How to Make a Bullet List for APA or MLA Formatting

Bullet points are short items in a list, formatted with a symbol (•) to separate them visually from the main text. Use them when you have three or more parallel items that would be harder to follow as a sentence.

In academic papers, APA and MLA have specific rules for capitalization and punctuation depending on whether your list items are full sentences or fragments.

The guide covers when to use bullets vs. numbered lists, formatting rules for both APA and MLA, and common mistakes to avoid.

How To List Things In Academic Papers Correctly

Here are some important factors to consider when using lists:

1. 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.
2. When using fragmented sentences, do not include any ending punctuation.
3. When using semicolons to separate list items, the last item on the list should contain a period.
4. Be sure your list items have a consistent format and style i.e. when using full sentences ensure all list items are full sentences.
5. 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.

1. Write a strong thesis statement,
2. compose the body of your essay,
3. complete the introduction, and
4. 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.

Our advice – you can use online APA format generator to avoid mistakes in the reference list in your paper.

Bullet List with Semicolons In APA Or MLA Papers

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

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

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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.