New
New
Bullet points
I can use bullet points to lay out key information clearly in a non-fiction text.
Lesson 8 of 8
New
New
- Year 6
Bullet points
I can use bullet points to lay out key information clearly in a non-fiction text.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Bullet points are useful to lay out key information clearly in a non-fiction text.
- Bullet points space information out for the reader.
- Bullet points often come after a main clause or a subheading.
- List items only need capitals and full stops when they are complete sentences.
Keywords
Bullet points - punctuation marks that lay key information out in a non-fiction text
Colon - a piece of punctuation placed after a main clause that can introduce a list or a question
Subheading - a word, phrase or sentence used to introduce part of a text
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle with the flexibility of punctuation for bullet points - often, it is optional.
Emphasise the importance of consistency - choosing a method and sticking to it. Only complete sentences require capitals and full stops.
It would be beneficial to be able to show children bullet point lists from texts they have read or have access to in class; adapting tasks to reflect cross-curricular learning will also improve pupils' understanding.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following might we find in a reporting clause?
Which of the following might we find in a reporting clause?
the words the person said
Q2.Which of the following can we see in this reporting clause? 'grumbled Jun moodily as he stood back up'
Which of the following can we see in this reporting clause? 'grumbled Jun moodily as he stood back up'
a non-finite (-ing) clause
Q3.Which speech second sentence is punctuated correctly?
Which speech second sentence is punctuated correctly?
Aisha asked calmly "Are you ready?"
Aisha asked calmly, "are you ready?"
Q4.Which speech first sentence is punctuated correctly?
Which speech first sentence is punctuated correctly?
"let's get going!" shouted Mr Martinez, flapping his arms wildly.
"Let's get going"! shouted Mr Martinez, flapping his arms wildly.
Q5.Match the type of speech sentence to the example.
Match the type of speech sentence to the example.
Q6.Which speech interrupted sentence is punctuated correctly?
Which speech interrupted sentence is punctuated correctly?
"I want to go," sighed Jacob "but my dad won't let me."
"I want to go" sighed Jacob, "but my dad won't let me."
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What kind of text is most likely to contain bullet points?
What kind of text is most likely to contain bullet points?
a poem
a narrative
Q2.What is the purpose of using bullet points in a non-fiction text?
What is the purpose of using bullet points in a non-fiction text?
it means we have to write less
it means we can use more varied punctuation
Q3.Which of the following can be used to start a bullet point list?
Which of the following can be used to start a bullet point list?
a phrase
a subheading followed by a colon
Q4.Which of the following would be an appropriate way of starting a list of bullet points?
Which of the following would be an appropriate way of starting a list of bullet points?
There are many impressive bridges in France, like:
There are many impressive bridges in France, including:
Q5.What must we always include in each list item if we have a list of complete sentences using bullet points?
What must we always include in each list item if we have a list of complete sentences using bullet points?
colon
semi-colons
Q6.We __________ use semi-colons to separate items in a list of bullet points when those items are clauses.
We __________ use semi-colons to separate items in a list of bullet points when those items are clauses.
always
never
