Steps to Writing the Front Cover of a Research Paper

An important skill in learning is to be able to process knowledge within a certain field and to be able to draw original and valid conclusions from this research. In standardized learning environments, this is often tested through the research paper. Though students and researchers often dread writing these papers, the actual format is not difficult to learn. The first step that writers should take is to familiarize themselves with creating the front cover, which is also called the title page. The requirements for the cover page may vary according to topic or class.

Things You'll Need

  • Stapler or paper clip
  • Binder or Folder (if requested or needed)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check to see if the format for the title page has been specified by your teacher. Teachers will usually include specific front cover information the the paper is assigned. This information will be made available either in a handout or online.

    • 2

      Use APA (American Psychological Association) format for the title page if no format has been specified and it's a paper for a social sciences course. Writers should include a separate cover page that lists the title of the piece, the author's name (without titles or degrees), and the institutional affiliation. This information should be in both lower and upper case letters, centered in the upper half of the page. Students should also include the page number on the title page, beginning with "1" in the upper-right hand corner. Include a running head, which is the title of your paper. Type this part in all capital letters.

    • 3

      Use MLA research paper format if no format has been specified and it is not a social sciences paper. Under MLA format, no separate title page is required; rather, writers should simply include include the institution details and title on the first page of the paper. If you are a student, this means including your name, your instructor's name, the course name and number, and the date, all justified to the left on four separate, double-spaced lines. Ensure that the date is in "day month year" format. Then include the title of the piece, in upper and lower case letters and centered on the page, double-spaced beneath the date. You should start the paper's content double-spaced and justified left beneath the title. For page numbering, include your last name and the page number on the top-right corner of every page, including the front page.

    • 4

      Do not put the paper into a binder or folder unless explicitly asked for in this way. Many professors prefer simple stacks of paper when grading. Generally, a single staple or paper clip in the left-hand corner of the page will suffice. One exception may be with a very long research paper that will not staple properly or clip neatly. If this length is acceptable for your teacher, then placing the paper into a clean, undamaged folder or binder is acceptable.

    • 5

      Ask! If you're still in doubt and are submitting your paper for a grade or for consideration into a scholarly journal, you want to be sure to give your paper the best presentation possible. The front cover and title page is the first thing that any reader sees. Thus, the best way to ensure that your paper is following the expected format is to simply ask your professor or to contact the scholarly journal to make sure.

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