Plain language exercises

Here is a complete listing of all the exercises in this course.

Exercise 1: How well do you understand?

• Comparison of two sample passages - one in plain language and one not
• Shows how plain language encourages understanding.

Exercise 2: What are they trying to say?

• Have fun trying to decipher obscure language

Exercise 3: Website comparison

• A simple and effective tool for a high-level assessment of your page's organization and structure

Exercise 4: A structured overview

• Bring structure to your content by writing an overview first

Exercise 5: Chunking and headings

• Demonstrates that "chunking" and headings help to organize thoughts and makes reading easier

Exercise 6: Latinate

• Have fun decoding archaic academic language

Exercise 7: Sentence shortening

• Break long sentences in two to simplify them

Exercise 8: Cut wordy phrases

• Some phrases to avoid altogether

Exercise 9: Changing verbs from passive to active

• Practise using the active voice to simplify and clarify your text

Exercise 10: Sentence simplification

• Look for prepositions and other clues to simplify lengthy sentences

Exercise 11: Evaluating sample text

• Practise using a variety of Plain Language editing tools on a sample text passage

Exercise 12: Evaluate a page using a Plain Language Checklist

• Put it all together by revising an existing page