Writing Titles for Technical Research and Reports

Lecture 5

In a noisy world, how can you ensure that individuals genuinely engage with your writing? It requires more than good content or a great design to engage the readers and the most important part of writing an article is the title selection.  Therefore, let us discuss the most basic and important aspect of a research paper - the title. Composing a title for a research paper might appear an easy task, yet it demands considerable contemplation. It may astonish many that a writer, having effectively crafted a comprehensive narrative of the research study, experiences a block while attempting to title the research paper. Most writers, due to having extensive knowledge of their research paper, find it challenging to create a succinct title without omitting any significant components.

Below are three guidelines for crafting impactful titles:

1.      It must grab the attention: If there is a single area where initial impressions matter, it’s the post title or headline. The titles of your articles should instantly convey the reason why the reader ought to continue and consume the remainder of the content. Copywriters assert that if you dedicate one hour composing the article you should spend just as much thinking about the title.  

 

2.      It should represent what is present in the material: Certainly, it would grab the readers' attention if your post had a title like `The Definitive Handbook for Increasing Website Visitors’, even if the title itself was merely a few suggestions to create traffic. The issue with this title is that it does not represent the content more precisely it exaggerates the title. While you want your title to be as appealing as possible you also need to ensure that the reader will receive what the title guarantees, otherwise it will damage your credibility.

 

3. It should be compatible with search engines: Always write the titles for people and not for search engines. You can lessen the keywords but that would not reduce the standard of the title. It is likely that the majority of individuals discover information via search engines.

 

So, there are some characteristics of the title that come in our mind when we read title:

A] Quality characteristics

[1]   The title needs to be very specific in nature

[2]   At the same time, it should also have the expressive power to convey the full extent of the research study in just a few words

[3]   It should directly tell the total nature of the subject

[4]   It needs to be very definite and clear

[5]   The title needs to be attractive and interesting sufficient to garner the interest of the audience

[6]   Should have the correct syntax.

B] Structural characteristics

[1]   Length of title,

[2]   Position of keywords,

[3]   Qualifying phrases/Deadwoods,

[4]   Vague words,

[5]   Parenthesis and italics and

[6]   Punctuation.

 

1] Length of title:  

A lengthy and detailed title for a technical report is not recommended and on the other title that is overly brief and lacks most of the essential keywords is not recommended. Typically, a title is composed of approximately 10 words. Nevertheless, it can have additional words if it is necessary to convey the subject matter. Some specialists oppose setting any word limit. They contend that the length does not ensure the accuracy or lucidity of a title. If the title goes beyond a single line, it should be displayed in `V-form’. Similarly, no title shall be composed of more than three lines regardless of the word count.

 

A title like "Design and Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Beams for High-Rise Structures" is appropriate because it captures the scope without being too lengthy. Avoid overly long titles as they may dilute the focus and fail to engage readers or professionals seeking specific information.

2] Position of keywords: 

The placement of keywords in the title can significantly alter the meaning, and at the same time, it plays a crucial role in the information storage and retrieval system. Readers seek to understand the key terms from the title, so more significant words relevant to the research should be prioritized., viz. Placing essential keywords at the beginning of a title improves clarity and searchability. For example, "Concrete Strength Assessment Using Non-Destructive Methods" prioritizes "Concrete Strength," immediately conveying the core focus of the content.

 3] Qualifying phrases/Deadwoods: 

The title should be brief. It includes only the words necessary to suggest the subject of the study. Exclude phrases and terms such as:

•         A Study of

•         The Implications of

•         A report on

•         A consideration of

•         A discussion of

•         A Comparative Study of

•         An Assessment of

•         An Analysis of

•         Inquiry into

•         Investigation of

A phrase is a group of words conveying solitary idea lacking a subject and verb. It's advisable to steer clear of such expressions, although one could employ them with cautious management.

 

Titles like "Compressive Strength of Concrete with Recycled Aggregates" more qualified rather than "An Investigation into the Compressive Strength of Concrete Utilizing Recycled Aggregates."

 

4] Vague words: 

Titles should be precise and avoid vague terms like "interesting," "various," or "some aspects." Instead of "Various Methods for Soil Stabilization," use "Methods for Soil Stabilization Using Lime and Fly Ash." This specificity helps readers quickly grasp the research focus.

 

5] Parenthesis and italics: 

Parentheses and italics should be used thoughtfully to enhance clarity. Parentheses can specify standards or clarify terms, such as "Determination of Compressive Strength of Concrete (ASTM C39)" or "Concrete Mix Proportions (By Weight)." Italics are useful for titles of documents, standards, or publications, for example, "Analysis of Concrete Design According to ACI 318 Standards" or "Durability of Reinforced Concrete Structures in Marine Environments." Overusing these elements can clutter the title, so they should only be used when necessary for precision or emphasis.

 

6] Punctuation:

Proper punctuation ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, "Sampling and Testing of Bricks: A Guide to ASTM C67 Standards" uses a colon effectively to separate the broader topic from the specifics. Avoid using unnecessary punctuation marks, such as excessive commas or exclamation points, as they can make the title appear unprofessional.

Easy Guidelines for Crafting an Effective Paper Title

Creating a strong title for your civil engineering research paper is crucial to convey the essence of your work and attract the right audience. Follow these simple steps to craft a professional and impactful title:

1. Clearly State the Research Focus

·         Make your title descriptive of the main subject and scope of the research.

·         Use terms that directly relate to the study’s core topic.

Examples:

·         "Evaluation of Structural Integrity in Precast Concrete Frames Under Dynamic Loads"

·         "Assessment of Sustainable Practices in Bridge Construction Projects"

 

2. Be Specific and Concise

·         Avoid vague or overly broad titles. Aim for clarity and precision in 10–15 words.

·         Use a balance between being detailed and concise to maintain readability.

Examples:

·         "Finite Element Analysis of Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Beams Under Cyclic Loading"

·         "Influence of Soil Stabilizers on the Shear Strength of Expansive Clays"

 

3. Highlight Key Variables, Techniques, or Innovations

·         Mention unique aspects of your study, such as methods, materials, or specific engineering challenges.

Examples:

·         "Application of Geopolymer Binders in Improving Fire Resistance of Masonry Structures"

·         "Impact of 3D Printing Technology on the Design of Structural Elements"

 

4. Incorporate Relevant Keywords

·         Include technical terms or field-specific keywords to improve discoverability in search engines and databases.

Examples:

·         "Numerical Simulation of Wind-Induced Vibrations in Tall Building Facades"

·         "Optimization of Concrete Mix Design for High-Performance Pavement Applications"

 

5. Specify Context, Location, or Scope

·         Adding geographical or contextual information helps clarify the study’s relevance.

Examples:

·         "Performance Evaluation of Drainage Systems in Flood-Prone Areas of Southeast Asia"

·         "Energy-Efficient Retrofitting of Residential Buildings in Mediterranean Climates"

 

6. Use Proper Structure and Grammar

·         Structure: “[Main Topic]: [Specific Aspect or Variable Studied].”

·         Avoid filler words like “A Study on” or “Investigation of.”

Examples:

·         Instead of: "A Study on the Impact of Climate Change on Urban Infrastructure," write:
"Impact of Climate Change on Urban Infrastructure: Challenges and Solutions."

·         "Seismic Retrofitting of Heritage Structures Using Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites"

 

7. Avoid Jargon and Overcomplexity

·         Use universally understood terms. Avoid overly technical or abstract language unless necessary.

Examples:

·         Poor: "Investigating Nonlinear Time-Dependent Deformational Behaviors in Post-Tensioned Superstructures"

·         Better: "Time-Dependent Deformations in Post-Tensioned Concrete Superstructures"

 

8. Incorporate Study Outcomes (Optional)

·         Including key findings or implications can make your title more appealing.

Examples:

·         "Reduction in Carbon Emissions Through Recycled Aggregates in Concrete"

·         "Enhanced Load-Bearing Capacity of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Earth Retaining Walls"

 

9. Avoid Unnecessary Words

·         Keep your title focused by removing redundant phrases.

Examples:

·         Instead of: "An Analysis of the Effect of Fly Ash on Concrete Durability," write:
"Effect of Fly Ash on Concrete Durability."

·         Instead of: "Research into Sustainable Bridge Design for Urban Environments," write:
"Sustainable Bridge Design for Urban Environments."

 

10. Test for Clarity and Appeal

·         Review the title with peers or advisors to ensure it accurately conveys the study’s purpose and is engaging.

Examples for Review:

·         "Durability of Asphalt Pavements Under Freeze-Thaw Cycles: A Case Study"

·         "Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Structural Health Monitoring Systems"

Examples:

Key Observations:

·         Titles Needing Improvement:

o    "A Study on Concrete Behavior Under Extreme Temperature Variations"

§  Issue: Not concise and lacks clarity.

§  Improvement: "Concrete Behavior Under Extreme Temperature Variations: Experimental Insights"

o    "Innovations in Seismic Design for Coastal Infrastructure"

§  Issue: It could be more specific and lacks some clarity.

§  Improvement: "Seismic Design Innovations for Coastal Infrastructure in Earthquake Zones"