As a rule , try to keep lists to fewer than nine items ; between three and five items is ideal .
Run-on lists
In run-on lists , each dot point consists of or begins with a sentence fragment . Use lowercase letters at the start of each bullet point and don ’ t add punctuation at the end of each line , except for a full stop on the last line . There ’ s no need to add ‘ and ’ or ‘ or ’ at the end of any dot points if a carefully worded lead-in precedes the list .
Each point should flow seamlessly from the introduction :
This report will focus on :
• financial results
• policy changes
• board diversity .
This report will focus on :
• financial results
• we need to change our policies
• there is a lack of diversity on the board .
The best way to check that your list is parallel is to read each point as an alternative ending to the introductory phrase .
Numbered lists
Only use numbered or lettered lists where you need to show an order or priority in a series , or where individual items need to be referenced later .
Instructions for customising and uploading a template : 1 . Create your own UNSW broadcast email banner template . 2 . Right-click on the template and ‘ Save Target As …’ or ‘ Save Link As …’.
3 . On the MailChimp dashboard , select ‘ My Templates ’ ( on the left-hand side under ‘ Create Campaign ’).
Sub-lists
Some lists include sub-points . Similar rules apply as for the run-on and stand-alone lists explained above .
This report will focus on :
• financial performance , including : - profit and loss - debts
• stakeholders ’ dividends
• board diversity .
Stand-alone sentences
If each point in your list is a stand-alone sentence , start each line with a capital letter and add a full stop at the end of each line :
There are conditions that apply to suspending your gym membership :
• You cannot suspend your membership more than once in a 12-month period .
• The minimum suspension period is 30 days .
• The maximum suspension period is two years .
Superscripts
Superscript numbers denoting references go after a full stop at the end of a sentence , but before a comma , semicolon or dash :
There are more than 400 students enrolled in the degree 1 , which is recognised as the best of its kind in Australia . 2
For direct quotes , the superscript goes after the quote but before the comma . If the quote is at the end of the sentence , the superscript goes after all punctuation :
According to the Dean , there are ‘ more than 400 students enrolled in the degree ’ 1 , which is recognised as the ‘ best of its kind in Australia ’. 2
Writing Style Guide | Formatting 29 | Back to contents