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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:

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:

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 generator   here.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab College of Liberal Arts

APA Sample Paper

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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 This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.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:

Apa 7 professional paper:.

• The Complete Guide to APA Format in 2020

APA Title Page / Cover Page

• Headings and Subheadings
• Discussion Section
• Websites and Online Sources
• Journals and Periodicals
• Other Print Sources
• Other Non-Print Sources
• In-text Citations
• Footnotes and Endnotes
• Using MyBib Responsibly
• Miscellaneous Questions

Details to include

The title page (also known as the cover page) is the front page of your paper. It should contain:

• The running head , a header at the top of the page.
• The first page number .
• The title of the paper
• The institution for which you writing.

Running head

The running head should be in the top-left corner of the page in uppercase. It should include a shortened title of your paper. On the front page only, it should also be prepended with "Running head:".

First page number

The first page number -- generally page 1 -- should be in the top-right corner of the page. Both the page number and the running head should be a half inch from the top of the page.

The title of the paper can contain upper and lowercase letters, and ideally should be no more than 12 words in length. It should be direct, and should not contain abbreviations or other unnecessary words. It should not span longer than 2 lines. The first letter of each word should be uppercase, except for articles (a, an, the), and conjunctions (and, but, for, or, yet).

Underneath the title should be your name (or the author's name if you're not the author). It should be displayed as the first name , middle initial , and last name . Do not add titles (such as Dr.) to the beginning, or qualifications (such as PhD) to the end of an author's name.

Your institution

Finally, underneath the author's name, state the full name of the institution or school you're writing the paper for.

The font for all text on the title page should be Times New Roman, size 12pt, with double line-spacing.

A correct title page will look like the below image:

After completing your title page you will move on to writing an abstract of your paper.

• How to Make an Essay Cover Page? and 5 Formats

When it comes to academic writing, your essay cover page serves as the first impression of your work —a glimpse of the professionalism and attention to detail that lie within. It's not merely a cosmetic addition; it's a vital component of your essay. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of crafting an impeccable essay cover page while exploring five popular formatting styles. Whether you're navigating the requirements of APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, or Harvard styles , we've got you covered.

Your essay cover page sets the stage for your reader, offering a preview of the structured and well-researched content that awaits. It's a reflection of your dedication to presenting your ideas with clarity and precision. Let's embark on this journey together, as we unravel the art of creating an essay cover page that leaves a lasting impression.

We'll explore the fundamental elements that constitute a well-crafted cover page, ensuring that you not only meet the specific style guidelines but also understand the importance of this foundational aspect of academic writing. Join us as we delve into the world of essay cover pages, where every detail, from the format to the title placement, matters.

Basic Elements of an Essay Cover Page

An essay cover page, also known as an essay title page, is your canvas to showcase your attention to detail and adherence to formatting guidelines. To create a cover page that aligns with the required format, it's essential to understand the basic elements that make up this crucial component of your essay.

Cover Page Format:

The format of your essay cover page depends largely on the citation style you are required to follow, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, or Harvard . Each style has its unique requirements for margins, font size and type, alignment, and spacing. Understanding the specific format guidelines is the first step in creating an impeccable cover page.

Essay Title Page:

The title page is where your essay's title is prominently displayed. It should be clear, concise, and reflective of the content of your essay. Depending on the formatting style, the title may be centered, aligned to the left, or placed in a specific location on the page.

Additional Information:

In some cases, your cover page may require additional information, such as your name, course title, instructor's name, and submission date . These details are often specified by your institution or the style guide you're following. Ensure that you include all the necessary information in the correct format.

Page Numbers:

While page numbers are commonly placed in the header or footer of subsequent pages, some styles may require the inclusion of the page number on the cover page as well. Be sure to check the style guidelines to determine whether page numbers are necessary on the cover page.

Spacing and Alignment:

Proper spacing and alignment are crucial for a neat and well-organized cover page. Pay attention to line spacing, paragraph indentation, and overall page alignment as dictated by the formatting style.

Running Head (APA Style):

For those following APA style, a running head—a shortened version of your title—may be required at the top of the page. This element adds a professional touch to your cover page. Mastering the basic elements of an essay cover page ensures that your work meets the specific requirements of your chosen formatting style. It's an essential step in presenting your essay with the professionalism and clarity it deserves.

In the following sections, we'll delve into the nuances of creating cover pages in different styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, and Harvard. Each style has its unique set of guidelines, and understanding them will empower you to craft cover pages that align perfectly with academic standards.

Formatting Style-Specific Cover Pages

Each citation style, whether it's APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), Chicago (CMS - Chicago Manual of Style), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) , or Harvard , comes with its own set of rules and guidelines for creating a cover page. Understanding these style-specific requirements is essential for crafting a cover page that adheres to academic standards.

APA (American Psychological Association) Style Cover Page

In APA style, the cover page is meticulously structured to include essential information such as the title, author's name, institutional affiliation, and author note (if applicable). The title is centered, bold, and written in title case, and the author's name and institutional affiliation are centered below the title. Proper alignment, font size, and spacing are paramount to meet APA guidelines. Additionally, the running head, a shortened title, appears in the header.

MLA (Modern Language Association) Style Cover Page

MLA style emphasizes simplicity and clarity. The cover page typically features the author's name, instructor's name, course title, and date—all aligned to the left. The title, also aligned to the left, is not bolded or underlined. The absence of a separate cover page is a distinctive feature of MLA formatting. Instead, this information is placed on the first page of the essay.

Chicago (CMS - Chicago Manual of Style) Style Cover Page

Chicago style provides flexibility in cover page structure. It often includes the essay title centered at the top, followed by the author's name and class details. Chicago allows for variations in formatting, so you can choose a style that suits your preferences, such as title case or sentence case for the title.

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Style Cover Page

IEEE style keeps the cover page concise and informative. It typically includes the title centered at the top, followed by the author's name, affiliation, and date—all centered and presented without bold or italics. IEEE places emphasis on clarity and simplicity.

Harvard Style Cover Page

The Harvard style varies somewhat from other citation styles. The cover page may include the title centered at the top, followed by the author's name and date, all centered. Harvard style emphasizes in-text citations within the essay, which distinguishes it from other styles. Mastering the specific guidelines of your chosen citation style is crucial to creating a cover page that aligns perfectly with academic requirements. Whether you're following APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, or Harvard style, attention to detail and adherence to the prescribed format ensure that your cover page reflects your dedication to precision and professionalism.

Essay and Coverpage Help by BridgeText

At BridgeText, we're committed to supporting students on their academic journey, not only with essay writing but also with ensuring that cover pages meet the highest standards of precision and professionalism. Our holistic approach to academic assistance ensures that you have the tools and expertise you need to succeed.

Comprehensive Essay Assistance

Our range of services extends far beyond cover pages. We offer comprehensive essay assistance designed to address every aspect of your academic writing needs. Whether you need guidance on selecting a topic, structuring your essay, conducting research, or refining your writing, our team of experienced writers and editors is here to help.

Tailored Cover Page Support

Crafting a cover page may seem like a small detail, but it's a detail that matters. Our experts understand the significance of cover pages in creating a positive first impression. Whether you're following APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, Harvard, or any other style, our cover page assistance ensures that you adhere to the specific formatting requirements of your institution and style guide.

Collaboration and Communication

One of the strengths of our service is the ability to collaborate directly with your assigned writer or editor. We believe that your involvement in the process is crucial for your academic growth. You can communicate your preferences, provide feedback, and seek clarification at any stage of your project.

Meeting Deadlines with Confidence

We understand the importance of deadlines in the academic world. Whether you have a tight schedule or need a last-minute adjustment, BridgeText can accommodate your needs. Our writers are adept at managing time effectively to ensure that you receive your completed work promptly.

Quality Assurance

Quality is at the heart of everything we do at BridgeText. Every essay, cover page, or academic project undergoes a rigorous quality assurance process. Our team of editors reviews each document to ensure it meets our high standards for clarity, coherence, grammar, and formatting.

A Path to Academic Excellence

BridgeText is not just an academic writing service ; it's a partner on your path to academic excellence. We're dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential as a student and scholar. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed not only in your current coursework but also in your future academic endeavors.

Ready to embark on your journey toward academic success? Connect with BridgeText today, and let us be your guide to mastering the intricacies of academic writing, including crafting impeccable cover pages. Together, we'll ensure that your academic work reflects the precision and professionalism that set you apart.

With BridgeText as your partner, you can approach your academic writing tasks with confidence, knowing that you have a trusted ally by your side. Whether it's essay writing, cover page formatting, or any other aspect of your academic journey, BridgeText is here to support you every step of the way.

Also, in today's digital landscape, AI-generated text is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, maintaining authenticity and achieving a human-like quality are crucial in academic writing. BridgeText specializes in humanizing AI-generated content , providing services to refine and naturalize machine-written text, making it indistinguishable from human writing. This literature review explores the importance of humanizing AI text, the benefits of our AI to human text conversion services, and how BridgeText can assist in overcoming AI detection challenges.

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