A research paper title page should include the title of the paper, your name, the course and instructor, and date. The title page should be a separate page from the rest of the research paper. This page is the first thing the class instructor will see, and it should be neat and follow any guidelines outlined.
The title is generally considered an important part of the title page. The title you choose should be simple and incorporate the main idea of the paper. Some writers use a secondary title if the first title becomes too long. The secondary title should go directly underneath the main title. Keeping the title short is a good idea so that the reader gets the point of the paper in just a few words.
After the title, your name and the course instructor's name should be listed. You should use your full name so the research paper title page keeps a formal feel. It is also good to use your full name so there is no mix up with another student's paper. After you name, you should list the teacher's name, being sure to address your instructor with his or her formal name. For example, if the teacher is a doctor, be sure to start the name with Dr. and then type his or her first and last name.
After listing your name and the instructor's name, the next step is to list the course title and its number. High school courses usually just have a title of the class, but college courses often have a number that goes with the title. After the course has been listed, the current date is the last item on the research paper title page. You should list the date on which the paper is due.
A generic research paper title page usually requires all the included information to be centered on standard size paper. Most instructor's will give specific directions on how the paper should be organized and positioned. Be sure to follow the instructor's guidelines in regards to spacing and margins.
Some instructors set up their own guidelines, but others may want to use a specific writing style. Among the most popular styles are the Modern Language Association (MLA) style and the American Psychological Association (APA) style. These writing styles have their own set of guidelines for a research paper title page. There are other styles that teachers use as well, and the course may require you to learn and abide by these specific writing styles.