| How to Write a Listicle Posted: 29 Oct 2018 05:00 PM PDT Listicles, which are articles presented in list form, are a popular way to share information in the digital age. They're a flexible way to present ideas, whether you're writing a lighthearted blog post or an information-packed news article. To write an effective listicle, start by narrowing your topic and choosing the best format. Then, you can draft the body of your listicle, using popular strategies for creating good content. EditNarrowing Your Topic - Choose a topic that interests you. Your topic can be lighthearted or serious, depending on your preference. Start with a broad topic, as you can then whittle it down to a unique idea. To get your idea juices flowing, brainstorm, make a list of your interests, or make a mind map.[1]
- If you're writing for your personal blog or to fulfill an assignment, pick something you've always wanted to write about.
- If you're writing for publication, pick a topic that fits with their typical content but hasn't been done yet. Remember, it's okay to play around with a popular topic, as long as you bring a unique perspective.
- Do an Internet search on your topic to read other writers' perspectives. This helps you create your own perspective on the topic, rather than accidentally recreating content that's already been published. Look on popular news, lifestyle, culture, arts, and entertainment sites. You can also do a simple Internet search. If you have a specific publication in mind, search their site.[2]
- Sites you might explore include Buzzfeed, Bustle, Tiny Buddha, HelloGiggles, Mic, Cracked, and Wired.
- Identify your unique perspective or twist on the topic. Start with what brought you to this topic. For example, you might have prior experience with it. Use your reason for tackling this topic to figure out your unique approach to it. Ask yourself questions like these:[3]
- How do my prior experiences relate to this topic?
- What have I learned?
- Why am I interested in this topic?
- What would I like to learn about this topic?
- How is my relationship to this topic affected by my cultural background, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or other personal identity?
- Create a specific title that tells the reader exactly what to expect. Listicles don't have titles that make the reader wonder what's inside. Instead of trying to be clever, clearly convey the contents of your article.
- For instance, "7 Ways You Can Save the Planet."
- Avoid using a title that sounds like click-bait.[4] For example, a good title might be "5 Things Karaoke Taught Me About Life." On the other hand, "You Won't Believe These 5 Things I Learned From Karaoke" sounds like click-bait.
EditDrafting Your Listicle - Conduct research, if necessary. You might not need research if you're writing from personal experience. However, research can help you identify better points to back up your ideas, as well as good support for your explanatory text.[5]
- If you use information from a source, cite it in your listicle either in the text or by including a link.
- List out your main points, keeping them short. This is the meat of your listicle, and what readers should take away from it. If your points are based of personal experience or a factual story, this process might be easy. However, it might take more brainstorming to create a long listicle.
- Try to find things that are unique or interesting! You should surprise your readers with at least a few things they didn't know before they read your article.
- If you're creating a long listicle, you might create a lengthy list of possible entries to narrow down later. At first, don't worry if they fit the topic perfectly.
- For instance, let's say you're writing a listicle called "9 Reasons My Cat is Smarter Than I Am." You might start your list with these points: 1) She's cautious around new people, 2) She gets me to clean her poop, 3) She steals my food, etc.
- Provide an engaging introduction to the topic. Introduce your topic to the reader, as well as your unique perspective. Use your introduction to show the reader why you chose this topic, as well as how your list will differ from others they may have read on this topic.[6]
- Your introduction can be as short as 1 paragraph, but sometimes you may need more paragraphs to set up your listicle. This depends on your purpose.
- A short introduction might read like this: "Living with a cat isn't always easy. Not only is my cat a messy roommate, she's also clearly in control of our household. While it might seem like a bad idea to have a cat be the boss, my cat is clearly smarter than I am. Don't believe me? Here are 9 reasons why:"
- Write out your points. Keep your points short and easy to skim over. Provide the reader with enough information to understand what you're trying to say, but don't tell them everything if you're further developing your point. Entice them to read the rest of your article, not just the numbered or bolded points.[7]
- For example, you might write this point for the article "9 Reasons My Cat is Smarter Than I Am": 1. She's careful around new people until she gets to know them." The reader can easily understand what the writer is trying to say, but there's room for development, such as examples of how the writer has been taken advantage of in the past.
- Flesh out your points, if applicable. Most listicles offer at least some explanation for each of the points. This can vary from a few sentences to several paragraphs. Consider the purpose of your listicle and your chosen format when deciding how much extra information to include.[8]
- Since listicles get to the point, keep your explanatory information as concise as possible.
- Remember, it's okay to include just your points if that's what you want.
- For point 1 above, you could write: "Whenever new people come over, my cat always darts under the furniture and stays there until she knows they're nice. I, on the other hand, am way too trusting. I've lost money, credit for an assignment, and my favorite jacket all because I trusted the wrong person too soon."
- Organize your points, if necessary. Some listicles can be in any order, so you may not need to organize the points. However, sometimes it's necessary to create order. For example, a news article might be put in chronological order.[9] Consider if your reader will better understand your points if they're presented in a certain order. If so, organize your points.[10]
- If you do need to organize your points, put them in the most logical order, such as chronological or procedural order. You might also order your points according to importance.
- For example, you might decide to put the litter box point last, since it's likely that people will naturally think of it. In this case, you want to put your most creative points first so people keep reading.
- Add images to illustrate each entry, if you'd like. Listicles commonly contain images, such as photos or GIFs. Choose images that directly relate to your points. Make sure you use images and GIFs that you have permission to use, such as those available through Creative Commons.[11]
- For example, you might use a photo to depict the point you're making, or you might include a GIF to show an emotional reaction to that point.
- For "9 Reasons My Cat is Smarter Than I Am," you might include GIFs of cats. For the point about trusting people, you could use a GIF of a cat running under furniture.
- Include a conclusion to tie your listicle together. Conclusions are often overlooked when it comes to writing listicles, but they're still important! After your points, write a brief conclusion to summarize your ideas and leave the reader with a lasting impression.[12]
- For example, "9 Reasons My Cat is Smarter Than I Am" might end like this: "As a cat mom, I've learned so much from watching my feline friend. Although I may think I'm in charge, she clearly has the upperhand in this household. Maybe if I can pay attention, I'll be as smart as my cat one day."
EditFormatting Your Listicle - Choose a format that fits your purpose. While listicles may have a reputation for being click-bait, this often isn't the case! Listicles can inform the reader about important topics or instruct the reader about how to do something. Because of their flexibility, they also allow writers to entertain readers.[13]
- You can present your list in paragraphs or as a collection of points.
- Similarly, you can number your list, use bullet points, or simply bold your points.
- Use a combination of text and points to relate a personal experience. Some listicles explore an incident in your past and how it can help others. You might include several opening paragraphs, then a series of points, each followed by text.[14] In some cases, you might turn a personal essay into a listicle this way.
- For example, "5 Things I Learned While Grieving."[15]
- Make your points the focus when relating to a group, with little text. With some listicles, you can relate to other people who've shared in your experiences. These lists include common experiences shared by a particular group, such as students, Texans, cancer survivors, nurses, etc. When creating this type of listicle, you should emphasize your points, with little further explanation. You're expecting your reader to immediately connect the dots based on their own experience.[16]
- For instance, "10 Things All Anxious People Know."
- Keep it simple when presenting ideas about society. You might use your listicle to explore something you've learned about cultural topics. For these types of lists, you might provide a short explanation for each point, but you likely won't go into great detail. Provide several points, along with 1-2 short paragraphs of information.[17]
- As an example, "12 Ways Urbanites Differ From Country Folk."
- Provide research or reported facts in an easily digestible format. Listicles that present research or reporting contain more "meat." Although they may be longer in some cases, this is not always true. Listicles can summarize a lot of important information, similar to an outline. On the other hand, they can also make complicated topics more approachable.[18]
- Think of your listicle as an outline. Your points should be the main ideas of your listicle, with supporting the supporting text or bullets serving as explanation.
- For example, "7 Things You Need to Know Before Election Day."
EditImproving Your Listicle Style - Make each entry skimmable. Your points should be concise and clear. If you write text to support your points, keep your paragraphs to 3-6 sentences. In some cases, using bullet points as part of your accompanying text can also make the material easy to skim.[19]
- For example, you might summarize your explanatory text using bullet points. As an alternative, you might provide suggestions in bullets to make it easier to read.
- Keep your writing tight. Use as few words as possible to say what you need to say. Readers like listicles because they're easy to quickly digest, so they don't expect a lot of extra fluff.[20]
- It's okay if some points have more explanation than others. Don't feel pressured to write more than you need to about a point just to make each point even.
- Limit your listicle to a manageable number of entries. How many entries you should include will depend on the purpose of your listicle, how much text you plan to write for each entry, and how you'll include images. It also depends on the format you chose.[21]
- For example, a listicle written in paragraph form might include 4-10 entries, while a listicle consisting of stand alone words or sentences could include many more.
- Similarly, an advice listicle usually contains fewer entries so it's useful for the reader, rather than overwhelming. Conversely, a list of fun factoids can be very long without losing the reader's interest.
- Turn a serious article into a listicle to connect with more people. Listicles draw readers in because they promise a quick and easy read. Sometimes writers take advantage of that by approaching a serious issue through a listicle. You'll want to present your ideas using 3-7 bolded points, followed by 1-3 paragraphs of text.[22]
- For instance, "Why I Won't Eat Cheese Again." This could be an exploration of the politics of animal rights, as well as how cheese is made. However, the writer can explore the topic in an easily accessible way.
- Entertain readers with many little factoids but little added text. Listicles can be a fun way to provide readers with a bunch of little details about your topic. While these lists can occasionally be serious, they're often lighthearted and meant for entertainment. This is because you won't be offering any explanatory text. Instead, just list your points.[23]
- You might write, "50 Reasons Why Cats Rule."
- Follow formatting requirements when you're submitting for publication. Although listicles are popular across the Internet, their formatting can vary. Some sites prefer you to include more writing, while others prefer lots of images. Sites also use different software, and your file and any images will need to be compatible with it.[24]
- In most cases, the formatting requirements will be available on the website you want to pitch your article to. If you don't see this information, try searching on the Internet. As another option, you can email the editor.
- Try to find images and tips that really make the reader stop to think or have an "ah ha" moment.
- Use listicles as a way to give your readers a breather from your juicier and more original writing.
- Focus on keeping your content scannable.
- Listicles aren't a new invention! List-based texts have been popular for a long time.[25]
- Listicles aren't ideal for presenting every post or article you put up. Be thoughtful about what best serves the reader and ensures journalistic integrity.
- Listicles that exist to drive traffic to products or services can annoy readers, especially if the content is not worthwhile on its own.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Care for a Cactus Posted: 29 Oct 2018 09:00 AM PDT Cacti are often thought to be self-sufficient. While they are generally hardy, low-maintenance plants, they do need some care and attention in order to stay healthy and thrive. Once you pot your cactus, be sure to provide the right amount of sunlight, water, and fertilizer. Then, take steps to deal with pests or diseases promptly if they become an issue. EditCreating the Right Environment - Select a pot size based on the type of roots your cactus has. If your cactus has a shallow root system that remains close to the surface of the soil, such as cholla or prickly pear, select a pot that is shallow with a large diameter. If your cactus has a deep root system, like saguaro or cardon, choose a pot that is narrow and deep.[1]
- Most cacti have shallow root systems. If you are unsure which type yours has, choose a pot that is somewhere in between (like a bonsai pot).
- Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Whether you choose a heavy, durable pot made of clay or an easy-to-clean plastic pot, just be sure that excess water can escape the container. Without drainage holes, the soil will remain too moist and this can lead to root rot and will eventually kill your cactus.[2]
- If you pick out a pot that doesn't have adequate drainage, you can easily drill holes in it.
- Pick a potting mix specially made for cacti. You may be able to find a commercial mix that will make planting your cactus easy. Potting mix that is made for cacti is specially-formulated to allow for adequate drainage. Look for it at garden centers, home improvement stores, nurseries, or online.[3]
- As an alternative, make your own soil. Simply combine one-third horticultural soil (like commercial-grade potting mix), one-third high-quality horticultural sand (washed, coarse, and sharp), and one-third grit (such as porous gravel, lava fines, or fired clay). This mix will give your cactus the proper nutrients and drainage required to keep it healthy and thriving.[4]
- Remove the cactus from the container it came in. The cactus likely came in a small plastic container, and it's easy to remove the cactus so you can repot it. Put on gardening gloves to protect your hands from the cactus spikes. Tip the cactus upside down and gently squeeze the container while tugging gently on the cactus to remove it from the pot.
- Plant the cactus in the pot, then water it lightly. Simply fill your pot with the prepared soil, dig a hole a little larger than the root ball, and place the cactus in the hole. Lightly tamp down the soil around the cactus when you're done. Then, lightly water the soil so it compacts. Aim to get the soil damp, but don't soak it so much that water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.[5]
EditEncouraging Healthy Growth - Water your cactus about once per week during the growing season. Only water the soil when it is completely dry. Stick your finger in the soil to check—if it feels very dry and crumbly, it's time to water. During this time of active growth, add enough water to soak the soil. The water should seep out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. [6]
- The growing season for cacti is during the spring and summer while the temperatures are hotter and there are longer periods of daylight.
- Depending on the type of cactus and soil as well as the amount of sunlight and heat the cactus gets, you may need to water more or less than once per week.
- If the cactus feels mushy, you're watering it too much. Other signs of overwatering include rotting and brown or black leaves.[7]
- Give your cactus less water during the dormant season. Most cacti rest during the fall and winter, or whenever the days are cooler and shorter. During this time, you still need to water your cactus after the soil dries out—it just won't need to be done as often due to the difference in weather. Water the cactus just often enough that it doesn't begin to shrivel up.[8]
- The location of your cactus will have a lot to do with how often you need to water it. If it is on a window sill and gets lots of sunlight, or is near a heating vent, you may need to water it more often.
- Add fertilizer each time you water during the growing season. Choose a fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (a 10-10-10 ratio)[9] or more phosphorus than nitrogen (a 5-10-5 ratio). [10] Dilute the fertilizer to one-quarter to one-half strength by mixing it with water before adding it to your cactus.
- Follow the instructions on the label to determine how much fertilizer to use.
- Do not fertilize your cactus while it is dormant (during the fall and winter).
- Move your cactus to a less sunny area if it appears off-colored, faded, or scorched. If your cactus looks yellow or orange, "bleached," or has dry patches, it is a sign that it is receiving too much light. Move your cactus away from the light and to a location where it gets less sunlight and heat.[11]
- Be on the lookout for these signs if you move your cactus to a new, sunnier location.
- Relocate your cactus to a sunnier location if it appears to be leaning. While it is natural for plants to lean slightly toward the light, one that is leaning heavily is telling you that it needs more sunshine. Do not allow your cactus to stay in this condition for very long—the lack of sunshine may also mean the soil stays too moist for too long.[12]
- For a slight lean that happens over time, simply rotate the pot occasionally.
- Be careful when transitioning the cactus to a brighter location. Sudden intense light can scorch it and cause permanent damage, so increase the sunlight by small amounts at a time. For instance, if the cactus gets 4 hours of sunlight a day and doesn't seem to be thriving, move it to an area that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day rather than 8 hours of sunlight a day.
- Repot your cactus every year to keep it healthy and thriving. Repotting your cactus is a good way for you to monitor the root system. Fill a new, larger pot with potting soil formulated for cacti, dig a hole the size of the rootball, then place the cactus in the hole. Make sure the roots have sufficient space and aren't growing too close to the inside edges of the pot or extending through the drainage holes.[13]
- If your current pot seems to be in proportion with your cactus, just go ahead and change out the soil to get a fresh start. However, if your cactus has outgrown the pot, it's time to switch to a larger one. Just make sure the new pot has adequate drainage!
EditDealing with Common Pests - Remove scale then treat the cactus with insecticide. Scale is created by various scale insects and often presents as white or gray patches on the plant. It may also look moldy or fuzzy. If you see scale on your cactus, scrape it off with your fingernail or use a strong stream of water to blast it away. Then spray an insecticide on the cactus to prevent the scale insects from coming back.[14]
- Pick off mealybugs and spray the plant with insecticide. Mealybugs are a common pest on cacti. They may live on the plant itself or in the soil. If you see dark little critters on your cacti or in the soil, pick off the bugs by hand or rinse them away with water. Be sure to follow up with an insecticide formulated for cacti to kill the remaining bugs.[15]
- Treat red spider mites with pesticide. Be on the lookout for small, red mites as they can quickly kill a cactus. Other signs of spider mites include silky cobwebs and dry, brown parts of the plant (which occur due to the mites feeding on the cactus). Promptly isolate the cactus as soon as you notice these signs. Then, treat the cactus with a pesticide designed to kill spider mites.[16]
- Plan to reapply the pesticide every week in order to kill any remaining eggs.
- There is no specific formula for caring for your cactus. Proper care depends on the type of cactus, its location, and the quality of the soil and water you use. The best way to care for it is to watch for the signs (how much room the roots have, how wet or dry the soil is, if it is leaning towards the light, etc.) to determine what it needs.
- Most types of cacti have some sport of spines, and some are more pokey than others. To avoid being pricked by a sharp spine, always wear thick gloves when handling your cactus.
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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