Bullet points: Tasmanian devil
The Grammar Bit!
Bullet points are a relatively recent form of punctuation. They are used to help the reader locate information quickly and precisely, especially when there is a lot of complicated information to be understood. Most commonly they break down information into lists of items or key points.
When using bullet points in your writing, try to be consistent by following these rules:
- Finish your introductory statement with a colon.
- A bullet that is a complete sentence should start with a capital letter and end with a full stop.
- Bullets in a list should be consistent in style – single words, or phrases, or sentences, but not a mixture.
With your talk partner, read the information about the Tasmanian devil opposite and see if the rules listed above have been followed.
Scintillating Sentences
Tasmanian devils are well-adapted to life as scavenging carnivores:
- They have oversized heads which house sharp teeth.
- Their strong, muscular jaws can deliver one of the most powerful bites of any mammal.
- They can survive on small prey such as frogs, birds, fish and insects.
- They will eat almost anything and prefer to scavenge than hunt.
Did you know?
Baby Tasmanian devils are called imps. They stay in the mother’s pouch for about four months until they are ready for life outside. The mother has four teats in her pouch so she can care for four imps at a time.