In Microsoft Word, what are the small dots, squares, dashes or simple graphics that appear before items in a list to visually separate each point called?

Introduction / Context:
Lists are an important formatting feature in word processing applications such as Microsoft Word. They help organise information into readable points. Word offers both bulleted lists and numbered lists. Recognising the correct terminology for the symbols used in these lists is necessary for both everyday office work and computer awareness exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question describes small dots, squares, dashes or graphics that appear before text.
• These symbols are used especially in lists.
• Options include indentation markers, bullets, numbering symbols, tabs and anchors.
• We assume standard Microsoft Word terminology.

Concept / Approach:
In Word and similar programs, unordered lists use bullets, which are small symbols such as dots, squares or custom images placed before each list item. Numbered lists, on the other hand, use numbers or letters. Indentation markers, tabs and anchors are other layout tools but do not describe the decorative symbols that precede each point in a list. Therefore, the correct label for these small dots or graphics is bullets.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Think of the typical list you create in Word when you click the Bullets button on the toolbar. Each item begins with a dot or other symbol. Step 2: These symbols are collectively called bullets and indicate that the items are part of a bulleted list. Step 3: Option b, Bullets, directly names this feature. Step 4: Indentation markers control how far text is indented from the margin but are not shown as decorative symbols at the start of each line of a list. Step 5: Numbering symbols would refer to numbers or letters used in numbered lists, such as 1, 2, 3 or a, b, c, which are different from the simple dot or graphic used in bulleted lists. Step 6: Tabs are invisible characters used to align text to specific positions and are not displayed as small dots or squares before list items. Step 7: Anchors refer to objects in some layout systems and are not the standard name for list symbols in Word. Step 8: Therefore, the appropriate term for these symbols is bullets.

Verification / Alternative check:
Microsoft Word help documentation and ribbon labels clearly use the term Bullets for the button that applies or removes these symbols before list items. The icon for this button typically shows three lines of text preceded by dots. Training materials also speak about creating bulleted lists versus numbered lists. These references confirm that the name for the small dots, squares or graphics is bullets.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Indentation refers to spacing from the left margin and is controlled by rulers and markers, not by decorative symbols. Numbering specifically involves numbers or letter sequences, not the generic dots that bullet lists use. Tabs are invisible alignment characters, and anchors are not used as a Word term for list markers. Consequently, none of these correctly describes the small visible symbols in question.

Common Pitfalls:
Students occasionally mix up numbered and bulleted lists, especially when they see small numbers as well as small dots. To reduce confusion, remember that bullets are used in lists where the order of items is not important, while numbers are used when sequence matters. The word bullet suggests the visual dot or symbol, making it easy to connect to the idea of a bulleted list.

Final Answer:
The small dots, squares or graphics that appear before text in a list are called bullets.