Bullet points

Using bullet points with consistent punctuation and parallel structure

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
What is the main purpose of bullet points? A) To present information clearly in a list B) To make writing more decorative C) To replace full stops D) To indicate questions
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2
True or false: All bullet points in a list should follow the same grammatical structure. All bullet points in a list should follow the same grammatical structure. A) True B) False
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3
What are bullet points used for? A) to write long paragraphs B) to list items clearly C) to add pictures D) to ask questions
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4
True or false: bullet points should be in complete sentences if they form a full sentence. Bullet points should be in complete sentences if they form a full sentence. A) True B) False
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5
Which bullet list shows parallel structure? A) • Cook dinner • Wash the dishes • Tidy the kitchen B) • Cooking dinner • Wash the dishes • You should tidy the kitchen C) • Dinner • Wash dishes • To tidy D) • Cook • Dishes • Tidy
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6
Order these bullet points so they show consistent parallel structure - all starting with a verb. Put these in order: Wash your hands, Brush your teeth, Get dressed, Eat breakfast
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7
True or false: When bullet points are complete sentences, each should usually end with a full stop. When bullet points are complete sentences, each should usually end with a full stop. A) True B) False
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8
Which is the WORST way to write a bulleted list? A) Mixing verbs, noun phrases and full sentences in the same list B) Starting every bullet with an imperative verb C) Using parallel noun phrases in every bullet D) Using complete sentences and ending each with a full stop
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9
True or false: A short fragment bullet point that follows other short fragments should normally end with a full stop. A short fragment bullet point that follows other short fragments should normally end with a full stop. A) True B) False
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10
What introduces a bulleted list? A) A complete clause followed by a colon B) A question mark C) A semicolon D) An exclamation mark
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Answer key

Bullet points · for parents and teachers

1
To present information clearly in a list
Bullet points organise items in a list so they are easy to read at a glance.
2
True
True. Bullet points should use parallel structure - for example, all starting with verbs, all noun phrases, or all complete sentences.
3
to list items clearly
Bullet points organise information in a list.
4
True
If bullet points are full sentences, they should end with full stops.
5
• Cook dinner • Wash the dishes • Tidy the kitchen
Each bullet starts with an imperative verb (Cook, Wash, Tidy), making them parallel in structure.
6
Wash your hands, Brush your teeth, Get dressed, Eat breakfast
These bullets all start with imperative verbs, which is parallel structure for a list of actions.
7
True
True. If each bullet is a full sentence, end each one with a full stop. Short fragments often have no end punctuation.
8
Mixing verbs, noun phrases and full sentences in the same list
Mixing structures in a single list makes it look untidy and harder to read. Parallel structure is the rule.
9
False
False. Bullets that are short fragments usually have no end punctuation. Only full sentences need full stops.
10
A complete clause followed by a colon
A complete clause followed by a colon (:) is the standard way to introduce a bulleted list.