how to write the title of a magazine article in an essay

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MLA Works Cited Page: Periodicals

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Periodicals include magazines, newspapers, and scholarly journals. Works cited entries for periodical sources include three main elements—the author of the article, the title of the article, and information about the magazine, newspaper, or journal. MLA uses the generic term “container” to refer to any print or digital venue (a website or print journal, for example) in which an essay or article may be included.

Below is the generic citation for periodicals using the MLA style. Use this as guidance if you are trying to cite a type of source not described on this page, omitting any information that does not apply:

Author. Title. Title of container (self contained if book), Other contributors (translators or editors), Version (edition), Number (vol. and/or no.), Publisher, Publisher Date, Location (pp.). 2nd container’s title, Other contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Pub date, Location (pp.).

Article in a Magazine

Cite by listing the article's author, putting the title of the article in quotations marks, and italicizing the periodical title. Follow with the date of publication. Remember to abbreviate the month. The basic format is as follows:

Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Periodical , Day Month Year, pages.

Poniewozik, James. "TV Makes a Too-Close Call." Time, 20 Nov. 2000, pp. 70-71.

Buchman, Dana. "A Special Education." Good Housekeeping, Mar. 2006, pp. 143-48.

Article in a Newspaper

Cite a newspaper article as you would a magazine article, but note the different pagination in most newspapers. If there is more than one edition available for that date (as in an early and late edition of a newspaper), identify the edition after the newspaper title.

Brubaker, Bill. "New Health Center Targets County's Uninsured Patients." Washington Post, 24 May 2007, p. LZ01.

Krugman, Andrew. "Fear of Eating." New York Times, late ed., 21 May 2007, p. A1.

If the newspaper is a less well-known or local publication, include the city name in brackets after the title of the newspaper.

Behre, Robert. "Presidential Hopefuls Get Final Crack at Core of S.C. Democrats." Post and Courier [Charleston, SC],29 Apr. 2007, p. A11.

Trembacki, Paul. "Brees Hopes to Win Heisman for Team." Purdue Exponent [West Lafayette, IN], 5 Dec. 2000, p. 20.

To cite a review, include the title of the review (if available), then the phrase, “Review of” and provide the title of the work (in italics for books, plays, and films; in quotation marks for articles, poems, and short stories). Finally, provide performance and/or publication information.

Review Author. "Title of Review (if there is one)." Review of Performance Title, by Author/Director/Artist. Title of Periodical, Day Month Year, page.

Seitz, Matt Zoller. "Life in the Sprawling Suburbs, If You Can Really Call It Living." Review of Radiant City , directed by Gary Burns and Jim Brown. New York Times, 30 May 2007, p. E1.

Weiller, K. H. Review of Sport, Rhetoric, and Gender: Historical Perspectives and Media Representations , edited by Linda K. Fuller. Choice, Apr. 2007, p. 1377.

An Editorial & Letter to the Editor

Cite as you would any article in a periodical, but include the designators "Editorial" or "Letter" to identify the type of work it is.

"Of Mines and Men." Editorial. Wall Street Journal, eastern edition, 24 Oct. 2003, p. A14.

Hamer, John. Letter. American Journalism Review, Dec. 2006/Jan. 2007, p. 7.

Anonymous Articles

Cite the article’s title first, then finish the citation as you would any other for that kind of periodical.

"Business: Global Warming's Boom Town; Tourism in Greenland." The Economist , 26 May 2007, p. 82.

"Aging; Women Expect to Care for Aging Parents but Seldom Prepare." Women's Health Weekly, 10 May 2007, p. 18.

An Article in a Scholarly Journal

A scholarly journal can be thought of as a container, as are collections of short stories or poems, a television series, or even a website. A container can be thought of as anything that contains other pieces of work. In this case, cite the author and title of article as you normally would. Then, put the title of the journal in italics. Include the volume number (“vol.”) and issue number (“no.”) when possible, separated by commas. Finally, add the year and page numbers.

Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Journal , Volume, Issue, Year, pages.

Bagchi, Alaknanda. "Conflicting Nationalisms: The Voice of the Subaltern in Mahasweta Devi's Bashai Tudu ." Tulsa Studies in Women's Literature, vol. 15, no. 1, 1996, pp. 41-50.

Duvall, John N. "The (Super)Marketplace of Images: Television as Unmediated Mediation in DeLillo's White Noise ." Arizona Quarterly , vol. 50, no. 3, 1994, pp. 127-53.

An Article in a Special Issue of a Scholarly Journal

When an article appears in a special issue of a journal, cite the name of the special issue in the entry’s title space, in italics. Add the descriptor “special issue of” and include the name of the journal, also in italics, followed by the rest of the information required for a standard scholarly journal citation.

Web entries should follow a similar format, and should include a DOI (if available), otherwise include a URL or permalink.

Burgess, Anthony. "Politics in the Novels of Graham Greene." Literature and Society, special issue of Journal of Contemporary History, vol. 2, no. 2, 1967, pp. 93-99.

Case, Sue-Ellen. “Eve's Apple, or Women's Narrative Bytes.” Technocriticism and Hypernarrative, special issue of Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 43, no. 3, 1997, pp. 631-50. Project Muse , doi:10.1353/mfs.1997.0056.

Learning Materials

Mastering how to write an article title in an essay.

Updated: Feb 28, 2024

Crafting the perfect article title in an essay can be a game-changer in how your work is perceived.

Many students struggle with formatting and styling their article titles correctly, often leading to confusion and reduced impact.

In academic writing, journal or magazine titles should be italicised and major words capitalised, while article titles should be enclosed in quotation marks with major words capitalised.

This blog will guide you through the importance of a well-crafted article title, provide a how-to guide, offer a checklist, and show examples to help you master the art of article titling in your essays.

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The importance of a well-crafted article title in essays.

![the front page of a newspaper with a picture of a surgeon](https://cdn.realfakeblogs.com/5992183a-2014-494c-8928-b54c773dabf9/normal/ .jpg)

The importance of a well-crafted article title cannot be overstated in the realm of academic essays. It serves as the initial point of interaction between your essay and its readers, setting the stage for the content that follows. An effective title not only captures attention but also encapsulates the essence of your essay, guiding readers towards the underlying theme or argument. It acts as a precursor, providing a glimpse into the depth and scope of your analysis, thereby influencing the reader's decision to delve deeper into your work.

Furthermore, a compelling article title can enhance the overall presentation of your academic work, distinguishing it in a sea of scholarly texts. It should be both informative and intriguing, balancing clarity with creativity. This delicate equilibrium ensures that the title is accessible yet thought-provoking, inviting readers to explore the complexities of your essay. In essence, the title of your article is not just a label, but a strategic tool that can significantly impact the perception and reception of your academic insights.

Drafting Effective Article Titles: A How-To Guide

a typewriter with a piece of paper that says write something

Drafting an effective article title is a critical skill that demands consideration of both content and audience. The first step is to ensure clarity by choosing words that directly relate to the main thesis or argument of your essay. This involves selecting key terms that are both precise and relevant to the subject matter. It's essential to integrate these terms creatively to form a coherent and engaging statement that promises a deeper exploration of the topic.

Additionally, the process of drafting a title should involve a brainstorming session where multiple title options are considered. This allows you to evaluate different combinations of words and phrases, assessing their impact and effectiveness. Consider the following strategies to enhance your title:

Employ a catchy hook that piques curiosity without being misleading.
Use active voice to convey a strong, clear message.
Keep the title concise, ideally under ten words, to ensure it is punchy and to the point.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can craft a title that is both informative and captivating.

Checklist for Crafting the Perfect Article Title

a person writing on a notebook with a pen

To ensure your article title is effective, here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

Relevance : Does the title accurately reflect the content of the essay?
Clarity : Is the title straightforward and free from jargon?
Length : Is the title concise, avoiding unnecessary words?
Impact : Does the title grab the reader’s attention?
Keywords : Have you included terms that are pivotal to the essay’s topic?
Tone : Does the title suit the tone of your essay, whether it’s analytical, argumentative, or descriptive?

Reviewing these points after drafting your title can help refine its quality, ensuring it meets academic standards and effectively represents your essay.

Examples of Effective vs. Ineffective Article Titles

Understanding the difference between effective and ineffective article titles can markedly improve how you title your own essays. Consider these examples of ineffective titles and why they fail:

'The History of Everything' : This title is overly broad and vague, providing no clear indication of the essay’s focus.
'Complex Theories Explained' : While intriguing, this title is too generic and doesn’t specify what theories or context are being discussed.
'An Analysis of Data' : This title lacks specificity and fails to mention what data is analyzed or why it’s significant.

Conversely, effective titles directly convey what the essay is about and why it matters. Here are examples of well-crafted titles:

'Rethinking Sustainability: Innovative Approaches to Environmental Conservation' : This title is specific, informative, and hints at a fresh perspective within the essay.
'The Impact of Social Media on Teenage Communication Skills' : Clear and to the point, this title immediately informs the reader of the essay’s focus and the demographic being studied.
'Navigating Economic Crises: Lessons from the 2008 Financial Meltdown' : This title effectively sets the historical context and suggests that the essay will offer valuable insights.

These examples illustrate how a well-thought-out title can enhance the essay's appeal and clarity, guiding the reader’s expectations accurately.

Exploring Different Types of Article Titles for Essays

When crafting an article title for an essay, understanding the different types that can be employed is crucial. Each type of title serves a unique purpose and suits different academic contexts, making the choice of title an integral part of your essay's success. For instance, descriptive titles aim to give a straightforward preview of the essay’s content, such as 'The Effects of Global Warming on Coral Reefs'. On the other hand, analytical titles reflect on the deeper analysis contained within the essay, like 'Evaluating the Long-term Impacts of Global Warming on Marine Biodiversity'. Choosing the right type of title helps in setting the correct expectation for your readers.

Beyond descriptive and analytical titles, there are provocative titles that are crafted to spark curiosity and interest, such as 'Is Global Warming an Inconvenient Truth?'. These titles are particularly effective for essays intended to challenge or introduce controversial viewpoints. Additionally, question-based titles like 'How Does Global Warming Affect Marine Life?' directly engage the reader by posing a query. This type of title is effective for essays that aim to explore and answer specific questions. Understanding these different types can help you tailor your title to not only match the content of your essay but also to attract the right audience, enhancing the overall impact of your work.

Creative Title Ideas for Impactful Essays

Crafting a creative and impactful title for your essay is essential in capturing the reader's interest right from the start. A well-thought-out title sets the tone and preps the reader for what to expect. Some strategies for creating such titles include using powerful adjectives or unexpected phrases that resonate with the essay’s theme. For example, titles like 'Unveiling the Shadows: The Silent Crisis of Mental Health' or 'Beyond the Echo: Voices of the Unheard' use evocative language to intrigue and pull the reader into the essay’s narrative.

Another effective approach is to incorporate a rhetorical question or a bold statement that challenges common beliefs. Titles such as 'What If We Are Wrong About Climate Change?' or 'The Myth of Progress: Revisiting Our Steps Towards Sustainability' can provoke thought and debate, encouraging readers to engage deeply with the essay content. Remember, the goal of a creative title is not just to attract attention, but also to reflect the depth and perspective of the essay. It should be a beacon that guides the reader into the heart of your writing, promising them a journey worth their time.

Formatting Article Titles in Essays: MLA Style Guide

When it comes to formatting article titles in essays according to the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines, there are specific rules that must be adhered to ensure clarity and consistency. In MLA style, the title of an article is not italicised but is instead placed in quotation marks . This rule applies to articles sourced from journals, newspapers, websites, or any other publication. For example, an article titled 'Understanding Climate Change' would be formatted as "Understanding Climate Change" in the body of your essay. Moreover, it's crucial to capitalise the principal words of the article title. Here are some key points to remember:

Always place the article title in double quotation marks .
Capitalise major words in the title, including the first word and any principal words thereafter.
Use italics for the title of the source where the article was published, such as a journal or a book.

Consistency in applying MLA style for article titles not only enhances the professional appearance of your essay but also adheres to academic standards. When referencing the article in your 'Works Cited' page, the same formatting rules apply. The title should appear in quotation marks with appropriate capitalisation. For instance, if you are citing an article titled 'New Approaches to Renewable Energy', it should be entered as "New Approaches to Renewable Energy" in your list of works cited. Here are additional tips to ensure your formatting is spot-on:

Double-check that all principal words in the title are capitalised in your essay and in your Works Cited list.
Maintain a consistent style throughout the document to avoid confusion.
Refer to the latest MLA guidelines or trusted academic resources if unsure about formatting specifics.

By carefully following these MLA formatting guidelines, you can enhance the readability and credibility of your academic writing.

APA Style Guide for Article Titles in Essays

When writing an academic essay using the American Psychological Association (APA) style, it's crucial to format article titles correctly to adhere to strict academic standards. In APA style, the titles of articles are not italicised but are instead enclosed in quotation marks . This rule helps differentiate the titles of articles from titles of larger works like books or journals, which are italicised. For example, when referencing an article within your essay, you would format the title as "The Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bears." Additionally, ensure that you capitalise all major words in the article title. Here are some key points to remember when formatting article titles in APA style:

Do not italicise the article title; italicisation is reserved for titles of longer works such as books and journals.

Consistency in applying APA style for article titles not only enhances the professional appearance of your essay but also adheres to academic standards. When referencing the article in your reference list, the same formatting rules apply. The title should appear in quotation marks with appropriate capitalisation. For instance, if you are citing an article titled 'Innovative Strategies for Renewable Energy', it should be entered as "Innovative Strategies for Renewable Energy" in your reference list. Here are additional tips to ensure your formatting is spot-on:

Double-check that all principal words in the title are capitalised in your essay and in your reference list.
Refer to the latest APA guidelines or trusted academic resources if unsure about formatting specifics.

By carefully following these APA formatting guidelines, you can enhance the readability and credibility of your academic writing.

Enhance Your Essay Titles with Samwell.ai's Writing Assistant

Crafting the perfect essay title is crucial for making a strong first impression and guiding your reader's expectations. This is where Samwell.ai steps in with its AI-powered writing assistant, designed to enhance your academic writing experience. The tool not only helps in creating engaging and accurate titles but also ensures they align with academic standards. For instance, if you're working on an essay about climate change, Samwell.ai can suggest titles that are both captivating and relevant to your content. This process involves:

Analyzing the main themes and arguments of your essay
Suggesting keywords and phrases that capture the essence of your topic
Offering a variety of title formats that suit the tone and style of your academic work

Moreover, Samwell.ai 's capabilities extend beyond just title generation. The AI assistant also provides guidance on structuring your essay effectively, ensuring that each part, from the introduction to the conclusion, supports the title and central thesis. This holistic approach to essay writing not only saves time but also enhances the quality of your work, making it more coherent and impactful. Whether you are dealing with descriptive titles or need to formulate a provocative question-based title, Samwell.ai tailors its suggestions to meet the specific requirements of your essay. By integrating this advanced tool into your writing process, you can:

Ensure consistency and relevance throughout your essay
Enhance the readability and appeal of your academic papers
Gain confidence in your writing abilities, knowing that each component is crafted to professional standards

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you italicize article titles.

In academic writing, article titles should not be italicised. Instead, they should be placed in quotation marks. The titles of journals or magazines, however, should be italicised.

What is an example of an article title?

An example of an effective article title is 'Rethinking Sustainability: Innovative Approaches to Environmental Conservation', which is specific, informative, and hints at a fresh perspective within the essay.

What is the format of article title?

The format for article titles in essays involves placing the title in quotation marks and capitalising the major words. The title should not be italicised, but the source of the article, such as a journal or book, should be in italics.

How do I format a title in an essay?

To format a title in an essay, ensure that it is concise, usually under ten words, and placed in quotation marks if it is an article title. Major words in the title should be capitalised, and it should not be italicised unless it is the title of a source like a journal or a book.