Plain language in plain English

Summary: Comprehensive guidelines and suggestions for producing well written informational materials for the general public.

Record details

ISBN: 9780557537877
Physical Description: 204 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
Publisher: Vancouver, BC: Plain Language Wizardry, 2010.

Content descriptions

Formatted Contents Note:

Introduction: my philosophy of communication -- Part A: preliminaries -- 1. A definition of plain language -- 2. The plain language process -- Part B: Audience considerations -- 3. Identify your audiences -- 4. Research your readers - a Cloze Test sample -- 5. Reach readers with special needs -- 6. Consider readers' literacy -- 7. Write plainly for international readers -- Part C: Prepare to write -- 8. Identify the purpose of the document -- 9. Build structure and organize content -- 10. Plan a plain design - airline baggage case study -- 11. Create a working draft - fish safe case study -- Part D: Write and rewrite plainly -- 12. Use words the reader knows - simplified: how to write definitions -- 13. Follow usage guidelines -- 14. Write plain sentences -- 15. Watch your tone -- 16. Write plain, effective paragraphs -- 17. Use plain punctuation and lists -- Part E: After you write -- 18. Check for bias -- 19. Prove your document is plain -- 20. Measure readability using formulas -- 21. Measure readability using task analysis -- Part F: Implement a plain language policy -- 22. Working in plain language -- 23. Using style guides as arbiters -- 24. Write plainly for oral delivery -- Part G: Resource collection -- Plain language writing checklist -- Audience analysis form -- Robert Gunning's 10 principles of clear writing -- Top 10 writing tips to ensure clients understand you -- Document assessment tool -- Letter etiquette checklist -- Word substitution lists -- A writing glossary.

Target Audience Note:

Reading level: Independent (Gr 8+).