reasons to start a career in IT industry.

College essay ideas: put a thesis statement at the end of the introduction paragraph.

Write an outline

It’s a detailed plan of the text where you will put all your ideas, quotations into the right position. Develop a thesis statement that you will put at the end of the first paragraph. It should represent the core idea of the paper and the arguments that you will write in the body part. An outline should include all the quotations if you plan to use them as the evidence for your arguments or for your personal position towards the topic.

How to format a college essay: an outline example.

Write the text

When you have your outline ready, it’s time to develop it into the text. Start writing without thinking about formatting or mistakes. You will correct everything after you finish. If you focus on the format and the correctness of your writing, you will spend much more time o writing. You know how to format a college essay, so focus on the context first.

An example of a college essay: writing the text.

Add finishing touches

When you have your text ready, put it away for a while. Let your brain forget the text and have some rest. When you come back to checking what you have written, you will easily notice even the slightest mistakes. Take a look at the visual appearance of the text and try to exclude all the mistakes that you can find.

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APA Sample Paper

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This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

Media Files: APA Sample Student Paper  ,  APA Sample Professional Paper

This resource is enhanced by Acrobat PDF files. Download the free Acrobat Reader

Note: The APA Publication Manual, 7 th Edition specifies different formatting conventions for student  and  professional  papers (i.e., papers written for credit in a course and papers intended for scholarly publication). These differences mostly extend to the title page and running head. Crucially, citation practices do not differ between the two styles of paper.

However, for your convenience, we have provided two versions of our APA 7 sample paper below: one in  student style and one in  professional  style.

Note: For accessibility purposes, we have used "Track Changes" to make comments along the margins of these samples. Those authored by [AF] denote explanations of formatting and [AWC] denote directions for writing and citing in APA 7. 

APA 7 Student Paper:

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writing a cover page for an essay

How to Write an Essay Cover Page

A cover page is usually not required for all personal essays , but academic essays usually need a cover page. Though APA and MLA format cover pages differ significantly, a typical essay cover page will contain author’s name, as well as due date of the essay. A topic of the essay is a must as well as the name of the course it is submitted to. Some essay cover pages also includes the name of professor (or of any other person/group of persons), educational establishment etc.

There are usually requirements as to the font and spaces in the cover page of an essay, so study them carefully before submitting either final electronic or printed version of your essay.

Thus, in order to write a perfect essay and meet the requirements as to format and content, it is necessary to make preparations and study the requirements carefully. Sure, it takes some time, but you will be rewarded for your attention and scrupulousness. The information below will certainly help aspiring essay writers, as well as senior students, who already have experience in essay writing .

  • MLA Essay Cover Page Example
  • APA Cover Page

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Essay title page, essay cover page format, college essay cover page, essay cover page template, essay cover letter.

MLA Essay cover page example (Cick the Image to Enlarge)

In writing a cover page, you always need to follow the specifications set by your professor. He or she may require you to use shaded paper or insert a graphic or even write a quotation on the essay cover page. But the main variations in style and format will depend on whether you are writing in MLA or APA research paper format .

The essentials of MLA essay cover page are the following: 1. This page is double spaced and the letters are centered horizontally. 2. The name of the university or college is placed just below the top margin. 3. The essay title should be placed one-third of the page down from the top and written in a different font size. It may be followed by a subtitle 4. The word “by” may be placed under the title. Usually this word is 2 double spaces from the rest. Note, if you do the cover page in MLA format “by” is not required.

5. Then goes the name of the author, which is usually placed several lines upper from the bottom of the page. 6. It is followed by the name of the course or course number. 7. The name of professor. 8. Finally comes the date of submission.

The positioning listed above is for MLA which is the prevalent style used for humanities and social sciences .

APA Cover page (Cick the Image to Enlarge)

In APA format you will need to place a short version of the title near the upper right corner of the cover page followed by the page number (1 of course). This is called a “running header”.

As well as in MLA format the essay title should be placed one-third of the page down from the top. You should write your short title first, put a colon and provide you full title underneath.

The name of the author is usually several lines down the title.

And at the bottom of the APA cover page comes the the name of the course or course number, the name of professor, and the date of submission.

As it was already mentioned, you will probably have to make several samplings with placement, positioning and font before you get your final version. Tinted paper, frames and other light embellishments used mutedly and with taste will enhance the effect of the page and very possibly your grade. A skillfully done cover page is not just physical protection of the paper, but a reminder of your affords to people handling your article.

Very often, when buying a book we first have a closer look at a cover page . Is it intriguing? Is it interesting and colorful? Sometimes it happens that the cover page of the book is more interesting than the book itself. The same concerns essay writing . A cover page of an essay is the “face” of its author. Although the cover page format does not leave much space for creative approach, you still can be creative when deciding on the title of your paper or in writing a cover letter for your text. A cover page should usually have such standard elements as author’s name, essay topic, professor’s name, number or the name of the course. Many students (even good ones) pay little or no attention to cover page format . As a result they have their grades lowered just because of inconsistency with the cover page requirements. It is very sad to fail getting “A” grade just for using the wrong font or failure to write course number. Never underestimate the importance of all essay requirements, including requirements to cover page! Your excellent grade may fly away if there are mistakes in the essay cover page .

Our writers will design a free cover page when you place an order with us , and that is just one of the free extras that are included. You will also receive a free outline, free formatting, free bibliography page, unlimited free revisions and a free plagiarism report. You can try our services – including all the free extras – with 15 percent off your first order. Just use the code FPE15OFF on your order form to get the discount.

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Essay title page refers to cover page. In fact, the term cover page originates from the times when essays were submitted in a written form, and there had to be a page that covered the other pages. Essay title page is often considered author’s face (literally, of course). Any mistakes in essay title page may change attitude of your professor to the essay you have written (even in case you did a great job).

Student who do not pay due attention to essay cover page format usually get discouraged when receiving grades for their essays. Indeed, it is very discouraging not to get the highest grade just for using the wrong font or spacing in your essay cover page . Many students consider cover page to be just a formality, while there are professors who are very strict about these things. So, in order to avoid problems, study requirements as to the style (APA, MLA, etc) and your essay cover page format .

The format of your thesis cover page for Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD thesis also has some special requirements. First, there should be stated that it is submitted “in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree”. Second, there should be stated the year of submission instead of the due date at the bottom of the page.

Unlike high school essays, college essay cover page has to meet requirements set by admission committee, professors or lecturers. Requirements for college essay cover page differ from college to college, and they also depend on what reference style is used in essay. So, once again check requirements and norms in order to write a perfect essay. This especially concerns college students who pursue serious career goals.

In the age of the Internet and information it is really easy to find any information related to essay writing . If you have any doubts as to your essay cover page , just spend some time on-line and get yourself essay cover page template which you can use in your essay. Using such a template you will only have to enter your name, essay topic, name of your professor, course number and other relevant information.

Essay cover letter is often mixed up with essay cover page . A cover letter contains summarized information on essay topic and studied problems. If you need to write a cover letter for your paper, resist the temptation to copy-paste text from conclusion or any abstracts of your essay to your cover letter. Use different wording, as in fact you should make the cover letter the most interesting part of your essay. Create some intrigue, so that readers would be eager to read on. Get your professor or admission committee interested in what you have written. Interest to your essay means interest to your personality. Nicely written essay cover letter with draw interest to your text, which will contribute to your positive image as a student/applicant. This will be half of your success.

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How to Write an Essay Outline: Examples, FAQs & Tips

writing a cover page for an essay

An essay outline is a structured plan that organizes the main points and supporting details of an essay before writing. It guides the flow of ideas and ensures that each section of the essay is logically connected and coherent.

In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to build a strong essay outline. You'll discover how to define your thesis, arrange your main points, and structure your outline for clarity and effectiveness. If you're still having trouble putting your outline together after reading this, EssayService can provide expert help to make sure your essay is well-structured and persuasive!

Basic Elements of an Essay

An essay begins with an introduction, which is followed by one or more body paragraphs that expand on the points introduced. It ends with a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes the main ideas from the body paragraphs.

Basic Parts of an Essay

Introduction

The introduction of an essay introduces the topic and engages the reader from the start. It usually starts with a hook—a statement or question that grabs attention. After the hook, some background information is given to provide context for the topic.

The introduction ends with a thesis statement, which clearly presents the main argument or purpose of the essay. This section not only introduces the topic but also outlines what the essay will cover, setting the tone for what follows.

Avoid these pitfalls:

  • Don't try to cover too much ground in your introduction.
  • Avoid vagueness. Be specific and precise in your language.

Body Paragraphs

The body of the essay is where your main ideas and arguments take shape. Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point. This is followed by supporting details like evidence, examples, and analysis that back up the topic sentence.

Smooth transitions between paragraphs are key to maintaining a logical flow throughout the essay. Together, the body paragraphs build and support the thesis by adding depth and detail to your argument.

Remember these tips for effective body paragraphs:

  • Begin each paragraph with a clear and concise topic sentence.
  • Use specific examples, facts, or quotes to support your point.
  • Explain why the evidence is important and how it relates to your argument.

The conclusion of an essay wraps up the argument and reinforces the thesis. It usually starts by restating the thesis and reflecting on the discussion and evidence presented in the body paragraphs. A brief summary of the main points follows, highlighting the key arguments made throughout the essay.

The conclusion should close with a final thought or call to action, leaving the reader with something to think about or a sense of closure. The aim is to make a lasting impression that emphasizes the importance of the essay's conclusions.

Remember these tips:

  • Briefly recap the key arguments you've made.
  • Leave the reader with a thought-provoking final sentence or a call to action.
  • Don't introduce any new ideas or arguments in your conclusion.

writing a cover page for an essay

How to Write an Essay Outline?

Now, let's dive into the heart of this article and show you how to write an essay outline in just four smart steps:

  • Determining your thesis and key arguments
  • Organizing points into sections
  • Adding supporting details
  • Drafting a rough outline

writing a cover page for an essay

Determine Your Thesis and Key Arguments

Your thesis should present a specific point of view or a central idea that your essay will support or explore. Here's how to identify your thesis:

  • Ask a question: What is the main point you want to convey?
  • Brainstorm: Jot down ideas related to your topic.
  • Refine your ideas: Narrow down your focus and develop a clear argument.

Once you have your thesis, identify the main points that support it. These points should be logical, relevant, and comprehensive.

  • Divide your thesis: Break down your thesis into its key components.
  • Create a mind map: Visually organize your ideas.
  • Ask yourself questions: What are the main reasons for your argument? What evidence supports your claims?

Group Main Ideas into Sections

The best way to organize your main points when writing an essay outline depends on the specific topic and purpose of your essay. Experiment with different arrangements to find the one that works best for you. Here are some strategies for organizing your main points:

Use this when Example
Chronological Order Your essay is about a sequence of events or a process. An essay about the history of the French Revolution could be organized chronologically, starting with the causes and ending with the aftermath.
Spatial Order Your essay is describing a physical space or object. An essay about the architecture of the Colosseum could be organized spatially, moving from the exterior to the interior.
Order of Importance Your main points vary in significance. An essay arguing for stricter gun control laws might begin with the most compelling argument and end with the least compelling.
Compare and Contrast Order Your essay examines similarities and differences between two or more things. An essay comparing the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle could be organized by alternating between points of similarity and difference.

Add Details to Each Main Idea

When working on your essay outline, remember to choose supporting details that are relevant, specific, and convincing. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your arguments will be. Consider these tips for developing supporting details for each one.

  • Provide examples: "For example, the Great Depression led to a significant increase in homelessness and poverty."
  • Cite expert opinions: "As the renowned historian, Eric Hobsbawm, once said, 'The French Revolution was a watershed moment in European history.'"
  • Make comparisons and contrasts: "While both cats and dogs make excellent pets, cats are generally more independent, while dogs are more social."
  • Offer definitions: "A democracy is a form of government in which the people have the power to elect their leaders."

Make a Rough Outline

Once you've developed supporting details for each main point, you're ready to create a draft outline. This outline will serve as a roadmap for your essay, guiding you through the writing process.

Here's a basic outline template:

  • Background information
  • Thesis statement

Body Paragraph 1

  • Topic sentence
  • Supporting detail 1
  • Supporting detail 2
  • Supporting detail 3

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

  • Restate thesis
  • Summarize key points
  • Final thought

Remember to:

  • Use consistent formatting: Indent supporting details.
  • Label sections clearly: Use Roman numerals for main points and letters for supporting details.
  • Be flexible: Adjust your outline as needed to accommodate new ideas or changes in your argument.

Essay Outline Examples

Now that you have an understanding of the basic structure of an essay outline let's explore some specific examples tailored to different essay genres. Remember, these are just templates, and you should feel free to adapt each essay outline example to fit your unique needs and writing style.

Argumentative Essay Outline

I. Introduction

  • Hook: A captivating opening sentence to grab the reader's attention.
  • Background information: Relevant context to the topic.
  • Thesis statement: A clear and concise statement of your argument.

II. Body Paragraph 1

  • Topic sentence: The main point of this paragraph.
  • Supporting evidence: Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions to support your argument.
  • Explanation: Analysis of the evidence and its relevance to your thesis.

III. Body Paragraph 2

  • Topic sentence: The second main point of your argument.
  • Supporting evidence: Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions.

IV. Body Paragraph 3

  • Topic sentence: The third main point of your argument.

V. Counterargument

  • Acknowledge opposing viewpoint: Briefly mention a counterargument.
  • Refute counterargument: Provide evidence or reasoning to disprove the opposing viewpoint.

VI. Conclusion

  • Restate thesis: Reiterate your main argument.
  • Summarize key points: Briefly recap the main supporting points.
  • Final thought: Leave the reader with a memorable and impactful statement.

Expository Essay Outline

  • A. Hook: Start with an engaging statement or fact to grab the reader's attention.
  • B. Background Information: Provide context or background information necessary for understanding the topic.
  • C. Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main point or purpose of the essay.
  • A. Topic Sentence: Introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
  • B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the first point.
  • C. Evidence/Example: Include evidence or examples to support the explanation.
  • D. Analysis: Explain how the evidence or example supports the topic sentence.
  • B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the second point.
  • B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the third point.

V. Conclusion

  • A. Restate Thesis: Restate the thesis in a new way, summarizing the main points of the essay.
  • B. Summary of Main Points: Briefly summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs.
  • C. Final Thought: End with a concluding statement that reinforces the significance of the topic or provides a closing thought.

Persuasive Essays Outline

  • Background information: Provide context or history related to your topic.
  • Thesis statement: Clearly state your argument or position.
  • Main argument: Present your strongest argument in support of your thesis.
  • Supporting evidence: Use facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions to back up your argument.
  • Counterargument: Briefly acknowledge an opposing viewpoint.
  • Rebuttal: Refute the counterargument with evidence or reasoning.
  • Main argument: Present your second strongest argument in support of your thesis.
  • Main argument: Present your third strongest argument in support of your thesis.
  • Restate thesis: Briefly rephrase your argument.
  • Summarize key points: Recap the main supporting arguments.
  • Call to action: Encourage the reader to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint.

Final Words

As we sum up this article, let's recap the main steps for writing an outline:

  • Determine the main argument or purpose of your essay.
  • Break down your thesis into key ideas or arguments.
  • Group related ideas together under clear headings.
  • Include evidence, examples, and explanations for each main point.
  • Arrange everything in a logical order, ensuring a smooth flow from one section to the next.

To ensure your writing is well-structured and effective, rely on EssayService, which is here to help with any type of essay.

Frequently asked questions

  • Linford, J. (2014). Essay Planning: Outlining with a Purpose What Is an Outline? How Do I Develop an Outline? https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Essay%20Planning%20-%20Outlining.pdf
  • ‌ Writing an Outline for your essay | MacOdrum Library . (n.d.). Library.carleton.ca . https://library.carleton.ca/guides/help/writing-outline-your-essay

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  1. Tips for Creating an Effective Cover Page for Your Essay

    When creating a cover page for your essay, it is important to make it compelling and attention-grabbing. Here are some tips to help you craft a standout cover page: 1. Choose a clean and professional font that is easy to read. 2. Use a font size that is large enough to be easily visible, but not too big that it overwhelms the page. 3.

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    Cover pages can include the name of your school, your paper title, your name, your course name, your teacher or professor's name, and the due date of the paper. If you are unsure of what to include, check with your instructor. Here is an example of a cover page in MLA format: For more help making cover or title pages, visit our title page ...

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  5. How to Write the Perfect Essay Cover Page (2019 Edition)

    Don't think you have to use single spacing either. Your essay should be double-spaced and so too should all relevant information on your cover page. Stick to the same rules—1 inch margins, black text, double space, 12 point font, etc.—and your cover page will be good to go. When it comes to cover pages, less is more!

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    The margins should be one inch on all sides. Number the cover page with the number one. It should go in the upper-right corner of the page. It should be right justified at the one-inch page margin. In your word processing format, it should go in the header. Double-space three or four lines from the top.

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    APA Format Cover Page: The title of your essay should be centered, bolded, and in title case on the first line of the cover page. On the next line, include your name (first name, middle initial, last name). On the next line, include your school or university's name. On the next line, include the course number and name.

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    Follow the guidelines described next to format each element of the student title page. Place the title three to four lines down from the top of the title page. Center it and type it in bold font. Capitalize major words of the title. Place the main title and any subtitle on separate double-spaced lines if desired.

  12. Here's How to Make a Cover Page For an Essay (MLA, APA, Chicago)

    In the middle of the cover page, include the title of the paper. You may also add the necessary subtitles and a running head with your last name and the page number. Author's name, course name and number, the date of writing, and your professor's name should be written at the bottom of the page. You should also add 1 inch margins on all sides ...

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    3. The essay title should be placed one-third of the page down from the top and written in a different font size. It may be followed by a subtitle. 4. The word "by" may be placed under the title. Usually this word is 2 double spaces from the rest. Note, if you do the cover page in MLA format "by" is not required.

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    Don't try to cover too much ground in your introduction. Avoid vagueness. Be specific and precise in your language. Body Paragraphs. ... The best way to organize your main points when writing an essay outline depends on the specific topic and purpose of your essay. Experiment with different arrangements to find the one that works best for you.

  22. College Prep 101 Virtual Series

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