can i use bullet points in a research paper

How to Use Bullet Lists and Number Lists in a Research Paper

Academic articles often include lists, which organize the material and provide the reader with a quick overview of a section. There are different ways to format lists, but some general principles apply to all of them: they should be constructed in a parallel fashion, and they should be consistent. Numbers, letters, and bullet points are not required in all cases. Academic writers who use The Chicago Manual of Style will find various formats there, but four common list formats are presented here.

Types of List Formats

Run-in lists.

A run-in list, as the name suggests, is included as part of the general text. Elements can be separated in different ways, as shown in the examples below.

Separated with a Colon:   When a complete sentence is followed by a list of items, separate the sentence from the list with a colon.

E.g. “ Do not venture into the wilderness without these items: a knife, a book of matches, a flashlight, and a map. ”

Separated with Numbers:  When the list is part of the sentence, you can separate the items by numbering them.

E.g. “ The Housing Committee passed resolutions on (1) annual salaries, (2) fundraising efforts, and (3) community building. ”

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Vertical Lists

A vertical list should be preceded by a complete sentence that gives an overview of the points being listed. The list does not need to have a bullet point format and a punctuation mark is not at the end of the entries. For example:

Your admissions packet should include these items:

The three-page statement of purpose

The financial questionnaire

Your contact information

If the lead-in sentence is a complete one and all entries in the list are complete sentences, a punctuation mark should follow each entry. For example (using bullet points):

Make perfect banana bread every time by following these easy steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
• Grease an 8 x 8 baking dish.
• Combine all the dry ingredients (listed above).
• Gently fold in the wet ingredients (listed above).
• Pour the batter into the dish and bake for 45 minutes.

Again, note that because each entry in the list is a complete sentence, a final period is used.

Vertical Lists Punctuated as a Sentence

When a list is too long or convoluted to be presented as one sentence, you can use a vertical list that is punctuated like a sentence. This format is especially useful when the phrases include internal punctuations or the reader might find it difficult to follow the meaning. An example follows below.

Biology instructors have made significant changes to their curricula and classrooms, and today it is common to find

• innovative research techniques, especially those requiring knowledge of anatomy, in labs;
• greater focus on teamwork;
• in-class lectures customized for learning styles; and
• bilingual lesson plans.

Vertical Lists with Subdivided Items

A complex vertical list may be formatted in a way that resembles an outline, using numbers and letters to provide a logical structure. The lead-in (introductory) line should be a complete sentence, as seen in the example below.

Students should be prepared to discuss the following topics:

• Regional History
• Geography and landmarks
• Erosion in mountainous areas
• Notable Figures
• The first tribal chieftains
• The emergence of political divisions and leaders
• The role of women
• Cultural Developments
• The spread of language
• Music used to bind communities

The next time you read a research paper , look for lists and examine how they were constructed. Do the entries use a consistent format? Are the numbers and/or letters correctly placed and in the proper order? Is the lead-in line a complete sentence? If you find that these steps are all present, chances are that the author took the time to research the structure of lists and present them accurately. Now you can do the same.

References:

• Get It Write. Handling Vertical Lists.  Retrieved from http://www.getitwriteonline.com/archive/101406VerticalLists.htm

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Can Research Paper Use Bullet Points: When & How to Use them

Bullet points in research paper

A research paper means that the writer will be doing extensive primary and secondary research to find out the required facts, statistics, and quotations and introduce insight. So, can a research paper contain bullet points?

Yes, bullet points help your paper flow better, especially in a research paper. A well-written and correctly formatted research paper must use bullet points to organize and present the introductory three paragraphs that introduce the topic being researched. Keep reading for additional insights.

Can Research Paper Use Bullet Points?

A research paper can use bullet points if they help in presenting the findings of the research or listing the objectives of the study. In addition, including bullet points in your writing might be helpful to structure your text or draw attention to certain aspects of the topic you are discussing.

However, do not over-use them in writing.

If it helps the reader understand what you are saying better or makes it easier for them to read long lists of data or statistics, then it is acceptable to use bullet points in a research paper.

Yes, you can use bullet points in a research paper. It is all about the way you write them.

Bullets, or dot points, are used in many contexts to present information.

When writing a research paper , you may find that you want to use bullet points to highlight the most important parts of your paper.

Bullet points can be effective in this context because they are easy to read, allow you to present lots of information quickly, and keep your reader on track.

Research papers follow a specific structure and format.

You need to start with a good introduction, then give the supporting evidence for your thesis, and present everything in a well-structured manner. The conclusion sums up everything that you have written and allows the reader to have a clear picture of what your research has been focused on.

A research paper contains several sections: an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Each section is crucial and should be presented clearly and adequately organized by using headings or subheadings if necessary.

However, when using bullet points, make sure they follow the same grammatical structure as the rest of your text.

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How to Use Bullet Points in a Research Paper

Bullet points are a great way to organize your thoughts and help readers follow along. Writers sometimes use bullet points to list items because, in some cases, they can be more readable than an ordinary list of items.

For example, if there are three or more items in the list, the bullet points become easier to scan than a numbered list. The best approach is to observe the following:

1. Use Bullets for Shortlists

Bullets work best when you have three or more items on a list.

If your list is only one or two things long, consider rewriting your sentence not to require a list.

2. Use Bullets for Similar Ideas

Bullets work best when all of the items in the list are roughly equal in importance and length.

When your items differ significantly, using bullets can lead to confusion and make it harder for your reader to follow along.

3. Use Parallel Structure in your Bulleted Lists

Parallel structure is a grammatical term that uses the same structure in multiple parts of a sentence or paragraph.

In other words, if one item in your bullet list begins with a verb, all the different items should also begin with verbs; if one item is a phrase, all other items should also be phrases, etc.

How to Use Bullets

There are no fixed rules about how to use bullet points in academic writing, but here are some guidelines for their effective use:

• Only use bullet points when the order of the items listed is not essential. If a sequence or charge is needed, then use numbers instead.
• Do not start every sentence with a bullet point. This makes it look as though you cannot be bothered to write full sentences, and your work will appear sloppy., ,,, Use bullet points only when you have a list of two or more points; do not use them when introducing an individual issue (e.g., ‘The next topic is …’)
• If you have multiple levels of information (i.e., sub-points), use different bullets to differentiate between them.
• Indent all lines after the first line of each bullet point (similar to this paragraph). Do not add extra space between paragraphs.
• Use phrases rather than complete sentences within the bullet points. Do not add punctuation at the end unless it is necessary for clarity (e.g., an internal comma or colon).

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Importance of Using Bullet Points

Highlight Important Information

The key to using bullet points effectively is to ensure that they are consistent throughout your document and not overused.

Only use bullet points to clarify the material or help break up text and make it more readable.

Outline a Process

Bullet points are always used in conjunction with other paragraphs in papers, so they are not the paper’s main focus or a section of the paper. Because of this, they usually do not begin or end with a complete sentence.

The first word in a bullet point is usually capitalized, but the rest are lowercase unless proper nouns. Bullet points also use periods in the end to separate them.

Enhances Readability

It makes your paper more readable. It gives the readers a clear idea of what you are talking about without reading through long sentences and paragraphs of irrelevant information.

Mention items of Interest

Ensure that you include everything necessary for the paper. This consists of all items of interest and any extra things not mentioned in the paper’s main body. If you did not mention in the main body of the paper, then it should be appear in the reference section.

Highlight key Points

The importance of bullet points in research papers is to highlight the key points of your paper. In other words, it helps the reader to focus on the main topic and understand what you are discussing.

For example, if you were to write a paper about building a house, you would want to include bullet points to help the reader follow along with your construction process. In this article, we will discuss how bullet points can help you write your research paper.

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Instances When You Should Avoid Bullet Points in Research Paper

One of the most common ways to organize information in a document or presentation is through the use of bullet points. They are simple to read and easy to understand. However, they can also be overused. Here are several instances when you should avoid using bullet points in your research paper:

1. When You Are Not Sure How to Organize Your Points

The best way to keep track of your ideas is by using an outline. It helps you organize your thoughts into a clear and concise structure.

If you do not know how to write an outline, you should learn how before considering using bullet points in your paper.

2. When There Is No Clear Connection between Points

In general, bullet points are organized into groups that share a common theme or idea.

Using them willy-nilly with no particular order can make it difficult for the reader to follow what you are saying. Therefore, look for connections between ideas when writing a paper that uses bullet points.

3. When Your Paper Does Not Have an Introduction and Conclusion

Bullet points should occur as part of a larger argument or point made in a research paper. You can check how to present an argumentative research paper and learn the issue of points in a paper.

If no introduction or conclusion is tying those points together, then it will be difficult for the reader to follow along with what you are saying.

When not handling complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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Q. Are bulleted lists allowed in APA Style? How do I format a bulleted or numbered list?

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Answered By: Jonathan Faerber (he/him/his) Last Updated: Nov 04, 2021     Views: 171162

APA Style (7th ed.)

Bulleted and numbered lists are permitted by the APA Style rules; however, if you're unsure if your instructor will permit them in your assignment, please check with your instructor. Keep in mind that because bulleted or numbered lists only provide surface-level information rather than include analysis, and because the focus of academic writing is to demonstrate your critical thinking, these lists are used sparingly in formal academic writing in favor of communicating your ideas in complete sentences and paragraphs. See below for information regarding formatting lists.

Bulleted lists

The capitalization and punctuation for each bulleted item depends on whether the items form sentences or sentence parts. If the bulleted text is a full sentence, capitalize the first letter of the first word and end the paragraph with a period. For example:

• This is a sentence.
• This is another sentence.
• This is the last sentence of the bulleted list.

When a bulleted list separates three or more elements within a sentence, “begin each bulleted item with a lowercase letter” and either punctuate each item in the list as parts of a sentence (e.g., inserting commas), or exclude punctuation after each item (American Psychological Association [APA], 2020, pp. 190-191). For example:

In December 2018, British Columbia had an extreme storm that caused:

• massive damage due to high winds,
• widespread power outages that lasted many days, and
• flooded roads.

This storm affected multiple areas on Vancouver Island, including:

For other examples of bulleted lists, see Bulleted Lists in the APA Style Blog. For an explanation of the difference between a complete sentence and its parts, please see Sentences  and Sentence Elements  on the Writing Centre website.

Numbered lists

Numbered lists are helpful to identify the organization of information, such as "itemized conclusions” or “steps in a procedure" (APA, 2020, p. 190). Keep the following steps when creating a number list:

• Create the numbered list using the numbered list function on Microsoft Word or similar program.
• Set off Arabic numerals at the beginning of each item with a period rather than parentheses (i.e., “2.” rather than “(2)” or “2)”)
• Begin each item in the numbered list with a capital letter, and follow appropriate sentence punctuation throughout the list, using end marks like periods, exclamation, or question marks where required.

Please keep in mind that "the use of 'numbered lists' may connote an unwanted or unwarranted ordinal position (e.g. chronology, importance, priority) among the items" (APA, 2020, p. 190). To avoid this suggestion of position, use a bulleted list instead. For more information on numbered lists, see Numbered Lists in the APA Style Blog.

Lettered lists within a sentence

Lettered lists within a sentence are a good way to identify elements in a series within a paragraph or sentence without breaking the elements into a numbered or bulleted list. To indicate the list, use lowercase letters in parentheses (American Psychological Association, 2020, p. 189). For example, "students were asked to choose between completing (a) a formal research essay, (b) a documentary-style video, (c) a multi-media experience that involves participants". To punctuate a lettered list within a sentence, use commas between each of three or more items, or use semicolons when separating items that include commas, such as a series of phrases (APA, 2020, p.189). See Lettered Lists from the APA Style Blog for more information and examples.

American Psychological Association. (2020).  Publication manual of the American Psychological Association  (7th ed.).  https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

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How To Make a Bullet List For APA Or MLA Formatting

Whether you are writing a formal article, blogging, completing an academic essay or thesis, bullet lists are an important tool to add some flare to your work. There are, however, some important rules to follow when using lists in your work. We’ve created this helpful guide which complies with APA and MLA formatting standards. If you follow these helpful hints for structuring your lists with examples below from our professional writers at PapersOwl you will be sure to get a high grade.

First, identify when a list is necessary. Lists are useful when you have a lot of details to convey to the reader in a quick and easy manner without bogging the reader down through wordy passages. Lists can be used to give detailed instructions to a process, requirements to complete a certain task, or helpful references to inform of a schedule or event.

When using lists be sure to also follow a set of formatting standards that are accepted and you’ll build confidence in your audience and if you are writing an academic paper you will be sure to receive a high grade on your paper. Our advice – you can use online  APA format generator to avoid mistakes in the reference list in your paper.

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How To List Things In Academic Papers Correctly

Here are some important factors to consider when using lists:

• If your list items are complete sentences, be sure to use proper capitalization and punctuation as if the list item were a stand-alone sentence.
• When using fragmented sentences, do not include any ending punctuation.
• When using semicolons  to separate list items, the last item on the list should contain a period.
• Be sure your list items have a consistent format and style i.e. when using full sentences ensure all list items are full sentences.
• Ensure all your list items are related to the same topic.

If you follow these hints from our custom writing service  your paperwork will look more professional and be more interesting to read. It is also a good idea to give a concluding sentence or two following the list to state its importance or usefulness.

Another interesting format for creating a list is when the list items are closely related, for example, instructions on a specific process are to form the list as one complete sentence. For example, here is a summary of the instructions to write a standard 5 paragraph essay .

• Write a strong thesis statement,
• compose the body of your essay,
• complete the introduction, and
• finally, draft your conclusion.

With this format, use commas after each list item and on the next-to-last list, item use the word and close the list with a period at the end of the final item.

Bullet List with Semicolons In APA Or MLA Papers

Here is an example of a formal list using semi-colons:

• Lists can be used in many papers from a simple essay to a Ph.D. dissertation ;
• Use lists to make your work more interesting;
• Be sure not to overuse lists.

Doing assignments online can be a great way to save time and energy. Not only are you able to access a wide range of resources and materials, but you can also find assistance from professionals who can help you complete your work quickly and accurately. The example lists above are compliant with many academic writing standards, such as APA or MLA formatting . Effective writing can be a difficult task and lists are a great way to deliver information to your readers in a clear, concise, and easy to read manner. If, however, you do not have the time or are having trouble drafting your composition there is help. You can hire one of our professional APA essay writers  or MLA writers at PapersOwl, and we will do the hard work for you! We will deliver your research paper on time and guarantee that you will get a high grade. Additionally, they offer a variety of services, including writing assignments, editing, proofreading, and formatting. So, if you are looking for an easy and efficient way to pay to get assignments done , PapersOwl is the perfect solution.

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The complexities of academic writing are an uncontestable part of scientific research and reporting. But it’s up to the author to build the reader’s comprehension of the thought processes and methodology behind the experiment, from inception to outcome. To do this, it’s expected that a lot of specialized terminology is used, data is analyzed and explained, and other higher-level writing is included in the content.

As the author puts together the article with the intent of publishing it towards a wide audience, they have to consider what they are saying, how they are saying it, and how they are setting it up in the paper. Too much content put together without breaks for the brain to pause and consider what was read makes it difficult for the reader to understand the writing, no matter how simplistic it is. With structural tools like bulleted lists and numbering, the reader’s comprehension of your work can be improved, and it doesn’t take much from you to get the job done.

Separating Your Work With Bullets and Numbers

It’s common in academic articles to see bullets and numbers used to organize the content inside the document. Sometimes they are given to help the reader see what they can expect in the upcoming section; sometimes they’re used to separate items in a listing manner. Regardless of the reason for the bullets or numbers, they must be consistent and formatted according to the proper style of your paper.

Some of the most common list types include:

●      Run-ins, used as part of the text but separated with colons to show a list is the following part of the sentence. Without the colon designating the continued thought, the list itself ends up as a fragment.

●      Run-ins, also used as part of the text but separated by numbers instead of a colon.

●      Vertical lists to separate a long sentence instead of following the thought with a run-in list. In these lists, there is no need for bullets or ending punctuation as long as the leading sentence is complete. However, if the list entries finish the leading thought as complete sentences, do use bullets and punctuation.

●      Vertical lists with numbers and letters similar to an outline format can break up a complicated set of information by following a leading sentence.

No matter which way you choose to separate your text, be sure you’re following the proper style guide for the journal you are publishing with.

How to Use Bullets the Right Way

There are some guidelines to using bullets and numbered lists besides following the style requirements. You also need to make sure you’re limiting your bullets to only the key points you want to separate. Don’t overuse them or it makes your paper look unprofessional and detracts from the importance of the lists you want the reader to truly comprehend.

Bullets and numbers can be used with listings, examples, or to shorten a complex description. They’re also good for added support with details, to designate steps in a process, to give a list of parts or ingredients, and to define terms.

However, you should never use bullets or numbers of any kind in your thesis statement, introduction, or conclusion. They don’t work as hooks, and shouldn’t be used in quotes.

In general, bulleted lists should account for no more than one-quarter of your entire paper, and that’s pushing the limit. In some cases, a sub-paragraph might be a better choice.

Switching to Sub-Paragraphs Instead

Bullets are great to help the reader comprehend some parts of your paper. However, a sub-paragraph might be the way to go if you have a topic that is overly lengthy and complex. Sub-paragraphs are broken down underneath a smaller header and each paragraph has its own main idea and supporting details that cover the main topic in the section.

Sub-paragraphs work best when you have to give a lot of data or details but you’re talking about one major topic.

Both bullets and sub-paragraphs are common ways to break down a paper, and, when used right, they show your knowledge as an author.

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Research Papers: The Benefits of Bullet Points

Bullet points are an increasingly common organizational tool in research papers, and they can bring many benefits to the writing process. This article will explore how bullet points can help streamline a paper by condensing information into succinct statements, highlighting key takeaways for readers, increasing readability through improved visual flow of text, and providing a structure for logically organizing ideas. Furthermore, this article will examine practical strategies on how to use bullet points most effectively when crafting your own research paper.

I. Introduction

It is not uncommon for students to inquire whether research papers can include bullet points. It is an important question, as the use of bullet points offers a clear and concise way to outline or emphasize key ideas within a paper. This document will provide an overview of how best to incorporate this type of formatting into one’s writing so that it adds value rather than detracts from the content presented in the overall piece.

When considering if research papers can have bullet points, it is necessary firstly to understand their purpose and potential benefits when used appropriately in such documents. By employing short phrases instead of complete sentences, readers are able to more quickly recognize which elements require attention – allowing them greater focus on other sections containing more detailed information related directly to the argument being made by the author throughout their work. Additionally, when done correctly, bullets may help guide readers through transitions between topics within each section with clarity and precision – adding further emphasis as needed throughout longer passages without impeding upon readability or brevity where appropriate. Therefore it would appear that yes; research papers certainly can have bullet points but caution should be taken that they are utilized thoughtfully and effectively in order maximize their usefulness while still maintaining an effective level of academic rigor associated with higher-level writing demands expected at this level

A. Definition of a Research Paper

Research papers are scholarly documents that present the findings of a research project. They are traditionally written in an academic style and typically include a literature review, which examines existing research on the chosen topic to provide context for what will be discussed later in the paper. Research papers can take many forms and they often vary depending on the subject matter or field being studied. However, there are certain elements that most have in common:

• An introduction , which introduces readers to the topic at hand.
• A body of evidence , usually supported by data from previous studies.
• Analysis of this evidence , used to support arguments made within the document.

Can research papers have bullet points? Yes! Bullet points allow writers to quickly outline their main ideas while still providing enough detail so that readers understand how each idea is connected with other parts of their argument. For example, if you were discussing why gun control should be implemented, your first point might look something like this: “Implementing stricter gun laws would reduce overall firearm-related deaths” followed by supporting facts such as “Studies show that states with tougher firearms regulations see fewer cases of firearm-related fatalities than those without strict laws” etc. Utilizing bullet points helps break up longer sections into more manageable chunks and provides structure when examining complex topics or debating complicated questions related to current events or social issues . Furthermore , bullets make it easier for both authors and readers alike because they create clarity between different components thus helping maintain focus throughout an entire piece . In summary , bullets help enhance comprehension levels thus making them a beneficial tool when crafting effective research papers .

B. Benefits of Bullet Points in the Writing Process

Using bullet points in the writing process can be a powerful tool to communicate effectively. Bullet points allow writers to quickly and easily list out key concepts, phrases or ideas that they want their readers to focus on without compromising clarity . This type of formatting also offers several unique benefits which can improve one’s research paper:

• Bullet points help break up content so it is easier for readers to digest.
• Readers are more likely to pay attention when information is broken into smaller chunks.

Additionally, incorporating bullet points in your academic writing increases its overall readability; large blocks of text may seem daunting at first glance while small groupings separated by distinct headings make understanding complex data easy. Furthermore, short-form sentences within each grouping provide extra emphasis on certain pieces of information as opposed to long paragraphs where only certain words might stand out.

As such, not all types of research paper should incorporate this form of formatting – longer texts require an expansive narrative structure but shorter works benefit greatly from well-crafted summaries presented through bullets. In addition, separating important findings or conclusions with numbered lists adds even further depth without disrupting the flow too drastically. : In most cases – yes! Incorporating them correctly will ensure any reader fully comprehends your written material in no time.

II. Structure and Organization with Bullets

1st Paragraph The structure and organization of any research paper is essential in ensuring the reader can clearly understand the work done by the author. Bullet points are useful tools that can be utilized to break up long sections of text, making it easier for readers to comprehend a large amount of information at once. Furthermore, bullet points also allow authors to effectively communicate their ideas without overly complicating them through too much detail or using complex phrasing.

As previously mentioned, research papers can have bullet points , but they should generally be limited in use so as not to interfere with readability or disrupt flow; similarly, all bullets must follow each other logically within context and help support the main theme behind an article’s content. For instance, if your topic involves discussing various types of food production processes then your list would need to relate back explicitly into this subject matter.

2nd Paragraph As such, when constructing lists for a paper make sure you stick closely with what was discussed prior – meaning no random items being inserted just for filler – otherwise you risk losing credibility from readers who expect cohesion between sentences within paragraphs. Additionally try avoiding overlapping definitions which could lead some people questioning why certain pieces were chosen over others – providing only relevant facts will prove more beneficial than inserting miscellaneous facts which may appear interesting on first glance but ultimately fail to clarify matters further than necessary.

Ultimately one has decide whether utilizing bullet points serves purpose while still following proper format conventions since having too many lines might affect how well written your document appears – though again it all comes down needing answer yes-or-no question: can research papers have bullet points? .

A. Enhancing Clarity and Readability

Many research papers have a unique purpose, which is to present new information in an organized and persuasive way that allows readers to understand the main points of the paper quickly and accurately. One key factor in achieving this goal is clarity and readability of writing. Clarity means making sure your ideas are clear, while readability refers to how easy it is for readers to comprehend what you’ve written. Here we will discuss some important strategies for enhancing both clarity and readability when writing research papers.

One strategy for ensuring your work has high levels of clarity and readability involves avoiding complex sentence structure wherever possible; simplify complex sentences by breaking them into multiple shorter ones whenever appropriate. Additionally, vary sentence length throughout each paragraph as well as across different parts of the paper: shorter sentences can be used effectively at times just like longer ones can help emphasize certain points or transition from one idea to another.

Another useful approach centers on using effective language choices such as active voice rather than passive voice constructions wherever applicable; active verbs add life, energy, forcefulness (all qualities desired in scientific communication) whereas passive constructions tend more often toward vagueness or even evasiveness – something neither desirable nor professional-looking! Finally, although much debate exists over whether they should ever be included within research papers itself –can research papers have bullet points?– bullet lists certainly offer advantages with respect to ease-of-reading if properly formatted & utilized appropriately after judicious consideration; especially where long strings of related words are needed that could otherwise become overly cumbersome due care must still be taken not let these overwhelm other sections unnecessarily however.

B. Signposting for Readers to Follow Logical Arguments

Signposting in Arguments

• In academic writing, it is important to signpost readers so they can easily follow the logical argument of a research paper.
• This helps readers identify key points and arguments within an article or essay quickly, improving their understanding of the content.

Using Signposts Effectively

Signposts should be used throughout an argument to guide readers through complex ideas and evidence that support claims. Writers need to use strong language when introducing each new point as well as concluding them at the end of their discussion.

For example, a writer might state ‘it has been established earlier’ before restating part of a previous claim or begin with ‘as we have seen here’ after introducing evidence for certain assertions. Questions such as ‘What does this mean?’ also help draw attention towards meaningful implications derived from particular parts of an argument.

C. Summarizing Key Information Easily III. Best Practices When Using Bullet Points in Academic Papers A. Consistency in Presentation Format B .Considering an Appropriate Number of Levels CIV . Examples from Published Academic Writings V . Conclusions A . Overall Advantages to Using Bullet Points B . Identifying the Right Balance between Textual Description and Bulleted Lists VI . Recommendations for Further Study VII . References

Bullet points are an efficient and effective tool for organizing, summarizing, and visualizing key information in research papers. Writing with bullet points can improve readability and focus readers’ attention on the most important aspects of a given subject. In this section we discuss best practices when using them in academic writing such as consistency in presentation format, considering an appropriate number of levels, examples from published academic writings, overall advantages to using bullet points, identifying the right balance between textual description and bulleted lists etc..

Consistency is one of the keys to successful use of bullets for summarization or outlining purpose. A consistent font typeface size should be used throughout the paper whenever possible; different fonts may be used if necessary but they must look balanced together visually so that emphasis isn’t drawn away from what’s being communicated through text rather than layout features (Can Research Papers Have Bullet Points?, n.d.). Additionally it’s beneficial to have consistency within each level by using parallel phrasing style – all first-level items should start with a verb for example (Can Research Papers Have Bullet Points?, n.d.). Also consider starting each item at same position horizontally regardless of length since too much white space might make reading difficult especially if multiple levels will appear after certain point (Can Research Papers Have Bullet Points?, n.d.). English: This article has illuminated the various benefits associated with utilizing bullet points in research papers. Utilizing this method of organization can help to ensure clarity and comprehensiveness when communicating complex information, making research easier for both writer and reader alike. Moreover, it allows readers to easily identify main ideas and access information more quickly, helping them synthesize knowledge more effectively. In sum, bullet points are an invaluable tool for those who write or read academic material – one that is well worth exploring further.

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How to structure bullet point lists

What are bullet point lists?

When lists are presented with one list item per line, following an indented marker or symbol. they are commonly referred to as ‘bullet points’ or ‘bulleted lists’. Bullet point lists are widely used in science report writing but are rarely used in peer-reviewed journal articles (primarily due to save space).

What is the purpose of bullet points lists?

Bullet point lists are generally used for unnumbered and unordered lists and allow information to stand out separately from paragraphs and other surrounding text. Well-designed bullet points help attract the reader's attention when skimming a document and help them to quickly absorb multiple subtopics.

Making sure that bullet points are structured correctly also helps writers to clarify their thinking. Bullet point lists avoid the need to force a sentence or paragraph to contain lengthy and unwieldy lists. They allow the writer to be more succinct as the repetition needed to link connected sentences within a paragraph can be removed. They can also help to reduce the word count if the list is composed of simple phrases or sentence fragments rather than complete sentences.

The problems with the use of bullet point lists

Many writers are unsure how to structure bullet point lists and use them incorrectly. Some writers use paragraphs when they could have used bullet points and some overuse bullet points instead of writing paragraphs. Some writers haphazardly throw all types of information into bullet points, making them difficult to read. Therefore, guidelines are necessary.

When and how should bullet point lists be used?

There are different ways to structure bullet points. However, ensuring consistency and clarity of meaning is crucial. Two common questions I’m asked are, “ Should bullet points be capitalised ?’ and “ Should bullet points be followed with commas or semi-colons ?” My answer to both is, that it depends on what you are writing and how your structure your introductory elements and list items. An introductory element is the use of a phrase, sentence fragment or complete sentence to introduce the bullet point list.

1. Bullet point lists are introduced with a phrase, a sentence fragment or a complete sentence (introductory element). 

The introductory element is usually followed by a colon (See Example 1).

The following is a brief overview of:

- my understanding about the broad types of software tools on offer.

- how different pricing models influence my choice of tools.

- the current software tools I regularly use for writing, teaching and managing my training consultancy.

- what to keep in mind when searching for good software tools.

(from ‘ FAQ: What software tools do I use for writing and teaching ?’)

2. Each list member must logically complete the meaning conveyed in the introductory element .

As Example 1 is introduced with a sentence fragment (‘ The following is a brief overview of: ’) each list item must form a grammatically-correct complete sentence when combined with it. For example, the second list item would be read as: “ The following is a brief overview of how different pricing models influence my choice of tools .” This is why the first word of each list item is not capitalised and why full stops are used at the end of each list item.

It is very common for writers to avoid this important guideline and not check to see if each list item logically follows on from the introductory element. An incorrect way to represent the information in Example 1 would be as follows:

Hypothetical (incorrect) Example 2

- Includes a current list of software tools I regularly use for writing, teaching and managing my training consultancy .

- Also some tips to keep in mind when searching for the good software tools.

The last two list items, although still relating to the topic, do not follow on from the introductory element. For example, the 3rd list item would read, “ The following is a brief overview of Include a current list of software tools I regularly use for writing, teaching and managing my training consultancy . ” This does not make sense.

3. If an i ntroductory element stands alone as a heading, it doesn’t need any punctuation (see Example 3 below). 

- Plans are not meant to be perfect but act as a guide to your thinking and a framework to further develop the project you are working on.

- Keep all versions of your plans for future reference or to use as templates for future projects.

- Ask colleagues for feedback on your plans as well as your document drafts.

 (from ‘ The essentials of science writing: plan before you write ’ )

4. If the bullet points are composed of complete sentences, they should be each be treated as a normal sentence with capitalisation and terminal punctuation (e.g. full stop, question mark) (see Example 3 above).

5. Consistency is crucial:

- Use the same symbol or marker for your bullet points throughout your document.

- Although you may have different types (structures) of bullet point lists within the same document, all list items within a bullet point list should be the same format: all phrases, all sentence fragments or all complete sentences.

This is another reason why Example 3 is incorrect as the 3rd point is a complete sentence, while the 4th point is a sentence fragment and both are dissimilar in structure to the first two points.

6. Bullet point lists items that are phrases or sentence fragments need no punctuation (see Example 4 below).

Common writing problems often reflect that a writer has not thoroughly considered who their audience is, or what they need. This can cause the following problems:

- providing too much (or not enough) detail or background information

- providing too much detail on unrelated sub-topics or on a well-known topic

- using the wrong language or unfamiliar terminology

- assuming the audience ’s level of interest in, or understanding of, the topic

(from How to identify your target audience ,)

7. Ensure that your list items are distinct from each other (compare examples 5 & 6).

An example of distinct list items:

I agreed to the following decisions:

- the start date of the project.

- that the consultation committee have a  maximum of five registered members .

- the due date of the first stage of the report.

An example of indistinct list items:

- how different pricing models influence the way I research software tools.

In this example, the 3 rd list item is closely related to the 2 nd list item, so I would either combine them all leave point 3 out.

8. The list items can be presented in any order. If they must be presented in a certain order, they should be numbered and considered a ‘numbered list’ and not a bullet point list (See example 7).

Example 7 .

Example of a numbered list

Steps to complete your enrolment:

• Read the terms and conditions.
• Download and complete the application form
• Email the application form to [email protected]
• Follow instructions in enrolment notification email.

9. Use commas or semi-colons at the end of each list item if you are presenting a list as though it was part of an entire sentence (see Examples 8 and 9). 

Hypothetical Example 8 (with commas)

The site contained the following species:

- Eucalyptus saligna,

- Eucalyptus siderophloia,

- Eucalyptus oreades and

- Eucalyptus regen s.

As a complete sentence this would be written as “ The site contained the following species: Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus siderophloia, Eucalyptus oreades and Eucalyptus regen s.”

This type of bullet point list could also make a complicated list easier to read than if it was written in a sentence (see Example 8).

Hypothetical Example 9 (with semi-colons)

- Acacia daviesioides (over 3 dozen seedlings);

- Acacia glaucoptera (3 shrubs);

- Acacia incurve (over 1000 small to medium shrubs);

- Eucalyptus saligna (over 200 seedlings);

- Eucalyptus siderophloia (one large tree and 3 saplings);

- Eucalyptus oreades (six saplings) and

- Eucalyptus regen s (over 300 trees).

As a complete sentence this example would be written as “ The site contained the following species: Acacia daviesioides (over 3 dozen seedlings); Acacia glaucoptera (3 shrubs); Acacia incurve (over 1000 small to medium shrubs); Eucalyptus saligna (over 200 seedlings); Eucalyptus siderophloia (one large tree and 3 saplings); Eucalyptus oreades (six saplings) and Eucalyptus regens (over 300 trees).

If you find you are writing these types of sentences or bullet point lists, depending on the type of document you are writing, it might be better to use tables instead.

© Dr Marina Hurley 2021 www.writingclearscience.com.au

Any suggestions or comments please email  [email protected] 

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F URTHER READING

• Should we use active or passive voice?
• 10 writing tips for the struggling ESL science writer
• Co-authors should define their roles and responsibilities before they start writing
• How to write when you don’t feel like it
• When to cite and when not to
• Back to basics: science knowledge is gained while information is produced
• How to build and maintain confidence as a writer
• If science was perfect, it wouldn’t be science
• The essentials of science writing: What is science writing?
• 8 steps to writing your first draft
• Two ways to be an inefficient writer
• Work-procrastination: important stuff that keeps us from writing

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Vertical Lists, Bullets

Q. A vertical list lettered with “a.,” “b.,” “c.,” etc. (using periods after each letter) is provided in a document. Later on in the write-up, I reference this list with the sentence, “[Name] has managed projects that cover items a through f.” Do “a” and “f” require some kind of punctuation or special treatment?

A. To refer to a lettered list item, you can normally use italics regardless of how the letters are punctuated in the list itself. For example, you could refer to item a or, if the letters in the list are capitals, item A . This is an application of the rule about using italics to refer to letters as letters (see CMOS 7.64 ). To refer to a number, on the other hand, use regular type regardless of whether the numerals are arabic or roman: item 1, item I, item i.

But if the letters or numbers in the list are in parentheses, then you can use parentheses in the text: item (a), item (i). One advantage of this approach is that lowercase letters and roman numerals in particular are easier to read when placed in parentheses. Whichever choice you make, be consistent.

Q. When a vertical list is introduced by a phrase (rather than a complete sentence), how is it punctuated?

A. Chicago recommends punctuating a phrase that introduces a list as if the list were a continuation of a sentence begun by the introductory phrase. This holds true whether the list is run into the text or presented vertically:

The items included bananas, pears, and grapes.

The items included

bananas pears grapes

Many writers would add a colon after “included”—especially in the example with the vertical list, whose structure seems to warrant it. But a colon would separate the verb “include” from the objects it introduces.

To avoid that problem, add “the following” or otherwise reword the introduction so that it becomes an independent clause:

The items included the following:

or, for example,

The bag included three varieties of fruit:

See CMOS 6.130 for more examples and information.

Q. Which of the following is correct to introduce a list?

1. My service includes: 2. My service includes

Should the colon be used after the word “includes”? From my understanding, a colon should not be used after a verb (or a preposition). Also, the sentence “My service includes” is not a complete sentence by itself.

A. You are right. “My service includes” is not grammatically complete, because the transitive verb “includes” is missing a direct object. If you wrote “My service includes the following,” a colon should follow.

Q. What is the proper way to punctuate or structure a bulleted list of items that ends with “and much more!”? Thank you!

A. “And much more” can be the last item in the list, or it can be the first words of a paragraph that continues after the list. Punctuate the items as you would a list in running text. For guidelines on punctuating different kinds of lists, please see CMOS 6.127–32 .

Q. I am evaluating annual reports for a large business, and have been unable to find the answer to my question of when to write numbers as words and when to use numerals when they begin the items in vertical (bulleted) lists. For example: sixty-nine people chose . . . or 69 people chose . . . Which is the correct choice? I would certainly appreciate your answering my question and I have no understanding of the reason this issue isn’t discussed in information concerning vertical lists.

A. Often when an issue is not discussed in CMOS it’s because it calls for common sense and flexibility rather than a one-size-fits-all rule. Our hope is that users can apply guidelines from other sections and use their judgment. At the beginning of chapter 9 you can find guidelines for spelling out numbers. For a vertical list, weigh the options: Are the listed items sentences, which read better with spelled-out numbers at the beginning? Are all the numbers at the beginning of a sentence? Can they be moved? Are there big, nonround numbers like 345 and 6,712, which are awkward to spell out? Look at your text and decide what style works best for making your lists readable. If numerals work best for some lists and words for other lists, you might decide that consistency need not be a goal except within a given list.

Q. I have a question about bulleted lists and capitalization. I’ve always written lists with the first word capitalized and then subsequent words, not (unless proper nouns of course). A colleague believes that every word other than prepositions or conjunctions should be capitalized.

—No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

—No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives

I can’t seem to find a “rule” on this. Any help?

A. When a colleague wants to do something you find bizarre, the burden is on her to produce the rule. After all, CMOS doesn’t have the space to write “Don’t do this; don’t do that” with regard to every possibility. Meanwhile, you might point out that none of the examples of lists or outlines in CMOS 6.127–32 show headline-style capitalization of the items.

Q. When creating an outline for a research paper, does each object in the list regardless of hierarchy need to be a complete sentence?

A. In Chicago style, outline entries should be grammatically parallel whether they are all sentences or all fragments. However, your professor or thesis adviser might have rules that diverge from Chicago style, so it’s best to ask.

Q. I’m an editor for a training department. In our instructional material we often have long lists of objectives. Using Chicago’s standard for vertical lists ( CMOS 6.130 ) makes them a little hard to read. Do you have an alternate suggestion? The instructional designers feel that it takes away from the meaning of the objectives when we reword the lead-in to be a complete sentence. For example, they don’t like “At the completion of this module you will complete the following.” They don’t like it because instructionally you’re not always “completing” something. Other ideas?

A. The instructional designers are reasonable to object to a sentence that sounds redundant and doesn’t accurately reflect what follows, whether it’s complete or not. Your job is to write the sentence so it works for them (as elegant and accurate) and for you (as a complete sentence). Ask them to supply the wording that satisfies them most by giving them a template with a blank or some multiple choices, such as “The following are (objectives? tasks? goals?) for this module:” or “Here are some topics you’ll explore:” and see if that makes them happy.

Q. I do not believe it makes sense to use a bulleted list of one item. If it is just one item, should it not simply be a paragraph? At the end of many of our sections in an advocacy guide we have “Advocacy Reminders.” Sometimes there are many; sometimes there is only one reminder. It seems to me if there is one reminder it should be a paragraph.

A. Although logically a list should have more than one item, bullets are more forgiving, especially if throughout a book like yours, reminders are formatted in a special section the same way in every chapter. The visual cue of the identical formatting would override a quibble about the logic of a single bullet point. Your bullets can be considered more like decorations than hierarchy markers.

Q. Is it ever okay to start a list with a sentence ending in a period instead of a colon? (“To determine the answer, use the following concepts.”) Does it matter if the list is set off by bullets or that the typesetting is different (by color or font, etc.)? What is the preferred method if both ways are correct? What if it is not a complete sentence? I appreciate the response. Me and a fellow copy editor are at odds.

A. Chicago’s preference is to use a colon, but there are times when a period might better serve. Please see CMOS for details on how to punctuate vertical lists and for examples that include sentences and sentence fragments. If you use a period, the list items should begin with capital letters. (P.S. I am averting my eyes from “Me and a fellow copy editor are at odds”—please tell me that this is just your fun email-writing style, or if it isn’t, that you aren’t editing anything important to our national security.)

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Creating Vertical Lists in MLA Style

Note: This post relates to content in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook . For up-to-date guidance, see the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Although in humanities essays,  lists are generally run into the text , in other types of material, a vertical list may be preferable. Vertical lists call attention to the items listed, so such lists are often desirable in pedagogical and promotional contexts. The MLA’s guidelines for styling vertical lists are derived from  The Chicago Manual of Style (6.127–132). Below are examples of vertical lists—which may be unnumbered, numbered, or bulleted—and how to introduce, punctuate, and capitalize them.

Lists Introduced with a Complete Sentence 

A list may be introduced with a complete sentence followed by a colon, as in the examples below. The items in the list can be composed of complete sentences or fragments but should be consistent in using one or the other method.

List Items with Complete Sentences

If the list items are complete sentences, as in the examples below, the first letter of the first word of each item should be capitalized, and the item should be followed by closing punctuation, such as a period or question mark.

Finally, I posed the following overarching questions for students to consider throughout the semester: How can a man embody modern, bourgeois norms of masculinity in a country still strongly tied to the ancien régime? How do aristocratic and bourgeois models of manhood interact with one another in the Spanish realist novel? How are working-class men depicted in Spanish realism?  How can we apply Cartagena Calderón’s definition of the crisis of masculinity to the late-nineteenth-century Spanish context? 

List Items with Fragments

If the list items are not complete sentences and the list is numbered, capitalize the start of each item:

These raw materials can be grouped in four main areas: Early modern Christian beliefs inherited from the medieval period, indeed the very period that Shakespeare is writing about in the history plays The structure of feudal and and semifeudal society Emergent humanist ideas about history and politics imported from Renaissance Italy, especially those of Niccolò Machiavelli The key events of the Wars of the Roses and the corresponding key plot points of Shakespeare’s two tetralogies 

If the list is unnumbered or bulleted, generally lowercase the start of each item: 

These raw materials can be grouped in four main areas: early modern Christian beliefs inherited from the medieval period, indeed the very period that Shakespeare is writing about in the history plays the structure of feudal and and semifeudal society emergent humanist ideas about history and politics imported from Renaissance Italy, especially those of Niccolò Machiavelli the key events of the Wars of the Roses and the corresponding key plot points of Shakespeare’s two tetralogies

In some contexts, though, you may capitalize the first letter of the first word of each item if you wish to call attention to the items.

Lists That Continue the Sentence Introducing Them

A list may also start with a sentence continued in the list. No colon should appear before such lists.

If the list items are not complete sentences, you can often begin each item with a lowercase letter and use no punctuation after the item.

The MLA Style Center  is a free companion to the  MLA Handbook . The only official website devoted to MLA style, it provides  the opportunity to submit your own questions insights about MLA style from the MLA’s editors sample research papers instructions on formatting research papers teaching resources tools for creating works-cited-list entries

List Items Punctuated like a Sentence

In formal contexts, you may use semicolons between the list items and “and” before the final item: 

The MLA is expanding its advocacy efforts by

• sharing urgent information with members;
• developing strategic partnerships; and
• aggregating advocacy news, calls to action, and other resources on the MLA Action Network .

Sample lists taken or adapted from  the MLA website and the following publications:  Zachary Erwin’s “Teaching Masculinity in Pardo Bazán’s Novels” ( Approaches to Teaching the Writings of Emilia Pardo Bazán ,  edited by Margot Versteeg and Susan Walter, Modern Language Association of America, 2017, pp. 58–63) and Neema Parvini’s “Historicism ‘By Stealth’: History, Politics, and Power in  Richard II and  Henry IV” ( Approaches to  Teaching Shakespeare’s English History Plays , edited by Laurie Ellinghausen, Modern Language Association of America, 2017, pp. 94–99).

The Chicago Manual of Style.  17th ed., U of Chicago P, 2017, www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/book/ed17/part2/ch06/psec127.html.

13 Comments

Pam 27 january 2020 at 04:01 pm.

Please advise as to whether semicolons should be used in a vertical list of names or only in a linear list of names. Thank you.

Your e-mail address will not be published

Jennifer A. Rappaport 28 January 2020 AT 07:01 AM

Thanks for your question. No punctuation is required in a vertical list of names.

C Haulenbeek 29 January 2020 AT 09:01 PM

In a bulleted list, are the entries single spaced or double spaced?

Jennifer A. Rappaport 30 January 2020 AT 07:01 AM

Thanks for your question. If your paper is double-spaced, you can double-space the list.

Mohamed Iliyas 05 October 2020 AT 05:10 AM

Should the list item numbers in vertical list be with period (1. list item) ? or it can be like '1) list item'. Thanks in advance.

Jennifer A. Rappaport 05 October 2020 AT 07:10 AM

Thanks for your question. The numbers in a numbered vertical list should be followed by a period, as shown in the example above.

John 30 October 2020 AT 12:10 PM

Is there a space between the heading and subpoints?

Jennifer A. Rappaport 02 November 2020 AT 07:11 AM

Yes, for readability, include a line space above and below a heading. See our post on headings: https://style.mla.org/styling-headings-and-subheadings/.

johanna 22 April 2021 AT 10:04 AM

I'm listing single words in a vertical list (with bullet points) which don't add up to form a full sentence. Should I capitalize the innitial letters? Should I use commas in my list?

e.g.: Complications include: - kidney failure - arrhythmia - re-operation - ...

Thanks in advance!

C. Barney Latimer 26 April 2021 AT 05:04 PM

As noted in the post, the items in a bulleted list of fragments generally start with lowercase letters, and no punctuation is needed after each item.

Aspen Anderson 04 June 2021 AT 05:06 PM

This info was incredibly helpful, thank you! How do you format it if each bullet has an intro concept/sentence, i.e. "1. Drink more water: When you drink water throughout the day..."

C. Barney Latimer 11 June 2021 AT 01:06 PM

If it’s important to begin an item in a vertical list with an introductory phrase or sentence, feel free to apply distinctive formatting (e.g., bold or italics) to the introductory wording, which should then be followed with a period. The example you’ve provided might therefore be formatted as follows: "1. Drink more water . When you drink water throughout the day..."

Virginia Kirk 16 May 2022 AT 05:05 PM

In your last example, "List Items Punctuated Like a Sentence," are you using the semi-colon because the last item in the list includes commas? Would you use the semi-colon in such a list if there were no commas in the last item?

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APA Headings and Seriation

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Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

APA Style uses a unique headings system to separate and classify paper sections. Headings are used to help guide the reader through a document. The levels are organized by levels of subordination, and each section of the paper should start with the highest level of heading. There are 5  heading levels  in APA. Regardless of the number of levels, always use the headings in order, beginning with level 1. The format of each level is illustrated below:

Thus, if the article has four sections, some of which have subsections and some of which don’t, use headings depending on the level of subordination. Section headings receive level one format. Subsections receive level two format. Subsections of subsections receive level three format. For example:

Method  (Level 1)

Site of Study  (Level 2)

Participant Population  (Level 2)

Teachers  (Level 3)

Students  (Level 3)

Results  (Level 1)

Spatial Ability  (Level 2)

Test One  (Level 3)

     Teachers With Experience.  (Level 4)

     Teachers in Training.  (Level 4)

     Teaching Assistants .  (Level 5)

Test Two  (Level 3)

Kinesthetic Ability  (Level 2)

In APA Style, the Introduction section never gets a heading and headings are not indicated by letters or numbers. For subsections in the beginning of a paper (introduction section), the first level of subsection will use Level 2 headings — the title of the paper counts as the Level 1 heading. Levels of headings will depend upon the length and organization of your paper. Regardless, always begin with level one headings and proceed to level two, etc.

Special headings called section labels are used for certain sections of a paper which always start on a new page.

• Paper title
• Appendix A (and so on for subsequent appendices)

These labels should be positioned on their own line at the top of the page where the section starts, in bold and centered. 

APA also allows for seriation in the body text to help authors organize and present key ideas. For lists where a specific order or numbered procedure is necessary, use an Arabic numeral directly followed by a period, such as:

On the basis of four generations of usability testing on the Purdue OWL, the Purdue OWL Usability Team recommended the following:

• Move the navigation bar from the right to the left side of the OWL pages.
• Integrate branded graphics (the Writing Lab and OWL logos) into the text on the OWL homepage.
• Add a search box to every page of the OWL.
• Develop an OWL site map.
• Develop a three-tiered navigation system.

Numbered lists should contain full sentences or paragraphs rather than phrases. The first word after each number should be capitalized, as well as the first word in any following sentence; each sentence should end with a period or other punctuation.

For lists that do not communicate hierarchical order or chronology, use bullets:

In general, participants found the user-centered OWL mock up to be easier to use. What follows are samples of participants' responses:

• "This version is easier to use."
• "Version two seems better organized."
• "It took me a few minutes to learn how to use this version, but after that, I felt more comfortable with it."

Authors may also use seriation for paragraph length text.

For seriation within sentences, authors may use letters:

On the basis of research conducted by the usability team, OWL staff have completed (a) the OWL site map; (b) integrating graphics with text on the OWL homepage; (c) search boxes on all OWL pages except the orange OWL resources (that is pending; we do have a search page); (d) moving the navigation bar to the left side of pages on all OWL resources except in the orange area (that is pending); (e) piloting the first phase of the three-tiered navigation system, as illustrated in the new Engagement section.

Authors may also separate points with bullet lists:

On the basis of the research conducted by the usability team, OWL staff have completed

• the OWL site map;
• integrating graphics with text on the OWL homepage;
• search boxes on all OWL pages except the orange OWL resources (that is pending; we do have a search page);
• moving the navigation bar to the left side of pages on all OWL resources except in the orange area (that is pending);
• piloting the first phase of the three-tiered navigation system, as illustrated in the new Engagement section.

If your bulleted list is part of the sentence and is not preceded by a colon, treat the bullets like a part of the sentence, adhering to standard capitalization and punctuation. This option is helpful for complex or longer bulleted sentences that may be more difficult to read without the aid of punctuation. For items in a bulleted list that are phrases rather than sentences, no punctuation is necessary.

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