Here's why:
* Consistency: Most academic style guides (like MLA and Chicago) recommend italicizing titles of longer works.
* Clarity: Italics help distinguish the title from the rest of the text, making it easier for readers to identify.
Here are some other important punctuation rules for essay titles:
* Capitalize the first letter of each important word in the title. (This includes nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.)
* Use a colon (:) to separate a title from a subtitle.
* Do not use quotation marks around the title.
Example:
* *The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers*
Note:
* If you are writing for a specific publication or following a particular style guide, it's always best to check their guidelines for title formatting.