Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

Short Answers / 371

Punctuation usually causes some problems in lists written horizontally. Use commas to
separate items, unless the items require internal commas. In that case, use semicolons.

In addition, check your list for logical arrangement. Remember, on an application
you should list the most important items first, unless instructed otherwise. For other
short-answer responses, use the organization most appropriate.

SAMPLE LIST

The following request for information resulted in this sample list:

Request Item

List your extracurricular activities. Indicate the number of years in which you participated in each.

Response List

Student Council, president 2 years; Mayor’s Youth Council, 1 year; National Forensics League,

debate team and individual categories, 3 years; Computer Club, 1 year; library assistant, 2

years; office assistant, 2 years; usher for auditorium events, 2 years.

ANALYSIS of THE SAMPLE LIST

The list includes several details worthy of special attention:

• The writer shows his attitude toward his various activities. He sees his two-
  year stint as president of the Student Council as more important than his
  year with the Mayor’s Youth Council. Likewise, he seems to think his library
  assistantship more important than his work in the office.


• Items are separated by semicolons because commas appear within most of them.


• The period denotes not the end of a sentence but the completion of the list.

Now you should be able to develop lists that show your knowledge, characteristics,
or abilities, as well as your perception of their relative importance. Writing good lists
shows far more responsibility and maturity than providing hodgepodges arranged in
the order in which items were remembered.