How to Make a Cover Page for an Essay

Creating a cover page is an important step when writing an essay, as it introduces your work and helps create a professional first impression. A cover page typically includes the title of your essay, your name, the course name/number, the instructor’s name, and the submission date. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make a cover page for your essay:

1. Check your instructor’s requirements Before you start making your cover page, it’s crucial to review any specific guidelines or formatting requirements provided by your instructor. Some instructors may have precise expectations for the cover page, while others may allow more flexibility.
2. Select a clean, readable font Choose a font that is easy to read and looks professional. Some recommended fonts for cover pages include:

• Times New Roman (a classic choice)
• Arial (a clean, modern font)
• Calibri (a popular sans-serif font)

Avoid using decorative or overly stylized fonts, as they can be distracting and difficult to read.

3. Center your text Most cover pages have the text centered both horizontally and vertically. This creates a balanced and visually appealing layout.
4. Include the necessary information Your cover page should include the following information, typically arranged in this order:

• Title of your essay (in a larger font size, bolded)
• Your full name
• Course name and number (e.g., English 101)
• Instructor’s name
• Submission date (e.g., May 1, 2024)

Here’s an example of how your cover page might look:

[Title of Your Essay]

John Doe English 101: Introduction to Literature Prof. Jane Smith May 1, 2024

5. Add spacing and margins Use appropriate spacing between each line of text to improve readability. A common approach is to add a blank line between the title and your name, and between the other lines of information.

Additionally, leave sufficient margins (typically 1 inch) around the edges of the page to create a clean and professional look.

6. Consider adding a header or footer (optional) Some instructors may require or prefer that you include a header or footer with your name and the page number on the cover page. If so, make sure to follow their specific guidelines.
7. Double-check for accuracy Before submitting your essay, carefully review your cover page to ensure that all the information is accurate and correctly formatted. This includes checking for spelling errors, proper capitalization, and consistent formatting.

APA Format Cover Page:

• The title of your essay should be centered, bolded, and in title case on the first line of the cover page.
• On the next line, include your name (first name, middle initial, last name).
• On the next line, include your school or university’s name.
• On the next line, include the course number and name.
• On the next line, include your instructor’s name.
• On the next line, include the assignment due date.
• Use 1-inch margins and a readable font like Times New Roman (12pt) or Arial (11pt).
• Double-space the entire cover page.

Example:

[Title of Your Essay]

Jane Q. Student
Awesome University
ENGL 101: Introduction to Literature
Dr. John Smith
May 1, 2024

Related Article: Updated APA 7 Format and Citation Guide

Chicago Format Cover Page:

• The title of your essay should be centered and in title case on the first line of the cover page.
• Approximately one-third of the way down the page, include your full name.
• On the next line, include the course number and name.
• On the next line, include your instructor’s name.
• On the next line, include the assignment due date.
• Use 1-inch margins and a readable font like Times New Roman (12pt).

Example:

[Title of Your Essay]

Jane Q. Student
ENGL 101: Introduction to Literature
Dr. John Smith
May 1, 2024

Related Article: Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide

MLA Format Cover Page:

• The title of your essay should be centered and in title case on the first line of the cover page.
• On the next line, include your full name.
• On the next line, include your instructor’s name.
• On the next line, include the course name.
• On the next line, include the assignment due date.
• Use 1-inch margins and a readable font like Times New Roman (12pt).
• Double-space the entire cover page.

Example:

[Title of Your Essay]

Jane Q. Student
Dr. John Smith
Introduction to Literature
May 1, 2024

Related article: Guide to correct MLA 8 Citation and Referencing