What Do You Put in a Header for an Essay, and Why Does It Sometimes Feel Like Solving a Rubik's Cube?

When it comes to writing an essay, one of the first things you need to consider is the header. The header is not just a formality; it serves as a roadmap for your reader, providing essential information about your work. But what exactly should you include in a header, and why does it sometimes feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube? Let’s dive into the details.

The Basics of an Essay Header

1. Title of the Essay

The title is the first thing your reader will see, so it should be clear, concise, and relevant to the content of your essay. A good title not only grabs attention but also gives a hint of what the essay is about. For example, if you’re writing about climate change, a title like “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities” is more informative than simply “Climate Change.”

2. Your Name

Including your name is crucial, especially in academic settings. It identifies you as the author of the essay and ensures that you receive proper credit for your work. In some cases, you may also need to include your student ID or other identifying information, depending on the requirements of your institution.

3. Course Information

If you’re writing an essay for a specific course, you should include the course name and number. This helps the instructor or reader understand the context in which the essay was written. For example, “ENG 101: Introduction to English Literature” provides a clear indication of the course.

4. Instructor’s Name

Including your instructor’s name is another common requirement, especially in academic essays. It shows that you’ve tailored your work to meet the expectations of a specific audience. For instance, “Professor Jane Doe” indicates that the essay is intended for a particular instructor.

5. Date

The date is often included in the header to indicate when the essay was written or submitted. This can be important for tracking purposes, especially in academic or professional settings. The format of the date can vary depending on the style guide you’re following (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).

Advanced Considerations for Essay Headers

6. Page Numbers

In longer essays or research papers, page numbers are often included in the header. This helps readers navigate the document and locate specific sections or references. Page numbers are typically placed in the top right corner of the page, but this can vary depending on the style guide.

7. Running Head

Some style guides, such as APA, require a running head. This is a shortened version of the title that appears at the top of every page. The running head should be no more than 50 characters, including spaces, and is usually in all capital letters. For example, if your title is “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities,” your running head might be “IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE.”

8. Institutional Affiliation

In academic writing, especially for research papers, you may need to include your institutional affiliation. This could be the name of your university, department, or research institution. For example, “Department of Environmental Science, University of California, Berkeley” provides context for your work.

9. Abstract

While not part of the header per se, some essays, particularly research papers, require an abstract. The abstract is a brief summary of the essay’s main points and is usually placed on a separate page following the title page. It should be concise, typically no more than 250 words, and should give readers a clear idea of what to expect in the essay.

10. Keywords

In some academic papers, especially those intended for publication, you may be asked to include keywords. These are terms that represent the main topics or themes of your essay and help readers find your work in databases or search engines. Keywords should be relevant and specific to your topic.

Why Does It Feel Like Solving a Rubik’s Cube?

Creating a header for an essay can sometimes feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube because it requires balancing multiple elements while adhering to specific guidelines. Each element—title, name, course information, date, page numbers, etc.—must be placed correctly and formatted according to the required style guide. This can be particularly challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the style guide or if the requirements are complex.

Moreover, the header is often the first thing your reader sees, so it needs to make a good impression. A well-formatted header not only looks professional but also demonstrates your attention to detail and adherence to academic standards. On the other hand, a poorly formatted header can detract from your essay’s credibility, even if the content is strong.

Conclusion

In summary, the header of an essay is more than just a formality; it’s a crucial component that provides essential information and sets the tone for your work. By including elements like the title, your name, course information, instructor’s name, date, page numbers, and possibly a running head or institutional affiliation, you can create a header that is both informative and professional. While it may feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube at times, mastering the art of the header is an important skill that will serve you well in your academic and professional writing endeavors.

Related Q&A

Q: What is the purpose of a running head in an essay? A: A running head is a shortened version of the title that appears at the top of every page in some style guides, such as APA. It helps readers identify the essay quickly and is especially useful in longer documents.

Q: Should I include my student ID in the header? A: This depends on the requirements of your institution or instructor. If it’s requested, then yes, you should include your student ID in the header.

Q: How do I format the date in the header? A: The format of the date can vary depending on the style guide you’re following. For example, MLA typically uses the day-month-year format (e.g., 12 October 2023), while APA uses the month-day-year format (e.g., October 12, 2023).

Q: Can I use a creative title for my essay? A: While creativity is encouraged, your title should still be relevant and informative. A creative title can grab attention, but it should also give readers a clear idea of what your essay is about.

Q: Do I need to include an abstract in every essay? A: No, an abstract is typically required only for research papers or longer essays. Check the guidelines provided by your instructor or the publication you’re submitting to.