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A header for an essay is an important part of APA or MLA formatting guidelines . In this article, we’ll find out the purpose of an essay header, how to format it, and the APA and MLA essay header variations.
A properly formatted header helps your professor quickly and easily identify your essay. In APA format , the essay header also carries a gist of your larger topic, providing the reader with basic information about your essay in one glance.
Let’s take a more detailed look at how to write a header for an essay.
Ensure top-notch essay formatting! Get started
What is a header in an essay?
A header for an essay is a line of text typically included at the top of the page. The content of the header depends on your essay header format. The MLA essay header includes your last name whereas the APA essay header includes a shortened title of your essay.
The use of a header is especially important in longer essays, as it helps professors navigate the document with ease. The page number helps them locate specific information quickly and the author’s name helps them associate each essay with the student who wrote it.
MLA essay header
The Modern Language Association (MLA), often used in literature and humanities essays, requires a specific type of header. It consists of your last name, followed by a space and then the page number. Thus, the MLA essay header helps the instructor easily associate your work with you amidst a sea of other assignments.
The header for an MLA format essay is typically placed in the top right-hand corner of each page of the document. The information is right-aligned, double-spaced, and is usually preceded by a 0.5-inch margin.
Here’s an essay header example to help you understand:
It is important to note that the MLA essay header is not the same as a title page. The title page is a separate page that includes the essay title, your name, the course title, and the date of submission. The MLA format essay header is simply a standardized way to format page numbers and your personal information within the document itself.
APA essay header
The American Psychological Association (APA) usually requires a header to be included in both student and professional essays. The APA essay header includes an abbreviated title of the essay along with the page number.
The title should be in all capital letters and should not be more than 50 characters long. It should be included on the top left corner of the page. The page number should be included opposite the title, in the top right corner of the page.
Take a look at this essay header example:
It is important to note that running head in an APA essay header is optional for students but compulsory for professionals. While the header must be present in both types of APA essays, the elements differ.
How to write a header for an essay
1. To activate the header for an essay, double-right-click on the top of the page.
If you need additional help with headers and other formatting guidelines, you can also consider working with a professional essay editing service .
Want to keep reading? Here are the newest articles we’ve worked on:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the header and title exactly the same, should i use my full name in the mla header, what are running apa headers.
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How To Write A Header For An Essay That Grabs Your Reader's Attention
Declan Gessel
May 9, 2024
Writing a header for an essay is crucial for setting the tone and providing structure, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout the content. Knowing how to write a header for an essay can significantly impact the overall quality of your work.
In this guide, you will learn the importance of headers, the different types, and the best practices to make your essay stand out. By the end of this post, you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to write compelling headers that engage readers and make your essay cohesive and easy to follow. You will learn tips and tricks on how to write an essay .
Table of Contents
What makes a good essay header, how to grab attention with clear and engaging essay headers, avoiding cliches and overused phrases in your essay headers, 5 pro tips for how to write a header for your essay, write smarter with jotbot — start writing for free today.
Let’s delve on what makes a good essay header:
Guiding the Reader Through the Essay's Structure
A clear header is like a map. It tells the reader what the upcoming paragraph is about. When readers have this information, they can easily decide if they want to continue reading. For example, if the reader knows a paragraph is about how to write a header for an essay, they will read on.
Avoiding Overly Broad or Vague Headers
Readers want to know what they are getting into before they start reading. Avoid overly broad headers that leave the reader unsure of the content. Make sure the header gives the reader a clue about what is coming next. For example, "Writing a Clear Essay Header" gives readers an idea of what the paragraph will be about.
Acting as Mini-Summaries
Informative headers act as mini-summaries. They give readers a quick preview of what they will read. This helps readers get more out of the paragraph. When readers know what to expect, they can better understand what they are reading.
Using Keywords and Key Phrases
If you can, use keywords or key phrases from the body paragraph in the header. This helps the reader connect the header to the content of the paragraph. For example, if “mini-summaries” is a key phrase in the paragraph, try to use it in the header.
Related Reading
• Argumentative Essay • Essay Format • Expository Essay • Essay Outline • How To Write A Conclusion For An Essay • Transition Sentences • Narrative Essay • Rhetorical Analysis Essay • Persuasive Essay
Below are the tips on how to grab engaging headers for essays:
Use Clear Verbs
To write more engaging headers for your essays, switch out passive verbs for active ones. For instance, instead of saying "The Impact is Analyzed," try "Analyzing the Impact." This change adds more punch to your writing, making it more engaging.
Ask Questions
Another way to make your essay headers more captivating is by incorporating questions . Questions pique readers' curiosity, enticing them to read further. For example, you could ask, "Can Technology Solve Climate Change?" This question creates a sense of intrigue that readers can't ignore.
Highlight Key Points
A great way to ensure that your essay header shines is by showcasing the main idea of the section right at the top. For example, instead of using a generic header like "Social Media Influencers," you could opt for "The Rise of Social Media Influencers." This way, readers know exactly what to expect from that particular section.
Keep it Simple
Lastly, when writing headers, remember to keep things straightforward. Don't use overly complex language that might confuse your readers. The aim is to create headers that are easy to understand and resonate with your audience.
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When writing essay headers, it's crucial to steer clear of clichés and overused phrases. These generic terms can easily dull the impact of your writing. Instead, focus on original, engaging, and exciting ways to draw your reader in.
I. The Pitfalls of Clichés and Overused Phrases
Clichés often fall short in two key areas:
1. Lack of Originality
Clichés can sound tired and lackluster, failing to grab the reader's attention.
2. Misrepresenting Content
Overused phrases might not accurately reflect the unique argument of your essay section.
II. Alternatives to Clichéd Language
A. strong verbs and precise nouns.
Steer away from weak verbs and generic terms. Instead, opt for:
Action verbs to capture the essence of your point.
Specific nouns for clarity.
For instance, instead of "The Importance Of Education," try "Cultivating Critical Thinking Skills: The Cornerstone of Education."
B. Figurative Language (Used Sparingly)
Use metaphors, similes, or other figures of speech creatively, but in moderation. For example, "A Web of Deceit: Unraveling the Conspiracy Theory."
C. Active Voice and Questions
Try using an active voice to make your header more engaging and consider sparking curiosity with questions. Instead of "Challenges Faced by Immigrants," try "Navigating New Waters: Challenges and Opportunities for Immigrants."
III. Brainstorming Effective Headers: A Step-by-Step Approach
A. identify keywords.
List your key points or arguments and choose keywords that accurately reflect your essay section.
B. Craft a Clear and Concise Sentence
Construct a sentence using identified keywords and strong verbs/nouns. Ensure it accurately represents your content.
C. Refine for Impact
Consider adding figurative language sparingly to inject intrigue. Explore phrasing options for a more engaging structure.
Avoiding clichés and overused phrases can greatly enhance your headers' impact by keeping readers engaged and interested. Be creative, precise, and original to truly capture the essence of your essay section.
1. Mastering Crystal Clear Communication for Your Essay Headers
By being upfront and informative, you can create headers that accurately reflect the content below, letting readers know exactly what they're about to learn. Ditch vague terms like "Healthy Habits" and go for something specific like "Boost Your Energy: 3 Simple Habits for a Healthier You."
2. Igniting Reader Curiosity with Power Words in Your Essay Headers
Weave in powerful words that pique interest and tap into the emotions of your readers. Words like "unlock," "secrets," "ultimate," or "mistakes" can add a spark. Instead of "Email Marketing Tips," use "Unlock the Power of Email: 3 Strategies to Boost Engagement."
3. The Sweet Spot: Keeping Your Essay Headers Short and Sweet
Attention spans are short online. Aim for concise headers that are easy to read and scannable. Focus on the core message and avoid unnecessary fluff.
4. Numbers: Utilizing Numerical Values to Craft Engaging Essay Headers
People love lists! Headers with numbers like "5 SEO Mistakes You Might Be Making" or "7 Hacks to Boost Your Blog Traffic" are easy to scan and instantly communicate value.
5. Sparking Curiosity with Intriguing Questions in Your Essay Headers
Spark curiosity by posing a question that taps into your reader's needs or pain points. For example, instead of "Social Media Marketing," try "Feeling Lost on Social Media? 3 Proven Strategies for Growth."
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How to Write Essay Titles and Headers
The deadline for your latest writing assignment is mere minutes away. You’re rushing to get the final details together and suddenly realize you’ve forgotten a title. You quickly throw something random on top of the page and submit it to your teacher.
You’re not satisfied with your title, but you vow to do better next time. And you will!
You’ve learned from your mistake: essay titles are not a last-minute detail. They’re an integral part of any piece of written work and should be planned out earlier on in the writing process.
Titles lead to your reader’s first impression of your essay, and the headings help organize your thoughts and make the essay easier to read. Let’s take a look at how you can turn your titles from an afterthought into a well-thought-out writing element.
How Do You Write a Great Title?
People DO judge a book by its cover, and they will judge your essay by its title. So writing a strong title is an important part of starting your writing off on the right foot.
Your essay title has two main functions:
- Inform your reader
- Spark your reader’s interest
Additionally, keep in mind these three pointers:
Be clear and concise
Vague titles do not inform the reader. Provide a specific description of what your focus will be. Your audience wants to know precisely what they will be reading.
Bad Example: Oceans
Good Example: Disappearing Ocean Life in the Pacific Rim
Offer an exciting tidbit or interesting fact
If your title is boring, readers will not want to keep reading. Offer them something that will get attention.
Bad Example: How Consumers are Wrongly Spending Money
Good Example: The Seven Million Dollar Mistake
Everyone may be writing a college admissions essay, but don’t title yours: My College Admissions Essay . No matter what the prompt, make your title something that stands out from the stack.
Bad Example: My Research Project
Good Example: Relocating the Human Race to Mars
How Do You Create a Great Header?
Essay headers are often overlooked by writers, but they can really help your readers as they journey through your essay. While the title may get the reader hooked, the headers keep them moving smoothly through your paper. They enhance readability and help explain what is most relevant in the essay.
Each essay header should answer these two questions:
- What will I learn?
- What is the focus?
When readers approach a new section of your essay, they will have a better reading experience if they have a small preview of what’s to come.
Writing a useful header should be relatively easy. Read through your paragraphs and see what the main idea of is. From here, make a list of sub-topics that are discussed in each section. The best way to do this is to pull from the main points you listed out in your outline (which you, of course, remembered to do!).
Remember the following details about writing a header:
Be simple, but informative
You don’t want to give away all of your ideas here, but you need to give some guiding information.
Bad Example: Eating Too Many Fatty Foods Can Increase Your Cholesterol Levels
Good Example: How Your Diet Affects Your Health
Be consistent throughout your essay.
Choose a pattern and stick with it throughout the entirety of the assignment. If you start off by having a heading for each paragraph, keep it that way until the end. Also, make sure the format remains the same. If your first heading is in the form of a question, all of the rest should be as well.
Bad Example: Beaches, What is Up With Littering?, I Want to Clean Up the Planet
Good Example: Neglected Beaches, Effects of Litter, Motivated Activists
Just like when you are writing a title, there are generic headings you can lean on to get it done quick and easy. But don’t use these. Your conclusion shouldn’t have the header, "Conclusion." Come up with something unique for each part of your essay to keep your reader from feeling fatigued as they read on.
Bad Example: Conclusion
Good Example: Will the Pandas Survive?
Be organized and helpful
Your essay should be scannable. This means that if someone needs information fast, they can find it without having to read every word of your piece.
Although titles and headers are often neglected, they are very important to your pieces of writing. They grab your reader’s attention from the start and keep them focused throughout the rest of your essay. Taking the time to craft great titles and headers can advance your writing to the next level.
Don’t overlook the title and section headers when putting together your next writing assignment. Follow these pointers for keeping your writing organized and effective.
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MLA Format Heading
This page contains guidelines on how to properly format the headings of your research paper using the MLA format.
1. The Opening Page:
On the opening page or the first page, you would include the whole heading and your paper’s title. The whole heading would include the following information:
- Your Instructor’s Name
- Your Class Information
- Your Paper’s Due Date
- Font: choose an easy to read font such as Times New Roman.
- Font Size: set the font size to be twelve (12) throughout your research paper, including your paper’s title. Never set the font site larger than 12.
- Margins: 1-inch for top/bottom/right/left throughout your paper.
- Double-space: double-space throughout your paper. Don’t add extra spaces (besides double-space) between your headings, your title and your paragraphs.
Sample of the Opening Page:
A sample of the first page of your paper.
2. The Inner Pages:
For the pages that follow the first page, set the heading like this: instead of the whole heading, you would use the header feature on your word processing program and including the following information: Your Last Name and the Page Number.
Sample of the Inner Page:
Example of the heading for inner pages.
3. The Works Cited Page:
Every research paper must include a works cited page.
- The works cited list is placed at the end of your paper, on a new page.
- The heading for your works cited pages should be the same as the heading for your inner pages, which include your name and the page number at the top.
- Enter the title as “ Works Cited ” and place this title 1-inch from the top of the page, see more details in the example illustration picture below.
Sample of the Works Cited Page:
Example of the works cited page.
– MLA Handbook, 8th edition
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this is great!
Cool. But how many grade school students will look at this website to see how to set up their papers.
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I have the following level 3 heading in my thesis:
Project management office and (pmo) metrics team.
Should the abbreviation pmo be in lower case as it is or should it be in upper case?
Please Advise. Thanks.
So for the works cited page, you don’t need the name, teacher, date, and period heading at all?
No. It should only be on the first page of the essay.
This is some good stuff to know.
I have to write a paper for an application and they want it to be in MLA format. I don’t know how to do the heading because it’s not going to one teacher in particular and it is not for one class.
I don’t think you need a heading besides the “Last name-1” on the inner pages.
Hey Shannon. You might try “To Whom it may concern” or something like that. Don’t trust me on this because I am not for sure on that and if you did do this you might get it wrong and whoever might not accept your application. I hope you figure out how to do it and do great on that application! 😀 – Christopher
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How to Create a Header in MLA Style
- 2-minute read
- 6th January 2023
In MLA style papers, the header is an important component. You may have heard of both headers and headings, so what’s the difference? And how are they formatted in MLA ? Read on to learn more.
What Is an MLA Header?
In the MLA style , the header is found on every page of your paper. It’s in the top right corner and provides your last name and the page number. To create one in Microsoft Word, follow the steps below:
- Go to Insert > Page number > Top of page. Choose the option that shows the page number on the right side.
2. Add your last name and make sure the font style and size match with the rest of your paper. Your header should now appear on each page of your paper.
What About Headings in MLA?
The MLA style doesn’t typically require a cover page, but your instructor still needs to see some introductory information. That’s where a heading comes in. It goes on the first page in the upper left-hand corner, and it includes your name, instructor’s name, course name/number, and the date.
As seen in the screenshot, the heading must be double spaced and in a readable font. You should then put the title of your paper below your heading, centered on the page.
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As far as section headings go, MLA doesn’t have any specific rules – however you choose to format them, just ensure that you remain consistent throughout the paper.
Summary: MLA Headers and Headings
The MLA style offers lots of flexibility and can be pretty easy to follow, once you get the hang of it. As a quick review, remember:
- Headers go on the top right corner of every page and include your last name and the page number.
- Headings go on the first page and include your name, professor’s name, course name/number, and the date.
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MLA Format: The Ultimate Guide to Correctly Formatting Your Paper
By Hannah Yang
So you need to create an MLA heading? You’re not alone—MLA format is one of the most common styles you’ll be expected to use when you’re writing a humanities paper, whether you’re a high-school student or a PhD candidate.
Read on to learn what a correct MLA heading looks like and how to create one that works like magic.
What Is an MLA Heading?
How do you format an mla heading, what is an mla header, how do you format an mla header, headings are only the beginning, commonly asked questions about mla headers, final thoughts.
The term “MLA heading” refers to five lines of important information that appear at the top of the first page.
Here are two examples of what an MLA heading could look like:
Hermione Granger
Professor McGonagall
Transfiguration—6th period
18 October 1991
“How to Turn A Matchstick into a Needle”
Harry J. Potter
Prof. Remus Lupin
Defense Against the Dark Arts
4 March 1994
“Why I Think My Professor Is a Werewolf”
Why are these headings important? Well, your teacher probably collects hundreds of papers every year. If any identifying information is missing from these assignments, grading and organizing them becomes much more of a challenge.
MLA headings ensure that all key information is presented upfront. With just a glance at the first page, your teacher can easily figure out who wrote this paper, when it was submitted, and which class it was written for.
What Are the Parts of an MLA Heading?
An MLA heading should include:
- Your instructor’s name
- The name of the class
- The date the assignment is due
- The title of your paper
Your instructor may give you specific guidelines about how much detail to include in each line. For example, some teachers may ask you to refer to them by their titles, while others may ask you to use their full names. If you haven’t been given any specific instructions, don’t sweat it—any option is fine as long as it’s clear and consistent.
Follow these formatting rules for your MLA heading:
- Start each piece of information on a separate line
- Don’t use any periods, commas, or other punctuation at the end of the line
- Keep the heading double-spaced, in the same font as the rest of your paper
- Left-align the first four lines (they should start at the 1-inch margin on the left side of your paper)
- Center the title (it should appear in the middle of your paper)
- Make sure your title is in title case
Title case means that major words should be capitalized and minor words should be lowercase. Major words include nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, and any word longer than four letters. Minor words include conjunctions, prepositions, and articles.
Tip: Remember that Hermione’s “Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare” shortens to S.P.E.W., not S.F.T.P.O.E.W—only the major words are capitalized!
The MLA heading should only appear on the first page of your paper . But wait, you’re not done yet! In the rest of your paper, you need to include something called an MLA header at the top right corner of every page.
Think of the MLA header as a short, simple “You are here” marker that shows the reader where they are in the paper. By looking at the MLA headers, your instructor can easily understand where each page goes and which paper it belongs to.
What Are the Parts of an MLA Header?
The MLA header consists of your last name and page number.
For example, the second page of Hermione Granger’s essays would be labeled “Granger 2”, the third would be labeled “Granger 3”, and so on.
Creating MLA Headers in Microsoft Word
If you’re writing your paper in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:
- Click Insert
- Scroll down to Page Numbers and click on it
- Set the position to “Top of Page (Header)”
- Set the alignment to “Right”
- Make sure there’s no checkmark in the box for “Show number on first page”
- Click on the page number and type your last name before the number
- Set your font and font size to match the rest of your paper, if they don’t already
Creating MLA Headers in Google Docs
If you’re writing your paper in Google Docs, follow these steps:
- Scroll down to Page Numbers and hover over it
- Choose the option that sets your page number in the upper right corner
- Set your font and type size to match the rest of your paper, if they don’t already
Tip: After you create your first MLA header, save a template document for yourself that you can re-use next time, so you don’t have to follow these steps every time you write a paper!
Once you've got your headings sorted, it's time to start writing your paper. While we can't help you edit the content of your essay , ProWritingAid is here to make sure your grammar, spelling, and style is on point.
As well as checking your grammar, ProWritingAid also shows you your progress towards key goals like varied sentence structure, active voice, readability, and more. The target scores are all based on averages for real essays, so you'll always know if you're on track.
Ready to start receiving feedback before you submit your work?
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VIDEO
COMMENTS
Creating an MLA Header | What to Include & ...
How to Write an Essay Header: MLA and APA ...
How to Write and Format Headings in Academic Writing
APA Headings and Subheadings | With Sample Paper
How to Create MLA Format Headings and Headers
5 Pro Tips For How To Write A Header For Your Essay. 1. Mastering Crystal Clear Communication for Your Essay Headers. By being upfront and informative, you can create headers that accurately reflect the content below, letting readers know exactly what they're about to learn.
Taking the time to craft great titles and headers can advance your writing to the next level. Count words and characters, correct spelling and grammar, and check keyword density. Don't overlook the title and section headers when putting together your next writing assignment. Follow these pointers for keeping your writing organized and effective.
This page contains guidelines on how to properly format the headings of your research paper using the MLA format. 1. The Opening Page: On the opening page or the first page, you would include the whole heading and your paper's title. The whole heading would include the following information: Your Name. Your Instructor's Name.
How to Create a Header in MLA Style - Proofed
Missing or Incorrect Header: Forgetting to include the header with your last name and page number on each page can lead to a lower grade. Also, ensure that the header is properly aligned with the right margin. Example of MLA Format. Here's a simplified example of how the first page of an MLA-formatted essay might look: First Page of an MLA Paper:
Headings - APA Style
Creating MLA Headers in Microsoft Word. If you're writing your paper in Microsoft Word, follow these steps: Click Insert. Scroll down to Page Numbers and click on it. Set the position to "Top of Page (Header)". Set the alignment to "Right". Make sure there's no checkmark in the box for "Show number on first page".
MLA General Format - Purdue OWL
MLA Heading and Header Formats (With Examples)
MLA Format | Complete Guidelines & Free Template
To write a header for an essay, include your last name and the page number in the upper right corner of every page. For MLA header format, place your last name and page number 0.5 inches from the top of the page, while for APA format, include a shortened version of your essay title (up to 50 characters) along with the page number.
ENG 1001: Inserting Headers
Creating a Header. You don't have to type a header for each page of your essay. Software programs such as Microsoft Word make it easy to create a consistent header that appears in the correct position and format at the top of each page. First Page. The first page of an essay does not require an essay header. Exceptions
Student Paper Setup Guide, APA Style 7th Edition
Using different heading levels will help the reader navigate through the document. The headings and subheadings should be captivating enough to make an excellent first impression. When writing a subheading, keep in mind that the H2s are the headers of each header for the main section of the essay. H3s are the subsections of the main points in H2s.
MLA Title Page | When You Need One & How to ...
How to format a college essay header?
This essay surveys the emergence and trajectory of the historiography of slavery as it has at times intersected with human-animal studies. First, the essay traces the historiography of slavery from 1918 to the 1980s to question how historians wrote about both chattel slavery as a regime of labor involving animals and the dehumanizing function of slavery as an economic system. Second, the essay ...
How to Structure an Essay | Tips & Templates