Introduction

The genre that I am studying is a newly popular genre that can be aptly described as “listicles.” These are articles that present information to the reader in a list format – whether or it be a “best of” list, geographically-focused list, cuisine-specific list, etc. Unlike traditional articles, listicles are short and to-the-point because the goal is often virality and shareability. In today’s modern world, readers often do not have the motivation or time to read wordy articles. Thus, listicles rely more on pictures than words; listicles can be read pretty quickly and easily, and so they can act as a quick, recreational read between more demanding tasks.

After doing thorough research and personal exposure to listicles, I have developed a list of formal elements and fuctional purposes of listicles. To further explain listicles in detail below, I will also classify each element or purpose as “always” or “sometimes” appearing.

Formal elements

• Have a title (always)
• Are written in a list format (always)
• Are listed numerically (always)
• Are listed in random order (sometimes)
• Includes items that are focused around a certain subject, region, event, etc. (always)
• Include pictures for each listed item (always)
• Includes a short paragraph (or even just one sentence) description for each listed item (always)
• Include hyperlinks for each item, whether it be to a restaurant website, recipe, etc. (sometimes, but very often)
• Is linked to social media (sometimes)
• Include photography credits underneath each picture (sometimes)
• Are prefaced with a brief introduction (sometimes)
• Rates a restaurant, menu item, recipe, etc. (sometimes)
• Includes a price range (sometimes)
• Includes address and contact info of restaurant (sometimes)

Functional purposes

• Present information to the reader in a concise, short format (always)
• Give the reader a list of recipes or restaurants to try (sometimes)
• Help advertise a food media site or certain restaurants (sometimes)
• Have a social purpose – shareability amongst friends (sometimes)
• Gather likes or views and build traffic (sometimes, but often)
  • Also, gain virality (sometimes, but often)
• Serves as a distraction/recreational read (often)

Text examples

To study and analyze this genre, I have chosen four listicles . I have carefully created this list to ensure that it had diverse authorial viewpoints by using “listicles” from differing websites. For example, while most Spoon University listicles are written by a student-writer, a lot (but not all) of Buzzfeed listicles are written by paid professionals. Also, while some of the authors intended to write a list of restaurants, others talked about recipes, etc.

“The 8 Best Places to Eat Dessert in Austin for Your Birthday” (Spoon University) – both geographically-focused (Austin) and subject-focused (birthdays and desserts)

“6 Restaurants in Austin Devoted to Sustainability” (Spoon University) – geographically focused (Austin) and advocates for change (sustainability)

“28 Delicious Things to Cook in February” (Buzzfeed) – seasonality-focused

“The Best Cakes, In Order” (The Huffington Post) – subject-focused and also differs because here, the ordering/arrangement of the list matters

Questions

• What are some topics that you would want to read in a listicle?
• How short/lengthy would you like the descriptions to be?