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Such a message makes for what one authority calls 'an assertive sentence title'. Use of words such as 'significant' in a title is considered too dogmatic and states the writer's conclusion too boldly. It also trivialises a scientific report by reducing it to a one-liner.

Remember the following.

  • A title, like a heading, should have high scanning value. The reader should be able to understand a lot from a few words.
  • A title that expresses a very general idea is essentially meaningless.
  • The golden rule is: Express one idea or subject in your title.
  • You can make some titles specific and short with very little effort.
  • You can also achieve a clear title with more words (probably not more than about 15). They work because they express one idea or subject.
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