370 / Types of Writing
CHARACTERISTICS
While lists may be either a series of words or of phrases, carefully composed lists
- maintain parallel structure [see parallel structure in the Glossary],
- show evidence of logical order [see chronological order, spatial order, or order
of importance in the Glossary], - omit unrelated, extraneous items.
PRoCESS
In order to develop a list, use these simple steps.
STEP 1: Prewriting—Analyzing the Request for
Information
What does the question or statement really require from you? Look for clue words.
Are you asked to list the most important facts, the most significant events, or the
most influential activities? Or are you asked to list the activities, meaning virtually all
the activities? Be sure you know what is expected.
STEP 2: Writing—Developing the List
As you write, think about these questions:
For a test:
- Is the instructor looking for key words or phrases?
- What is the most logical order in which to list the key items? Chronological?
Spatial? An order of importance? - Is my list complete?
For an application:
- What is the reader hoping to learn about me? Am I including items that best
reflect my personal characteristics and abilities? - Have I arranged items in a logical order (for example, in an order of
importance, with the most important first)? - Is my list complete?
STEP 3: Revising and Proofreading—Checking the List
Certainly, a list leaves little room for grammar, usage, and mechanical problems. You
still want to check spelling and word choice, though.