Bullet points
Lists set out down the page, the colon that introduces them, and the one rule that matters: be consistent.
The answer
Bullet points set out a list down the page, one item per line, each starting with a dot called a bullet.
Examples
To make slime, you will need:
- a bowl
- some glue
- food colouring
Short items: no capital letters and no full stops, the same for every point.
Before the trip:
- Pack a waterproof coat.
- Bring a packed lunch.
- Arrive by half past eight.
Full sentences: each starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop.
Our class rules are:
- walk in the corridors
- listen when others speak
- tidy up after yourself
Each point finishes the lead-in sentence, so they all start in lower case.
How to spot it
- The lead-in sentence usually ends with a colon.
- Each bullet holds one item or one idea.
- Pick one style and keep to it: short items with no end punctuation, or full sentences with capitals and full stops.
The common mistake
Mixing styles in one list.
One point with a capital and a full stop and the next without looks careless. Whichever style you choose, use it for every point in the list.
When it is taught
- First met
- Year 6
- On the pupil word list
- Year 6, as “bullet points”
Year 6 names bullet points and learns to punctuate them to list information, alongside layout devices such as headings, sub-headings and tables.
Try a question
Which list is punctuated consistently? Tick one.
- List A
- apples
- Pears.
- plums
- List B
- apples
- pears
- plums
- List C
- Apples
- pears.
- Plums
- List D
- apples.
- Pears
- plums.
Show the answer
Answer: List B
Every point uses the same style: lower case and no full stop. The others mix capitals and full stops.
Related terms
- Practise the 11+ skill: Punctuate a list
More grammar terms
Questions parents ask
Do bullet points need full stops?
Only if each point is a full sentence. Short items usually have none. What matters is doing the same for every point.
Should a colon come before bullet points?
Usually, yes. A lead-in such as ‘You will need:’ ends with a colon, and the bullets complete it.
When should children use bullet points?
In non-fiction such as instructions, reports and leaflets, where readers need to find information quickly. Not in stories.
Grammar turns up in 11+ English too
Many 11+ English papers include grammar and punctuation questions alongside comprehension. The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.