Suppose I want to output a 'p' element for each recommened text.

You might do the following:

<xsl:template match="syllabus">
<xsl:for-each select="recommened-books/book">
<p><xsl:apply-templates/></p>
</xsl:for-each>
</xsl:template>

But what if I add 'pamphlet' or 'article' elements to the children (i.e. siblings of 'book')?

• The above statement is broken if I want all recommended readings.

• I'd have to change that template.