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APA Title Page (Cover Page) Format, Example, & Templates

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In APA Style (7th edition), the cover page, or title page, should include:

A running head (professional papers only) and page number
The title of the paper
The name of the author(s)
The institutional affiliation
An author note; optional (professional papers only)
A student paper should also include course information

Note : APA 7 provides slightly different directions for formatting the title pages of professional papers (e.g., those intended for scholarly publication) and student papers (e.g., those turned in for credit in a high school or college course).

Professional paper APA title page

An example of an APA format reference page

Student paper APA title page

Formatting an APA title page

Note : All text on the title page should be double-spaced and typed in either 12-point, Times New Roman font. In the 7th edition, APA increaded the flexibility regarding font options: which now include Calibri 11, Arial 11, Lucida Sans Unicode 10, Times New Roman 12, or Georgia 11. All words should be centered, and capitalize the first letter of important words.

Running Head

In the 7th edition of the APA style manual, running heads are only required for professional papers that are being submitted for publication (student papers do not require a running head, but still need a page number).

Your title page should contain a running head that is flush left at the top of the page and a page number that is flush right at the top of the page.

Place the running head in the page’s header:

The running head is the abbreviated title of the paper (IN UPPERCASE LETTERS) aligned left on the page header of all pages, including the title page. APA (7th edition) guidelines require that running heads be a maximum of 50 characters (spaces count as characters).
The “Running head:” label used in the APA sixth edition is no longer used.
Place the page number in this same header, but align right, beginning with page number 1 on the title page.
This header should be 1 inch from the top. Some instructors allow for 1/2 inch, too, but the default is 1 inch.

Paper Title

Position the title of the paper in the upper half of the page. The title should be centered and written in boldface, and important words should be capitalized.

The APA recommends that your title should be a maximum of 12 words and should not contain abbreviations or words that serve no purpose.

Author Name(s)

Institutional affiliation.

Position the school or university’s name below the author(s) name, centered.

A student paper should also include the course number and name, instructor name, and assignment due date.

Further Information

APA Student Title Page Guide
APA Referencing
How to Write a Lab Report
Essay Writing Guide for Psychology Students
APA Style Citations & References
Example of an APA Formatted Paper

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Home / Guides / Writing Guides / Parts of a Paper / How to Write an Essay Cover Page

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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A Research Guide
Research Paper Guide

How to Make a Cover Page for a Research Paper

Importance of title page
Elements of cover page
Title page formats
How to write

Only some people pay the necessary attention to the correct design of the title page, which increases the probability of getting a bad grade. This material will teach you to create your cover page per the university’s rules and correctly write your research paper title .

Why is the title page required?

A cover page looks like the cover of a book. It contains all the essential information about you and your research, shows which university or course it was created for, etc. Simply put, the title is a squeeze of your most important information.

The scientific paper title page consists of the following:

Research topics;
The name of the student who wrote it;
Information about the university and faculty;
Information about the type of paper (research paper, essay, etc.);
Delivery date.

As a rule, before writing research, your teacher tells you the format they want to see on the title page. Pay attention to this preference and do the cover page according to the standards.

What elements does the research paper cover page consist of?

The content of the title page may vary slightly depending on the citation format of the entire study. In general, the common elements remain unchanged. It’s the following:

Title of the research;
Full name of the author or student who conducted this study;
Information about the university for which the study was prepared;
The name of the faculty where the student is studying;
The degree that is being acquired (Bachelor, Master);
Date of application;
A summary of the research.

Additionally, when it’s time to write a cover page for a research paper, it is essential to adhere to the design standards: indents, fonts, selections, etc.

How to make a cover page for a research paper with different types of citing?

Now, let’s look at different research page design types and their specific requirements.

The APA Citation Standards contain strict guidelines for a student’s research design. If your university uses this style and requires you to follow it, you should add a “running heading” to all research pages and number the pages.

The title page of the research should contain the author’s name and the university where he studies. If an organization wrote the research, then the organization’s full name. Next, there should be information about the faculty, course number, and the teacher’s name. Finally, if the research is not student but professional, there must be notes by the author.

The name of the study must be placed in the center of the page, in bold type. It should take a maximum of 2 lines and be concise. All other information is located below in the center.

If you have used the MLA citation style when writing, you will not need a title page in most cases. When using this design, all information is placed above the paper’s main text. You need to write information about yourself in the following order:

The name of the professor who is evaluating the study;
Faculty and course name;
Delivery date;
Paper title.

If you are writing a group study or your professor asks for a research paper title page, move all of the information above to a separate page and do not include it on the first page of your paper.

The design of the cover page for college paper in this style may vary, so check with your professor before creating it.

If no special instructions are given, place the name of the study in the center of the page, with your name immediately below it. The research paper title page should be in the first third of the second half of the page. Next, place the professor’s name, the course title, and the due date. You do not need to number and include the research paper front page in the overall numbering.

This design style contains more information about the research authors than the previous ones. Consequently, you need to indicate the study name in the page center. The author’s name, the university’s name, and the number of words in the research go right below.

The lower part contains the author’s name, email, thanks, and grant information.

According to the AMA standards, you must place crucial information about studying all the listed styles to write a title page. Thus, when designing the research paper title page, you need to indicate the paper title page at the top in the center. Then, immediately below it, place the author’s and university’s names. The author’s name, without academic degrees, should be indicated through the surname and initials.

Next, you need to place an annotation where to describe the purpose of the research, by what method it was carried out, and what main results were obtained. It is also worth writing a few main keywords used in the paper: from 3 to 10.

So, how to write a proper title page?

Before writing the cover page, stick to the following algorithm:

Ask your professor how to style and write the research paper title page.
Check out the requirements for this citation style.
Find some research paper title page examples.
Write a research paper title that captures the research essence but remains concise.
Provide all the necessary information about yourself, your professor, and your university.
If necessary, write an abstract detailing all the most important details of your research. Stay brief.
After creating the cover page, check the font, indents, and all the information you provided.

Bonus tips for making a great research paper title page

Don’t try to be creative. Use different fonts, underlines, and highlights. Adhere strictly to standards.
Stay concise. Keep the title short and specific, and keep all other information in the correct format.
Check the indentation and all citation standards after creating the research paper title page.

Writing a Research Paper
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Hypothesis for a Research Paper
Research Question
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Research Paper Summary
Research Paper Prospectus
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Research Paper Format
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Research Paper Structure
Research Paper Cover Page
Research Paper Abstract
Research Paper Introduction
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Bibliography vs Works Cited vs References Page
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Home » Research Paper Title Page – Example and Making Guide

Research Paper Title Page – Example and Making Guide

Table of Contents

Research Paper Title Page

Research Paper Title Page is the cover page of a research paper that provides basic information about the paper. It typically includes the title of the research paper, the author’s name, the date of submission, and the name of the institution or department where the research was conducted.

The title page of a research paper typically includes the following information:

Title of the research paper
Author(s) of the paper (including their name(s), affiliation(s), and contact information)
Date of submission or publication
Name of the academic institution or organization where the research was conducted (if applicable)
Any acknowledgments or funding sources for the research
Abstract of the research paper (usually a brief summary of the paper’s main findings or arguments)

Research Paper Title Page Example

Notes on formatting:

The title of your research paper should be centered on the page, and should be written in title case (capitalizing the first letter of each major word).
Your name should be written underneath the title, centered on the page.
Your institutional affiliation (e.g. the name of your university or research institution) should be written underneath your name, centered on the page.
The date of submission should be written underneath your institutional affiliation, centered on the page.

Research Paper Title Page Writing Guide

Here are some guidelines for writing a research paper title page:

Title of the paper: The title should be concise and descriptive, reflecting the main idea or focus of the research paper. The title should be centered on the page and in title case (capitalize the first letter of each major word).
Author’s name : The author’s name should be written below the title, also centered on the page. Use first name, middle initial, and last name.
Institutional affiliation: The institutional affiliation is the name of the university, college, or organization where the research was conducted. It should be listed below the author’s name and centered on the page.
Date of submission: The date of submission is the date when the research paper is being submitted for review or publication. It should be written below the institutional affiliation and centered on the page.
Running head: A running head is a short version of the title that is used on subsequent pages of the paper. It should be written in all caps and flush left at the top of each page.
Page number: The page number should be flush right at the top of each page.
Font and spacing: Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial in 12-point size. Double-space the entire title page.

Purpose of Research Paper Title Page

The purpose of the research paper title page is to:

Identify the title of the research paper: The title page provides the title of the paper in a clear and concise manner so that readers can quickly understand the topic of the research.
Indicate the author(s) of the paper: The title page should include the name(s) of the author(s) who conducted the research and wrote the paper. This information helps to establish credibility and accountability for the research.
Provide information about the institutional affiliation: The title page should also include the name of the institution where the research was conducted. This information helps readers understand the context of the research and can be useful for citations and further research.
Give the date of the research: The title page should include the date that the research was conducted or the paper was written. This information helps readers understand the currency of the research and can be useful for citing sources.
Include other relevant information: Depending on the requirements of the research paper, the title page may also include other relevant information such as the course title, instructor’s name, or a brief abstract of the research.
Establish a professional appearance : The title page provides an opportunity to present the research paper in a professional and organized manner. A well-designed title page with all necessary information can make a positive first impression on readers and demonstrate the author’s attention to detail.
Facilitate easy referencing: A properly formatted title page can help readers locate the research paper easily in a database, library, or other sources. This is particularly important for academic and scientific research papers that may be referenced frequently by others.
Comply with formatting guidelines : Many academic and scientific disciplines have specific formatting guidelines for research papers, including requirements for the title page. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that the research paper is presented in a consistent and standardized format that is familiar to readers in that field.
Demonstrate compliance with ethical standards: Some academic institutions require that the title page include a statement of compliance with ethical standards for research, such as human subjects’ protection, data privacy, or animal welfare. This information ensures that the research was conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.

Advantages of Research Paper Title Page

There are several advantages to including a title page in a research paper, including:

Professional Appearance: A title page provides a professional appearance to the research paper. It is the first thing that readers see, and it gives them an impression of the paper’s overall quality.
Credibility : Including a title page with all the necessary information, such as the author’s name, institutional affiliation, and the date of submission, enhances the credibility of the research paper.
Easy Identification: A title page makes it easier for readers to identify the research paper among other papers. It provides important information about the paper, such as the title, author’s name, and institutional affiliation.
Easy Access: A title page provides a quick reference for readers who need to cite the research paper in their own work. The necessary information is all in one place and easily accessible.
Compliance with Formatting Guidelines: Many academic institutions have specific formatting guidelines for research papers, including the use of a title page. Including a title page ensures compliance with these guidelines and helps avoid any confusion or penalties.

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Creating a captivating research paper title page – ultimate guide with examples.

August 29, 2019

A reader can become engaged or irritated after seeing your research paper title page. Th at is why you need to put in the effort to make sure that it is done properly, and it compels the reader to continue reading the content. Creating the title page for research paper is sometimes more difficult for students than writing a research paper.

How To Make A Title Page For Research Paper

The first thing you need to know is that there are primarily three formats for your title page – APA, Chicago style, and MLA. Your instructor will most likely tell you which format is ideal for the paper. The title page has to contain some precise information about the research in a few words. So, what should be contained in a research paper title page?

The front page of your research paper should contain your full name as it is stated on all your educational certificates. That should be on the same page where you put the topic.

Title Of The Research Paper

Make sure you come up with a good title for research paper and put it on the cover page along with your name. Make sure that the title is interesting. Also, it should not be misleading in any way but should provide a glimpse into the entire content. Typically, the title of the research paper title is expected to be written in capital letters and bold fonts.

Supervisor’s Name

Another important detail to add is the full name of the research supervisor. If you go through the research paper title page examples, you’ll see that adding the supervisor’s name is a must.

Course Information

You need to provide some information about the course, including the course code, academic year, and semester.

Now you know what your research paper title page is expected to contain, it’s time to dive into how to make a title page like a professional. Below are some useful tips for creating the perfect paper title page:

Use The Right Format

As stated earlier, there are three main research paper formats. The one you use will depend on what you’ve been instructed to use. However, you need to make sure you stick to one format from the title to the conclusion.

If you’ve been instructed to use the Chicago format, you have to make sure all the content on the cover page is aligned to the center. Your paper title should be halfway into the page. After the page title, write your full name followed by the name of your instructor and then the course title. There is no need to number the cover page when you’re using the Chicago style.

When you’re instructed to use the APA style, you have to number the title page at the top right corner. Use Times New Roman as your page font and keep one-inch margins on every side of the cover page. You may not need to write everything in capital letters.

For the MLA format, you need to start a third way into the paper, but it should not be as low as the Chicago style. You can add a subtitle to your original title. Just after that, add your name, the name of your school, the course title, your instructor’s name.

Writing A Research Paper – Quick Overview

After you’ve determined what you want your title page to look like, you need to find out how to start a research paper. It is important to note that each institution may have specific guidelines on how to write a research paper. So, make sure you read these guidelines thoroughly before you start. However, some general rules are as follows:

Don’t Joke With The Research

The research part of the research paper writing is crucial. Before you start writing anything, research the topic thoroughly, and get updated information about every fact you’re going to list. As soon as you understand the topic, you need to gather resources, formulate the idea, develop your thesis statement. Your research should be backed by empirical data. If possible, conduct first-hand research on the subject. Otherwise, look for reliable research on Google Scholar, government publications, encyclopedias, newspapers, and almanacs.

About Your Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement tells your reader what the main point of your essay is and what your supporting points are. It can be one or two sentences that prepare the minds of the readers for what is to come. Make sure that everything in the body of your paper is in line with the thesis statement, not opposite. Your thesis statement should appear at the end of your introduction and or should match the topic.

Work With An Outline

Your work would flow better if you use an outline from the beginning to the end. Your outline should be made up of all the points you intend to cover in the content. It can also include the research paper format. Make sure that you put down all the subheadings you intend to cover in the content as well as the details of the materials you want to use in each subheading.

Write A Draft First

To increase your chances of creating high-quality work, try writing a draft first. When you’ve completed the draft, you can start writing the content you will submit. Writing a draft first allows you to brainstorm ideas and find the perfect voice for the content.

Progress From Weakest To Strongest Point

For your content to have a logical flow, start with the weakest point, and slowly progress to the strongest. That doesn’t mean you need to start with a point that isn’t backed empirically. It just means the point you start with should not be your strongest. Each point should have a supporting argument as a backup. It makes your content better.

Restate Your Thesis Statement In Your Conclusion

When it’s time to conclude your paper after listing all the relevant points, you can restate your thesis statement as is common in research paper writing examples. That doesn’t mean you should copy and paste your thesis. Just find new words to say it and link all your points to it. Draw the reader’s attention to why all the points you’ve made support your thesis. That applies when you’re research is conclusive. If it is not, make sure you state that in the research is inconclusive.

Review Before Submission

So, you’ve completed your research paper successfully. That’s cool. However, you should not rush into submitting. Revise the work, make edits, and ask someone else to help you read it. Make sure that your work is as flawless as possible. There should be no inaccurate information, grammatical, or typographical errors. The last thing you want to do is submit a compelling research paper with bad grammar or typographical errors.

Let Our Writers Create Best Title Page For You

Writing a research paper, especially its title page, is like writing any other paper. However, it requires more precision and use of facts. Depending on the topic, make sure that everything you state is factual. These tips above will help when you’re creating a title page for your research paper and when you’re creating the paper. Also, should you feel stuck with crafting a research paper – feel free to hire our experts to help you get exciting results!

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Cover Page – APA, MLA & Chicago Style With Examples

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In the academic and professional realms, the presentation of written work is nearly as crucial as the content itself. The most popular guidelines are the APA, MLA, and Chicago style. Each has its unique specifications and nuances, particularly when it comes to crafting the cover page , a pivotal aspect that provides the first impression of any document. This article delves into the distinct features and requirements with examples .

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1 Cover page in a nutshell
2 Definition: Cover page
3 When is a cover page used?
4 Essentials of a cover page
6 Cover page for students

Cover page in a nutshell

What is a cover page? A cover page is also called the title page and is the first page of an academic essay or other kinds of academic papers. It displays its title, the author’s name, and other relevant information, serving as an introduction or a preview of what’s inside. Think of it like the cover of a book, giving a glimpse of what the content is about.

Definition: Cover page

The cover page serves as a representation of the author. The format will differ based on the style you choose. It typically contains:

Name of the author
Name of the professor
Name of the student’s educational establishment
Due date of the paper

The topic of the paper and the course name are always included on the title page, regardless of the format used. As the name suggests, it is placed at the front of the paper and is the first thing your professor will see when they receive your paper. When writing an academic paper, you have to adhere to certain established standards. A cover page is required for many papers, as it introduces the professor to the project. In this article, we will look at the different types and their formats.

When is a cover page used?

A cover page is used in various academic, professional, and publishing contexts to provide a clear and organized introduction to a document. Its usage can vary based on the style guide in reference. Here’s a brief overview of when it is used in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles .

APA style always requires a title page for both student papers and professional articles or studies. You can read more in our article about the APA format title pages.
Title of the paper, author’s name, institutional affiliation, course name and number (for students), instructor’s name (for students), and due date
MLA style does not typically require a title page for research papers , unless specifically requested by the instructor. Instead, essential details are usually placed in the top-left corner of the first page.
Title, name of the author, instructor’s name, course, and date

Chicago style

Its usage depends on specific publication or institutional requirements. For formal publications and individual assignments, a title page is typically preferred.
Title, author’s name, often the specific class or course information, and date of submission

Essentials of a cover page

A cover page requires:

A running head
The title of your academic paper
The name of your university
The name of the author or authors

Besides these requirements, your professor may ask you to add extra information . As mentioned earlier, you should refer to the latest guidelines to see how the cover should be formatted. With APA style, you have to use 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spacing, and 1-inch margins.

The running head has to be left-aligned, and it should be capitalized. Besides the ‘running head,’ your header should have a maximum of 50 characters.

The title of your paper should also be properly formatted. It should be in the title case, meaning the first letters of every word is capitalized. The only words that should not be capitalized are small words like articles and prepositions . The title should be no more than 12 words in length. For the title, you should use whole words only. Avoid contractions and abbreviations.

The names of the authors should also be properly formatted. If multiple authors were involved in writing the paper, they should all be mentioned, along with the institutions they are affiliated with. Students with different affiliations should be listed separately.

The cover page should not be spruced up unnecessarily. Its only objective is to provide the reader or professor with essential information. Don’t use colored paper, colored text, or fancy images to make it look more attractive. That will only make you appear less professional.

There are as many kinds of cover pages as there are academic writing formats. The most commonly used cover page formats are MLA , APA , and Chicago . The difference lies in their format and content. Here is an overview of each of these types.

APA cover page

The APA format cover page should start with the running head, positioned at the top left of your paper. The page number is on the top right. Your paper title is to be in title case, in the upper half of the page. For the title, you simply respect the rules for capitalization in titles . APA recommends that your title should be 12 words in length or less, and it should not include any abbreviations or contractions. Words that serve no purpose should also be left out. The title can take up one or two lines.

The information for an APA format cover is below the title of your paper, then the names of the authors and their institutional affiliations are listed. The author’s name should include first name, middle initial(s), and last name. The titles of the author(s) and their educational qualifications should not be included in this part of the paper. The institutional affiliation is included under the author’s name, and it shows where the researcher carried out the research.

For more information, read our article about the APA cover page .

MLA cover page

When using an MLA format cover page, it is not required. Your instructor will let you know whether they require a cover. For some assignments, a cover can make your paper look more professional, so you should always consider adding one. For MLA, you will have to include:

School or university name
Title of your paper
Name of the class
Name of your professor
Date of submission

Note: Different instructors may have different style requirements. You may need to add other details to the cover page.

Like in APA, the format cover page is double-spaced and the letters are centered on the page. The name of your university should be typed first, after which you can skip down to a third of the page and add the title of the research paper. From here, you can skip several lines and add the rest of the details. These details should be on the bottom half of the page.

Chicago style cover page

Usually, the Chicago style does not require a cover. However, they may be requested for individual assignments. In this case, the Chicago cover page includes the title of your page, the name of the author, the name of your teacher, the course title, and the due date. The title should be typed at about one-third of the way down the page. Some professors accept covers using 11 pt. Arial font, but the most widely used font is 12 pt. Times New Roman. You should generally avoid using fancy fonts or underlining the text. You can only use bold for the title and subtitle. The page should be double-spaced. The page number should not be included in a Chicago style cover page.

Cover page for students

Creating a student cover page involves considering the essential elements that offer a concise overview of the work, while also adhering to any style or formatting guidelines in place. Here’s a general outline of what should be included.

Title of the document/paper Ideally placed at the center of the page Should be specific and concise, capturing the essence of the paper
Student’s name Usually positioned under the title Full name is recommended unless specified otherwise
Course name and code Essential for academic submissions to ensure the paper reaches the correct instructor or department
Instructor/professor’s name Specify the honorific title (e.g., Dr., Prof.) if applicable
Date of submission Can be written in different formats (e.g., September 21, 2023, or 21-09-2023) depending on institutional or style guide preferences
Institution Name Name of the school, college, or university
Class or section If applicable Especially useful for larger courses with multiple sections
Assignment number or type Optional E.g., “Assignment 1”, “Final Project”, “Research Paper”, etc.

Formatting tips

Use a readable font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Typically, a 12 pt. font size is recommended. Details on the cover are usually double-spaced for clarity. Ensure you have standard margins (typically 1 inch, so 2.54 cm, on all sides) unless specified otherwise by your institution or style guide. Most of the details are typically centered on the page, but some style guides might have different requirements. Always refer to specific institutional guidelines or the requested style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) as they may have distinct stipulations for page composition.

How do you write a title page for an essay?

The title page of your academic essay should be simple and straightforward, and it should only consist of text. For the cover page design, you should consult the latest manual of your institution. You may be required to use a certain style of formatting, such as APA, or MLA. The requirements for an APA title page differ from the requirements of an MLA title page .

Does the title page count as one page?

The title page will take up a whole page of your essay. However, it does not count as one page in terms of the page count for your essay . The table of contents and bibliography are also not included in the word/page count of your essay.

How do you format the names of multiple authors?

If more than one person was involved in writing the paper, all the names should be clearly indicated. The format used will depend on the affiliations of the authors and the institution that they’re working with. For an APA cover page, the authors should be listed below the title of the paper. List their first names, middle initials, and last names with any titles and qualifications.

Is a cover page always required?

The cover page is typically required when you use the APA citation style. With the MLA and Chicago formats, your instructor will advise you on whether you have to include a cover. However, more often than not, MLA formatting does not require a title page.

Will you be penalized for adding a cover page when it is not required?

No instructor will penalize you for including a cover page when it is not strictly required. You should consider adding one if you are uncertain whether it is required for your academic writing work. Nevertheless, you should check with your institution anyway to ensure that you’re fulfilling all requirements.

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What’s Included: Research Paper Template

If you’re preparing to write an academic research paper, our free research paper template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .

The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research papers. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your paper will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.

The research paper template covers the following core sections:

The title page/cover page
Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Literature review
Section 3: Methodology
Section 4: Findings /results
Section 5: Discussion
Section 6: Conclusion
Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included links to free resources to help you understand how to write each section.

The cleanly formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

FAQs: Research Paper Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The research paper template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of research papers can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research papers, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level research paper?

This template can be used for a research paper at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my research paper be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. We include generic word count ranges for each section within the template, but these are purely indicative.

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this research paper template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my research paper?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our private coaching services .

How to setup your software
Sample MLA Paper – normal paper
Sample MLA Paper – has cover page
Sample APA Paper
Sample Chicago Paper
Sample CSE Paper
APA Format Guidelines
MLA Format Cover Page

The Modern Language Association (MLA) does not require you to create a cover page when you complete your research paper, but some instructors may require it.

If your instructor requires your paper to have a cover page, here is how to make it (very easy). This cover page should include: your school name, your research paper title, your name, your class, your professor name and your paper due date.

How to Format Your MLA Cover Page:

This page is double spaced and the letters are centered.
Font: Times New Roman
Font size: 12
The first letter of each word should be capitalized with the exception of very short words such as: the, and, of, or, a, an, in, to, for. Note: the first letter of the first word should be capitalized, regardless of what kind of word it is.
Type the name of your university or college.
Skip to about one-third of the page and type your research paper title, include a subtitle if you have.
Skip several lines down and type your name, your course name and number, your instructor name and your paper’s due date.

Sample MLA Format Cover Page:

Sample MLA Format Cover Page

Alternate First Page:

If your instructor requires a cover page, you would omit the main heading on your first page. Here is an example of the first page if a cover page is used. You still need your last name and page number on the first page and every other page.

Sample MLA Format First Page with Cover Page

Sample MLA Paper:

Visit here for a sample paper with the cover page. The cover page can vary slightly. This paper also has the outline page for your sample.

If you find this website useful, please share with a friend:

How do I get the header on the second page on down? I tried editing it but then it takes the header away from all the pages.

In word select the header then go to: Header & Footer>Page Number>Format Page Numbers>Page Numbering>Start at page>Set to 0

How do I get the header on the second page on down? I tried editing it but then it takes the header away from all the pages. I am using windows. Also, the page numbers are not working for me either. Please help me.

How should I start the page after my cover page?

https://mlaformat.org/mla-format-heading/

Thank you so much Stephen !!! Helped a lot in my written assignments 🙂

Great site ! Thank you so much. Just returned to school to complete my bachelors and needed a little refreshing. Has all the information I needed !

Thanks so much for all of the great information! I have not used MLA before and was a little panic stricken. I have found all of my answers here. This is now saved to my favorites so I can use it regularly. Thanks again!

Should the lines on the cover page be double spaced?

Thanks so much for the picture of the cover page it has helped a lot. But, I was wondering do I still need to put my Title at the top of every page after the header?

Hello Lydia. You do not.

After your cover page, your next page’s heading should look like the “Alternate First Page” above.

After the “Alternate First Page” => your next pages should have “The Inner Pages” heading: https://mlaformat.org/mla-format-heading/

Sample paper: https://mlaformat.org/mla-format-sample-paper-with-cover-page-and-outline/

hey Lydia you don’t need to but if you want to you can

Thank you so so much. I love the simplicity of the website, very easy to understand. I finally have a cover page for my paper!!

I love this website!! It helped so many times with all my essays. I’m working on a college one and this was very useful. Thank you soo much. And thanks for the examples im a visual person I needed that 🙂

Hi Kaylin, I am glad you find this site useful. Take care!

By the way (sorry i forgot!) for the coverpage, would the text font be 12 times new roman???

You can set everything 12, Times New Roman. Or you can set the Title a little larger than 12, that should work too.

In the example above, I have the title larger than 12.

Here is an example with everything set at 12.

Thank you so much for your help on this useful website! I found it very organized and I’m very glad that I came across this particular article. Thanks!!!!!!!:)

I have a question regarding the cover page and the following pages. If I have a cover page as the example provided, do I still need the heading on the next page? And should the pages after that contain my last name on the top left as the header does on the on the previous pages? or do I not need the header at all if I have the cover page and just my name?

Excellence question, Stella! I have updated this article with information on the first page if a cover page is used. Please see “Alternate First Page” above.

You can omit the main heading but you still need your last name and page number on the first page and all subsequent pages. Take care!

Must-Have Research Paper Cover Page Templates with Samples and Examples

Sapna Singh

A well-structured, meticulously carved out cover page is indispensable to the submission and the ultimate acceptance of every research paper . It gives a huge facelift to the detailed analysis, appraisal, or interpretation that the researcher conducted and now wishes to document through the research paper.

The cover page is the first impression of your research paper. A way to understand the significance of a cover letter for a research paper is going through this quote of an American film director, Miranda July, “People like to recall their first impressions, which is why those first descriptions are so important. After a while, you don’t look at people as attentively; you hold on to that first impression.” Hence, listing all pertinent information on the research paper’s all-important first and opening page is crucial.

The introduction to a research proposal is your first chance to impress your reader and should be perfect. Click here to know more.

A well-written research paper cover page should be center-aligned, preferably in font Times New Roman, size 12, but it can be any font and size in line with the guidelines that the sponsoring institute or the guide may mandate. It should also be correctly capitalized, clear, intriguing, and brief.

This blog offers ready-to-use templates to help you correctly write a research paper’s cover page. This will help you establish the groundwork for future research. Use SlideTeam’s Must-Have Research Paper Cover Page Templates to build a well-structured and formatted cover page that adheres to the citation and formatting style rules. These templates are a sure-shot way to get extra credit from your instructor.

To create a research plan in a flash (with templates) that will save you hours of work in the long run, click here.

The 100% customizable nature of the templates provides you with the flexibility to edit your presentations. The content-ready slides give you the much-needed structure.

Make your research look neater and more professional with SlideTeam’s best-in-class PPT Templates!

Template 1: cover page for research paper dissertation proposal.

Use this PPT Template to explain the dissertation in your research paper. It includes the title, student's name, university name, and dissertation proposal to give the reader/assessor a complete picture of your research. This template will assist you in aligning the cover page with your university’s criteria and making any necessary revisions. With this download, enhance the quality of your dissertation and leave a lasting impression on your advisors. Get it now!

Cover letter cover page for research paper proposal dissertation ppt powerpoint graphics

Download this template

Template 2: Cover Page for Research Paper Degree

Use this PPT Template to create a cover page for your research paper proposal. It includes the title, student’s name, student number, university name, degree sought, and the name of the principal supervisor to demonstrate professionalism and accountability for your academics. This slide highlights your focused academic activities related to the curriculum, assisting you in creating a positive impression. The presentation format and design add value to your research work and adequately represent your dedication, hard work and thoughtfulness in bringing it all together in an engrossing research paper, and an even better cover page. Download now!

Cover letter cover page for research paper proposal degree sought ppt presentation templates

Representation of the research work.

A research paper’s cover page gives a report, an academic dissertation, or a thesis a professional appearance. It should be straightforward and concise, with only text. Use SlideTeam's PPT Templates to learn how to format a cover page with only the most essential information.

PS Check out our blog on research cover letter templates to find the best answer for professionally presenting your study.

FAQs ON RESEARCH PAPER COVER PAGE

What is a research cover page.

A cover page is the first page of a research paper that comprises information about the author and the content. It is concise and brief and is meant to give readers the first impression of your work, which in most cases has spanned years. Its goal is to provide a professional viewpoint to a report, academic dissertation, or thesis. It includes the author's name, the title of the essay, the name of the course with its code, the author’s affiliation, the due date of the paper or date of publication, and the guide’s/teacher's name.

What is the difference between a research paper's cover page and the title page?

A title page is a page that appears at the very beginning of your document and contains only the title, the author’s name, and the institution name. A cover page, on the other hand, is usually placed after the title page. It can concisely describe the project's true purpose and intended research. It lists the why and the how of the research in 2-3 sentences, not any more.

What should a research paper cover?

Introduction

References sections (Figures, tables, and appendix or appendices)

In each of these sections, there needs to be a definite flow and the same formatting to look uniform. The major section that the assessor or the reader looks at immediately is the cover page, and as this blog has explained, you need to get it ready-made from us to create a wonderful first-impression. Then, the discussion section and the results are two major sections where the meat of the research is to be found. After the cover page, a researcher has to be work hard to make these stand out and deliver to world-class standards.

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13.1 Formatting a Research Paper

Learning objectives.

Identify the major components of a research paper written using American Psychological Association (APA) style.
Apply general APA style and formatting conventions in a research paper.

In this chapter, you will learn how to use APA style , the documentation and formatting style followed by the American Psychological Association, as well as MLA style , from the Modern Language Association. There are a few major formatting styles used in academic texts, including AMA, Chicago, and Turabian:

AMA (American Medical Association) for medicine, health, and biological sciences
APA (American Psychological Association) for education, psychology, and the social sciences
Chicago—a common style used in everyday publications like magazines, newspapers, and books
MLA (Modern Language Association) for English, literature, arts, and humanities
Turabian—another common style designed for its universal application across all subjects and disciplines

While all the formatting and citation styles have their own use and applications, in this chapter we focus our attention on the two styles you are most likely to use in your academic studies: APA and MLA.

If you find that the rules of proper source documentation are difficult to keep straight, you are not alone. Writing a good research paper is, in and of itself, a major intellectual challenge. Having to follow detailed citation and formatting guidelines as well may seem like just one more task to add to an already-too-long list of requirements.

Following these guidelines, however, serves several important purposes. First, it signals to your readers that your paper should be taken seriously as a student’s contribution to a given academic or professional field; it is the literary equivalent of wearing a tailored suit to a job interview. Second, it shows that you respect other people’s work enough to give them proper credit for it. Finally, it helps your reader find additional materials if he or she wishes to learn more about your topic.

Furthermore, producing a letter-perfect APA-style paper need not be burdensome. Yes, it requires careful attention to detail. However, you can simplify the process if you keep these broad guidelines in mind:

Work ahead whenever you can. Chapter 11 “Writing from Research: What Will I Learn?” includes tips for keeping track of your sources early in the research process, which will save time later on.
Get it right the first time. Apply APA guidelines as you write, so you will not have much to correct during the editing stage. Again, putting in a little extra time early on can save time later.
Use the resources available to you. In addition to the guidelines provided in this chapter, you may wish to consult the APA website at http://www.apa.org or the Purdue University Online Writing lab at http://owl.english.purdue.edu , which regularly updates its online style guidelines.

General Formatting Guidelines

This chapter provides detailed guidelines for using the citation and formatting conventions developed by the American Psychological Association, or APA. Writers in disciplines as diverse as astrophysics, biology, psychology, and education follow APA style. The major components of a paper written in APA style are listed in the following box.

These are the major components of an APA-style paper:

Body, which includes the following:

Headings and, if necessary, subheadings to organize the content
In-text citations of research sources
References page

All these components must be saved in one document, not as separate documents.

The title page of your paper includes the following information:

Title of the paper
Author’s name
Name of the institution with which the author is affiliated
Header at the top of the page with the paper title (in capital letters) and the page number (If the title is lengthy, you may use a shortened form of it in the header.)

List the first three elements in the order given in the previous list, centered about one third of the way down from the top of the page. Use the headers and footers tool of your word-processing program to add the header, with the title text at the left and the page number in the upper-right corner. Your title page should look like the following example.

Beyond the Hype: Evaluating Low-Carb Diets cover page

The next page of your paper provides an abstract , or brief summary of your findings. An abstract does not need to be provided in every paper, but an abstract should be used in papers that include a hypothesis. A good abstract is concise—about one hundred fifty to two hundred fifty words—and is written in an objective, impersonal style. Your writing voice will not be as apparent here as in the body of your paper. When writing the abstract, take a just-the-facts approach, and summarize your research question and your findings in a few sentences.

In Chapter 12 “Writing a Research Paper” , you read a paper written by a student named Jorge, who researched the effectiveness of low-carbohydrate diets. Read Jorge’s abstract. Note how it sums up the major ideas in his paper without going into excessive detail.

Write an abstract summarizing your paper. Briefly introduce the topic, state your findings, and sum up what conclusions you can draw from your research. Use the word count feature of your word-processing program to make sure your abstract does not exceed one hundred fifty words.

Depending on your field of study, you may sometimes write research papers that present extensive primary research, such as your own experiment or survey. In your abstract, summarize your research question and your findings, and briefly indicate how your study relates to prior research in the field.

Margins, Pagination, and Headings

APA style requirements also address specific formatting concerns, such as margins, pagination, and heading styles, within the body of the paper. Review the following APA guidelines.

Use these general guidelines to format the paper:

Set the top, bottom, and side margins of your paper at 1 inch.
Use double-spaced text throughout your paper.
Use a standard font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, in a legible size (10- to 12-point).
Use continuous pagination throughout the paper, including the title page and the references section. Page numbers appear flush right within your header.
Section headings and subsection headings within the body of your paper use different types of formatting depending on the level of information you are presenting. Additional details from Jorge’s paper are provided.

Begin formatting the final draft of your paper according to APA guidelines. You may work with an existing document or set up a new document if you choose. Include the following:

Your title page
The abstract you created in Note 13.8 “Exercise 1”
Correct headers and page numbers for your title page and abstract

APA style uses section headings to organize information, making it easy for the reader to follow the writer’s train of thought and to know immediately what major topics are covered. Depending on the length and complexity of the paper, its major sections may also be divided into subsections, sub-subsections, and so on. These smaller sections, in turn, use different heading styles to indicate different levels of information. In essence, you are using headings to create a hierarchy of information.

The following heading styles used in APA formatting are listed in order of greatest to least importance:

Section headings use centered, boldface type. Headings use title case, with important words in the heading capitalized.
Subsection headings use left-aligned, boldface type. Headings use title case.
The third level uses left-aligned, indented, boldface type. Headings use a capital letter only for the first word, and they end in a period.
The fourth level follows the same style used for the previous level, but the headings are boldfaced and italicized.
The fifth level follows the same style used for the previous level, but the headings are italicized and not boldfaced.

Visually, the hierarchy of information is organized as indicated in Table 13.1 “Section Headings” .

Table 13.1 Section Headings

A college research paper may not use all the heading levels shown in Table 13.1 “Section Headings” , but you are likely to encounter them in academic journal articles that use APA style. For a brief paper, you may find that level 1 headings suffice. Longer or more complex papers may need level 2 headings or other lower-level headings to organize information clearly. Use your outline to craft your major section headings and determine whether any subtopics are substantial enough to require additional levels of headings.

Working with the document you developed in Note 13.11 “Exercise 2” , begin setting up the heading structure of the final draft of your research paper according to APA guidelines. Include your title and at least two to three major section headings, and follow the formatting guidelines provided above. If your major sections should be broken into subsections, add those headings as well. Use your outline to help you.

Because Jorge used only level 1 headings, his Exercise 3 would look like the following:

Citation Guidelines

In-text citations.

Throughout the body of your paper, include a citation whenever you quote or paraphrase material from your research sources. As you learned in Chapter 11 “Writing from Research: What Will I Learn?” , the purpose of citations is twofold: to give credit to others for their ideas and to allow your reader to follow up and learn more about the topic if desired. Your in-text citations provide basic information about your source; each source you cite will have a longer entry in the references section that provides more detailed information.

In-text citations must provide the name of the author or authors and the year the source was published. (When a given source does not list an individual author, you may provide the source title or the name of the organization that published the material instead.) When directly quoting a source, it is also required that you include the page number where the quote appears in your citation.

This information may be included within the sentence or in a parenthetical reference at the end of the sentence, as in these examples.

Epstein (2010) points out that “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive” (p. 137).

Here, the writer names the source author when introducing the quote and provides the publication date in parentheses after the author’s name. The page number appears in parentheses after the closing quotation marks and before the period that ends the sentence.

Addiction researchers caution that “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive” (Epstein, 2010, p. 137).

Here, the writer provides a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence that includes the author’s name, the year of publication, and the page number separated by commas. Again, the parenthetical citation is placed after the closing quotation marks and before the period at the end of the sentence.

As noted in the book Junk Food, Junk Science (Epstein, 2010, p. 137), “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive.”

Here, the writer chose to mention the source title in the sentence (an optional piece of information to include) and followed the title with a parenthetical citation. Note that the parenthetical citation is placed before the comma that signals the end of the introductory phrase.

David Epstein’s book Junk Food, Junk Science (2010) pointed out that “junk food cannot be considered addictive in the same way that we think of psychoactive drugs as addictive” (p. 137).

Another variation is to introduce the author and the source title in your sentence and include the publication date and page number in parentheses within the sentence or at the end of the sentence. As long as you have included the essential information, you can choose the option that works best for that particular sentence and source.

Citing a book with a single author is usually a straightforward task. Of course, your research may require that you cite many other types of sources, such as books or articles with more than one author or sources with no individual author listed. You may also need to cite sources available in both print and online and nonprint sources, such as websites and personal interviews. Chapter 13 “APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting” , Section 13.2 “Citing and Referencing Techniques” and Section 13.3 “Creating a References Section” provide extensive guidelines for citing a variety of source types.

Writing at Work

APA is just one of several different styles with its own guidelines for documentation, formatting, and language usage. Depending on your field of interest, you may be exposed to additional styles, such as the following:

MLA style. Determined by the Modern Languages Association and used for papers in literature, languages, and other disciplines in the humanities.
Chicago style. Outlined in the Chicago Manual of Style and sometimes used for papers in the humanities and the sciences; many professional organizations use this style for publications as well.
Associated Press (AP) style. Used by professional journalists.

References List

The brief citations included in the body of your paper correspond to the more detailed citations provided at the end of the paper in the references section. In-text citations provide basic information—the author’s name, the publication date, and the page number if necessary—while the references section provides more extensive bibliographical information. Again, this information allows your reader to follow up on the sources you cited and do additional reading about the topic if desired.

The specific format of entries in the list of references varies slightly for different source types, but the entries generally include the following information:

The name(s) of the author(s) or institution that wrote the source
The year of publication and, where applicable, the exact date of publication
The full title of the source
For books, the city of publication
For articles or essays, the name of the periodical or book in which the article or essay appears
For magazine and journal articles, the volume number, issue number, and pages where the article appears
For sources on the web, the URL where the source is located

The references page is double spaced and lists entries in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. If an entry continues for more than one line, the second line and each subsequent line are indented five spaces. Review the following example. ( Chapter 13 “APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting” , Section 13.3 “Creating a References Section” provides extensive guidelines for formatting reference entries for different types of sources.)

In APA style, book and article titles are formatted in sentence case, not title case. Sentence case means that only the first word is capitalized, along with any proper nouns.

Key Takeaways

Following proper citation and formatting guidelines helps writers ensure that their work will be taken seriously, give proper credit to other authors for their work, and provide valuable information to readers.
Working ahead and taking care to cite sources correctly the first time are ways writers can save time during the editing stage of writing a research paper.
APA papers usually include an abstract that concisely summarizes the paper.
APA papers use a specific headings structure to provide a clear hierarchy of information.
In APA papers, in-text citations usually include the name(s) of the author(s) and the year of publication.
In-text citations correspond to entries in the references section, which provide detailed bibliographical information about a source.

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09 May 2024

Cubic millimetre of brain mapped in spectacular detail

Carissa Wong

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rendering based on electron-microscope data, showing the positions of neurons in a fragment of the brain cortex. Neurons are coloured according to size. Credit: Google Research & Lichtman Lab (Harvard University). Renderings by D. Berger (Harvard University)

Researchers have mapped a tiny piece of the human brain in astonishing detail. The resulting cell atlas, which was described today in Science 1 and is available online , reveals new patterns of connections between brain cells called neurons, as well as cells that wrap around themselves to form knots, and pairs of neurons that are almost mirror images of each other.

The 3D map covers a volume of about one cubic millimetre, one-millionth of a whole brain, and contains roughly 57,000 cells and 150 million synapses — the connections between neurons. It incorporates a colossal 1.4 petabytes of data. “It’s a little bit humbling,” says Viren Jain, a neuroscientist at Google in Mountain View, California, and a co-author of the paper. “How are we ever going to really come to terms with all this complexity?”

Slivers of brain

The brain fragment was taken from a 45-year-old woman when she underwent surgery to treat her epilepsy. It came from the cortex, a part of the brain involved in learning, problem-solving and processing sensory signals. The sample was immersed in preservatives and stained with heavy metals to make the cells easier to see. Neuroscientist Jeff Lichtman at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and his colleagues then cut the sample into around 5,000 slices — each just 34 nanometres thick — that could be imaged using electron microscopes.

Jain’s team then built artificial-intelligence models that were able to stitch the microscope images together to reconstruct the whole sample in 3D. “I remember this moment, going into the map and looking at one individual synapse from this woman’s brain, and then zooming out into these other millions of pixels,” says Jain. “It felt sort of spiritual.”

Rendering of a neuron with a round base and many branches, on a black background.

A single neuron (white) shown with 5,600 of the axons (blue) that connect to it. The synapses that make these connections are shown in green. Credit: Google Research & Lichtman Lab (Harvard University). Renderings by D. Berger (Harvard University)

When examining the model in detail, the researchers discovered unconventional neurons, including some that made up to 50 connections with each other. “In general, you would find a couple of connections at most between two neurons,” says Jain. Elsewhere, the model showed neurons with tendrils that formed knots around themselves. “Nobody had seen anything like this before,” Jain adds.

The team also found pairs of neurons that were near-perfect mirror images of each other. “We found two groups that would send their dendrites in two different directions, and sometimes there was a kind of mirror symmetry,” Jain says. It is unclear what role these features have in the brain.

Proofreaders needed

The map is so large that most of it has yet to be manually checked, and it could still contain errors created by the process of stitching so many images together. “Hundreds of cells have been ‘proofread’, but that’s obviously a few per cent of the 50,000 cells in there,” says Jain. He hopes that others will help to proofread parts of the map they are interested in. The team plans to produce similar maps of brain samples from other people — but a map of the entire brain is unlikely in the next few decades, he says.

“This paper is really the tour de force creation of a human cortex data set,” says Hongkui Zeng, director of the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle. The vast amount of data that has been made freely accessible will “allow the community to look deeper into the micro-circuitry in the human cortex”, she adds.

Gaining a deeper understanding of how the cortex works could offer clues about how to treat some psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. “This map provides unprecedented details that can unveil new rules of neural connections and help to decipher the inner working of the human brain,” says Yongsoo Kim, a neuroscientist at Pennsylvania State University in Hershey.

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01387-9

Shapson-Coe, A. et al. Science 384 , eadk4858 (2024).

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