How do I write a strong title?

A strong title should do two things:

1. Get the reader’s attention
2. Accurately inform the reader of the essay’s topic, subject, and purpose

For example, consider this title:

The Media: Free or Controlled?

This title is weak because it asks a question rather than take a position and makes the reader believe that the writer is indecisive. Does the writer have an opinion and will it be presented in the essay? No, there’s nothing wrong with an exploratory essay if that is what your professor assigned, but generally college-level essays will require you to make an argument and support that argument; see purpose. The above title suggests indecision.

A strong title will present the subject of the essay as well as the assertion, even if it is just a hint. Like an opening sentence, your title should get the reader’s attention, so it should nto be too long or too detailed as this may dissuade the reader from even continuing. Try to be succinct and interesting:

Star Trek’s Positive Vision: The Future of Humanity

This title explicitly states the essay’s subject and offers a positive connotation about the subject to the reader. While it may not address the topic explicitly, it does provide a subject and a direction that the essay will develop.

Every noun and verb should be capitalized in your title. Do not enclose your title in quotation marks or italicize it.

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Composition FAQ