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10 NEAT Bullet Points

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erikaesser22
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5 views

10 NEAT Bullet Points

Uploaded by

erikaesser22
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Bullet points

• Bullet
Arrows
* asterisks
- hyphens
 squares
 diamonds
o circles
 ticks
María Sanz
What are bullet points? (•)
Symbols in written texts (•).

We use them…
 to draw attention to important information in a document;
 as a means for the reader to identify the key issues and facts quickly.
E.g.:
 Item 1
 Item 2
 Item 3
Bullet points are visually attractive and make it easy for a reader
to locate important information.
Nevertheless, try to use them sparingly:
too many bullet-pointed sections in the same document will mean
that their impact is lost.
Variety of shapes and colors
 Word processor software offers a wide selection of shapes and colors, such
as:

 arrows
* asterisks
- hyphens
 squares
 diamonds
o circles
 ticks
 An alternative method is to use a numbered list. 1. 1. 3. etc
 NOTE: DO NOT ABUSE OF TOO MANY COLOURS AND TYPES.
Usage: When and where
USE THEM:
in presentations (PPT, Prezi…)
in technical writing
in reference works
in notes (also personal notes)
in lists
NOTE that the text in each bullet point starts in
small letters and there is no punctuation marks
at the end of each of them.
Length

No ideal length, but bullet points


may be:
1. short phrases,

2. single sentences,

3. of paragraph length.
NOTE here, instead, that the text in each bullet point starts in small letters
but there is punctuation marks at the end of each of them.
Rules about usage

No fixed rules, but guidelines


If the text after the bullet point is not a proper
sentence, it doesn’t:
 need to begin with a capital letter
 end with a full stop

Tonight's agenda includes:


• annual review of capital gains issues
• outstanding inheritance tax issues
Rules about usage

More guidelines
In academic texts, in general, end every item in each
bulleted list with a semicolon (;), except the last one
that ends with a full stop (.).

Tonight's agenda includes:


1. annual review of capital gains issues;
2. outstanding inheritance tax issues.
If the text following the bullet point is a complete
sentence,
 Begin it with a capital letter and
 End with a full stop.

The agenda for tonight is as follows:


• We will conduct an annual review of
capital gains issues.
• Attorney Sanso will talk about outstanding
inheritance tax issues.
Be coherent:
the text of each bullet point must have a similar
(parallel) pattern

Lists of bullet points will have more impact if:


Each one begins with the same word class (N, V. G…)
They are all of a similar length
their text is relatively short
You use the same font
You use margin width within each section.
Note here the pattern: subject + verb + complements… and COMPARE
Lists of bullet points will have more impact IF THEY
ALL:
 begin with the same word class (N, V. G…)
 have a similar length.
 are relatively short typeface.
 have the same typeface (font).
 have margin width within each section.

Same meaning, but note here the pattern: verbs + complements and COMPARE
BE COHERENT!

Action verbs are a good choice for the first word.


 Make sure that each one is in the same tense.

Duties and responsibilities included:


• teaching homework and study skills to disabled students;
• Reaching attainment targets and improving learning
performance;
• developing an after-school sports program.

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