More topics

Plain language exercise twelve takeaways

Last updated on September 10, 2020
  • What tools did you find the most helpful?
  • Do some techniques work better for the type of content you will be writing?
  • Think about the process you will use in future to make sure you're writing in Plain Language

Return to Plain Language Course Summary

Does your revised text meet the following criteria from the Plain Language Checklist?

  • Scan-ability: Look at the page with fresh eyes. Is it easy to scan and pick out main points?
  • Purpose: Is it clear who and what the page is for?
  • Know your audience. Plain language at high levels, technical detail below
  • Start with the most important information. Put details below
  • Keep sentences short
  • Keep paragraphs short and on topic
  • Cut unnecessary words
  • Use the shortest word
  • Choose everyday words. Avoid acronyms and jargon
  • Define acronyms the first time you use them
  • Write in the present tense
  • Use active voice. “We mailed your form on May 1” not “Your form was sent on May 1.”
  • Tone: use conversational pronouns (you, us, our, we). Use contractions (we’re instead of we are)