How do I write a strong title?: Difference between revisions

From LitWiki
No edit summary
 
No edit summary
 
(5 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
A strong title should do two things:
==Why a Strong Title==


# Get the reader’s attention
# Get the reader’s attention.
# Accurately inform the reader of the essay’s topic, subject, and purpose
# A strong title will make their brains tell them to read more into it.
# Strong titles will create a bigger audience.


For example, consider this title:
==Consider the following ideas==
'''Get Spunky:'''
If your title has a fun ring to it, chances are your audience will be captured by it.


: The Media: Free or Controlled?
'''Be Intriguing:'''
Titles out of the ordinary that have a certain ring to them will capture the audiences attention. This will usually make the reader want to know more about the topic.


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.
'''Be Authoritative:'''
Authors who are experts in the field they are writing about should pay close attention to this. Use strong words that show you are the boss.


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:
'''Offer a Benefit:'''
Make the audience believe they will walk away gaining knowledge and able to use that knowledge.


: Star Trek’s Positive Vision: The Future of Humanity
'''Take the Right Approach:'''
Know your audience. Use your title that will capture that certain age, culture, social or economical class's eye.


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.
'''Use Subtitles:'''
This works great when you do not have enough room to say it in the main title.  


Every noun and verb should be capitalized in your title. Do not enclose your title in quotation marks or italicize it.
'''Lastly, Be Patient:'''
Brainstorm, ask for help and test your title with the public. It may sound like a good title to you, but may not be selling to others.
 
==Links==
 
http://www.writedirections.com/art_title.php
 
==Work Cited==
 
Conny, Beth Mende. "How to Write a Great Title for Your Book." 2012 <http://www.writedirections.com/art_title.php>


----
----


[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Title]]

Latest revision as of 00:08, 8 November 2013

Why a Strong Title

  1. Get the reader’s attention.
  2. A strong title will make their brains tell them to read more into it.
  3. Strong titles will create a bigger audience.

Consider the following ideas

Get Spunky: If your title has a fun ring to it, chances are your audience will be captured by it.

Be Intriguing: Titles out of the ordinary that have a certain ring to them will capture the audiences attention. This will usually make the reader want to know more about the topic.

Be Authoritative: Authors who are experts in the field they are writing about should pay close attention to this. Use strong words that show you are the boss.

Offer a Benefit: Make the audience believe they will walk away gaining knowledge and able to use that knowledge.

Take the Right Approach: Know your audience. Use your title that will capture that certain age, culture, social or economical class's eye.

Use Subtitles: This works great when you do not have enough room to say it in the main title.

Lastly, Be Patient: Brainstorm, ask for help and test your title with the public. It may sound like a good title to you, but may not be selling to others.

Links

http://www.writedirections.com/art_title.php

Work Cited

Conny, Beth Mende. "How to Write a Great Title for Your Book." 2012 <http://www.writedirections.com/art_title.php>


Composition FAQ