complete group discussion assignments (usually due Tuesdays and Fridays) spend about 2 hours per week on coursework. has useful headings. Writing in Plain Language. Plain language is writing designed to be easily understood by all readers the first time it is read. Great if you need to explain the importance of plain language to your boss. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. The long introduction with fancy SAT words might work in college, but it’s not. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The Plain Language Summary (PLS) should convey the same information as the Abstract but in a completely different language and tone. Bibliographic resources about health literacy. Before. Write in the active voice. Prefer a simpler word whenever you can. A great deal of research connected to the Center for Civic Design has well established the design/plain language relationship through effective voting ballots. gov. Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. plain language. Plain Language. This page last reviewed on. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. The material available about plain language is. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The law requires federal agencies to. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve communication and takes less time to read and understand. Plain language is a more complex version of English and baby talk. In most cases, writers mean either “or” or “and. Plain language works with. A plain language standard provides all sectors, in nearly all languages, with a set of guidelines and strategies to make information more accessible and effective. People come to government websites and services with a specific task in mind. Plain-language summary (PLS) is a synopsis of research findings written in an easily understandable way, so that even lay audience would grasp the content. If in Microsoft Word, a. (b) the agency considers that the intended audience for the document is the public generally (rather than 1 or more. Download the 2021 Report Card. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Federal Plain Language Guidelines, March 2011, Rev. You can also use the toggle on the top right to switch everything to. We all do! From language learners to advanced readers, everyone benefits from plain language. Making information less complex and more concise How we knew we needed a plain language program In 2010, most of our day-to-day communications with county residents were lengthy, overly complex, The Center for Plain Language is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit. Andy Biggs of Arizona, a hardline. Hold informal trainings such as brown bag lunches, one-on-one conversations, and phone calls. Regulations. This incident shows what an unnecessary time-waster non-plain language can be. gov for more guidance on using plain language. Replace verb-noun phrases and wordy phrases with more precise words. If your customers don’t understand your documents, you may have to: Answer phone calls. Plain Language WebsiteUsing Plain Language makes it easier for the reader to accurately interpret your message. March 2011Revision 1, May 2011. It is also called plain English or plain writing. It improves reading comprehension, accessibility, and ethical action. Testing your content should be an integral part of your writing and planning process—not just something you just do after the fact. He includes the following words in. Do your research. T. Plain language is information that readers can understand the first time they read it and use easily. It has 5 general areas to consider: audience and purpose, structure, design, expression, and. Thanks to internet sorcery, we can even take advantage of free tools to quickly gauge the reading level of our writing. Write to the reader, using the pronoun “you” as much as possible. Before and after. [2] Public service agencies have a role in informing the public about any requirements and entitlements that might apply to them. Write for your reader, not yourself. both plain language and coded language in the same transmission, causing confusion. PLAIN offers free consultation to federal agencies on how to start an internal agency plain language program. What is plain language? Communication with clear wording, structure, and design for the intended audience to easily: – find what they need. Your Reader is a Person. Plain language means just that: speaking in language that is clear and easy to understand. Plain language also has the secondary benefit of potentially saving courts time and money. What federal law requires of us We must use plain language so you can understand: Our benefits and services and how to get them How to file taxes when you receive our benefits or services How to comply with our. Plain language Definitions "A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information. Yes, you did. Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Being direct and plainspoken is not talking down. You can also watch the 28-minute, 13-second video on YouTube. Keep it Short. Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) brings together plain language supporters and practitioners from around the world. It’s robust and direct—the opposite of gaudy, pretentious language. Find out the benefits of plain language for different audiences and purposes, and explore the sources and resources on plain language from various. I do think there’s an obligation to recognize that if your goal is to inform the. PLAIN believes the public deserves to understand what its government is doing for them and expects of them. The use of plain language is spreading in many areas of American culture. • the importance of using plain language; • best practices and helpful tips; • leadership’s interest in and support of plain writing; and • training opportunities (within and outside of the Department). Plain language avoids unnecessarily complicated or obtuse technical language in favor. If you have to use a specialized term, explain briefly what it means, in parentheses. Our trainers are federal employees from across. Before you even begin the writing process, take a step back and make sure you’re aware of what message. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. Explains to the public how to comply with a requirement that the federal government administers or enforces. What is plain language? Plain language is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand communication. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. What are Plain Language Summaries (PLS)? PLS sit after the academic abstract. (Active) The police stopped the riot. Use short lists and bullets to organize information. The first task for ISO’s plain language Working Group was to complete the Experts’ Draft and to adopt it as Draft 1. S. The Definitive Plain Language Writing Guide. Plain language can be useful in an academic setting. Author: Londell Buckson. Morkes, J. X: X: X: X: X 40 CFR part 40 Subpart E — Procedures for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing: Uses some plain language principles, but still suffers from some long sections and sentences. Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. Join 1,990 Plain Language community members. Good web content uses: The inverted pyramid style: Begin with the shortest and clearest statement you can make about your topic. Read more to see how plain language can be as . We must use plain language in any document that – is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes provides information about any federal government benefit or service, or explains to the public. To celebrate, we’re putting together a collection of 30 of the people who have kept the campaign thriving. Federal government. Plain-language research also necessarily intersects with design (Mazur, 2000). Our Plain Language Liaisons report on what staff in their units are doing to review and revise documents — view before/after examples. For the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card, the judges focused on the main Coronavirus pages and the main Freedom of. By itself, plain language could not have completely alleviated the. But as these pages discuss, we still have a long. And best practices for a patient audience include keeping content between a 6. Writing in plain English and legal writing have the same goal: communicating complex ideas in a digestible and manageable form. The Act does not cover regulations. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. Here are 10 simple ways, with examples, to be plain. Plain Language While there was a time when many business documents were written in the third person to give them the impression of objectivity, this formal style was often passive and wordy. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Help readers skim and scan. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. L. S Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Veterans Benefits Administration (to. Limit each paragraph to one idea and keep it short. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. For regulations and other complex documents, create a comprehensive table of contents. In a user’s manual, people are trying to do tasks—actions. People with language impairments often have a reduced vocabulary and learning new terms is a very slow difficult process. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Plain language is grammatically correct language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. In 2021, the Civil Rights Division (CRT) provided Plain Language training both to the Civil Rights Division and to the Department at large. PLAIN is joining together with Clarity International and the Center for Plain Language to co-host an international online conference with 2 exciting events. You may be required to prepare a Plain Language Summary for a journal article submission, a grant application. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to train staff to use plain language when they communicate with. Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. Some have endings such as -ment, -tion, -sion, and -ance or link. Choose your words carefully and be consistent in your writing style. Plain language makes information easier to find, read and understand. Although NIMS guidance only requires plain language use in mutual aid events, the wayThe Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to train their staff in plain language. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. In healthcare writing, patients are often the intended audience. The first plain language regulation was a FCC regulation on operating ham radios. PLAIN LANGUAGE •Kyra is autistic and deaf. Words to avoid. Whether you call such writing the opposite of gobbledygook or legalese, or just sloppy work, you know. That doesn’t mean that you should put your letter in passive voice. For this 10th anniversary, we evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments. Plain Language is nothing more than the using clear, familiar language that a range of people can understand. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. You can flip the cards. No. (Active)Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. Magistrate Judge Allison Claire, a federal judge based in Sacramento, California, in a case called Muniz v. Preface by Warren E. – understand what they find. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English. Select the most appropriate. Your main goal is to convey your ideas with the greatest possible clarity. ” Plain language style involves everyday words and. This can be hard in healthcare where medical terminology and acronyms prevail. Hosted by Digital. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Plain language is one element of clear communication. Plain Language is a clear way of writing and sharing information so that people can understand it the first time they read or hear it. The Nielsen Norman Group has done multiple studies on PDFs and has consistently found. Plain language myths. In either case, court staff may spend time explaining theAbstract. Ambiguous Wording Rewritten. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Because they use short sentences and common words, plain-language documents allow every member of the audience to understand the piece in a single read. In this course, you’ll learn the writing standards and practices outlined within the plain language field. The National Library of Medicine provides bibliographies, sorted by year, citing many documents about health literacy. Plain-language advocates often trumpet this utility by demonstrating that doc - uments written in plain language are easier to use than docu-ments that feature jargon, convoluted paragraphs, and crowded visual design. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. Write for the reader, not for yourself. ”4. It’s not just about the words you choose, but your overall ability to. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. The materials are similar in both. As Justice Clarence Thomas once said, the “beauty is not to write a five cent idea in a ten dollar sentence” but rather “to put a ten dollar idea in a five cent sentence. Plain Language. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. Words to avoid. The most recent example from U. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. feedback form posted on the page. (If you’re writing for the web, here’s the web checklist . Visit plainlanguage. Documents that must use plain language. O. Pointing words. These summaries are intended for a broad and inclusive audience that encompasses. Before FCC issued the regulation, there were five staff members answering public calls and letters with questions about the FCC’s requirements for operating ham radios. Our biannual journal, The Clarity Journal, is the leading source of plain language news and research from across the globe. Successful plain language projects involve learning and leading from both sides. As: Use as, as if, as though, or other similar expressions as a conjunction in written documents. In Europe, it’s expected that plain language summaries will. Email plainwriting@nara. This chapter will introduce you to the principles of plain language and allow you to practise them. It . As an editor of technical, statistical reports, I see authors making a number of mistakes in approach, execution and English. Every thought can be expressed in many different ways and the variety comes from the individual way we approach an idea or. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. We’ll train your managers as well. It helps us write for people who read at all levels of time, interest, education and. Outline other rules related to word. [4] Plain writing, as defined by the PWA, is “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly. In this 4-week online training, you will: complete 4 modules (1 module each week) be assigned to a small group. By October 13 2011, we will use plain language in any new or substantially revised document that:. —The plain writing section described under paragraph (1)(E) shall— (A) inform the public of agency compliance with the requirements of this Act; and (B) provide a mechanism for the agency to receive and respond to public input on— (i) agency implementation of this Act; and (ii) the agency reports required under section 5. Principle 1: Use Active Voice. But plain language, which is often used interchangeably for plain English or plain writing, is not just best practice or common sense, it is also the law. Let’s look at two. Plain Language Writing Act of 2010 The purpose of the Plain Writing Act of 2010 is “to improve the effectiveness and accountability of federal agencies to the public by promoting clear government communication that the public can understand and use. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. 6. In Australia, plain language has become a commercial success. “If you think about it, a lot of the communication that we send out to our families flies in the face of this,” said Ogando. In fact, legalese makes lawyers’ writings so incomprehensible that the US Congress regularly introduces ‘plain language’ Bills to regulate them. It offers. Pointing words. You know what you are trying to say – make sure the reader does, too. Plain language is typically based on an eighth-grade reading level, as this ensures clarity and simplicity in communication. On the six cards below, learn about what to do before you start writing. Plain language summaries (PLS) are typically short synopses of peer-reviewed journal publications that simplify the complex. You must have at least 20 participants. It might be science journalists, healthcare practitioners, academic professionals, policymakers or the general public; they need to understand and engage with the research. Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. Author: Barbro Ehrenberg-Sundin. A challenge in writing plain language summaries is to avoid oversimplifying terms or concepts, which can lead to content that is misleading or inaccurate, or that. Plain language is universal. Plain language is clear language. § Research tells us that most readability formulas are. clear to the mind; evident, manifest, or obvious. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Rather, by choosing straightforward vocabulary and sentence structures and by organizing and presenting your material. Abstract. Plain language is also known as clear language. Plain language is a movement that started by simplifying unintelligible legal documents, and has now been embraced by governments and businesses around the world. However, abbreviations have proliferated so much in government writing that they constantly require the reader to look back to earlier pages, or to consult an. ”the Plain Language Movement, legal language, and rhetoric, and 3. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly as possible so it can reach as many people as possible. Whether or not there is a government-wide mandate to use plain language as government leaders come and go, the initiative has taken hold. We at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are committed to improving our service to you by writing in plain language. Testing Your Document’s Readability. Use informative headings and subheadings if the document is lengthy? Use white space for easy scanning? Use lists and tables to simplify complex material? Download the PDF Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. As an author, you should. Use plain words Don't use jargon or specialized language that your reader might not understand. gov explains how to write in plain language. For example, “Please make an application for a personal loan” is longer and less clear than “Please apply for a personal loan. gov and the Plain Language Community of Practice. It helps Veterans and their families access and use VA services and benefits. First, I situate the development of plain legal language use by Dutch courts in the broader context of the plain language movement, relating this development to two different views of language: language as representation and language as activity (section 2). The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. gov, plain language helps the reader: Find what they. The first rule of plain language is: write for your audience. Fortunately, there is a concerted effort to help healthcare professionals incorporate plain language into their daily practice in both oral and written communication. Making information less complex and more concise How we knew we needed a plain language program In 2010, most of our day-to-day communications with county residents were lengthy, overly complex, The Center for Plain Language is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit. This book shows you how to write for customers and clients in language that's easy to understand. A discipline that might eventually become known as ‘plain language studies’ is beginning to emerge through the collaboration of individual plain language proponents (plainers for short). Plain Language Tips & Examples Plain language helps readers quickly and easily understand your message. The aim is that anyone looking for information about the key points of a Cochrane Review can read and understand them. Plain language is a way of writing that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. They want to scan, not read. CDC’s work aligns with the goals and strategies of the National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy, CDC’s Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy and the federal Plain Writing Act. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. It should summarize your scientific study, its results, and their broader relevance without using jargon so that it is understandable by scientists from outside of your discipline, as well as science journalists. (1) In this Act, a document for which a reporting agency is responsible is a relevant document if—. Plain language looks at the whole message from the reader’s perspective, including wording, structure, and design elements. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. 1 This tool aims to support a systematic review of your material. This is crucial. 15, to require state agencies to adopt a plain language policy to ensure that information is easy to understand and. They concluded that the organization did not have a true process or standard for communication, and as a result implemented plain language as the standard. The USDA plain language coordinators can be found by contacting us via plainlanguage@usda. Plain language strategy #1: We make shorter paragraphs. (link is external) This page last reviewed on May 15, 2023. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communications from government. When you’re going to meet a friend at the airport, do you say, “If you fail to arrive by 5:00, I cannot pick you up,” or do. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. This book is as helpful as it is entertaining. Plain language writing—and speaking—will help you to get your message across clearly and concisely. This. Federal Plain Language Guidelines, March 2011, Rev. We commit to write content that is easy to read and understand. Introduction. We continue toOLYMPIA, Wash. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. Using Plain Language. Use plain language. Write for your reader, not yourself. Start by researching your topic, understanding your audience, and planning and organizing how you will present your information. Download the 2022 Report Card PDF. History and timeline. The Office of the Federal Register provides excellent guidance on Drafting Legal Documents. the proper approach to legal writing. Use even more lists than on paper. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008). Plain language does not mean simplifying or dumbing down. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. Words matter. Her parents think she knows some signs. ”. Enhancing our Web pages. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Lists are useful because they: Highlight levels of importance. This article is structured as follows. The public is beginning to see the difference plain, clear writing can make. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. There are a variety of books, articles, videos, and journals that provide different perspectives on the value of plain language in areas as diverse as science, government regulation, and law. They are the most basic building blocks of written and spoken communication. Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. He includes the following words in. The Plain Language Act aims to make democracy more inclusive, especially for people with disabilities and those with lower levels of education. Rule begins with a useful overview that orients the reader to this complex but well-organized material. If your preceding paragraph describes the process of strip mining, and your next paragraph begins with “this process causes…,” the word this makes a clear connection between paragraphs. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. Hosted by Digital. Contact us if you have suggestions on ways to improve our documents or website. Please feel free to use these terms in place of medical jargon, wherever you feel they might be better understood. Checklist for Plain Language. They also didn't have a negative reaction to the simplified content. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. Apparently, the headquarters writer was trying to impress people with his so-called knowledge of economics terminology. Plain Language Resources. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese, doublespeak, gibberish, gobbledygook, skotison. 1. Plain language has been around in the government for over 40 years. We need trainers to help us provide plain language training to government agencies. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Additionally, Guiding Principles recommends the use of plain language principles along with the use of health equity concepts and the language necessary to accurately and equitably represent all people. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examplesPlain language is the best option, because it gets your message across in the most efficient way possible. The Working Group appointed 3 luminaries and stalwarts. Split topics up into logical sections separated by informative. Plain language begins long before you put pen to paper—or keystroke to keyboard. Plain language (also called Plain English or lay language) is communication that your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. The purpose of a pla in-lan guage approach in written communications is to convey. You may use any of the content on this site without. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Plain language summaries (PLSs) have been introduced to communicate research in an understandable way to a nonexpert audience. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. We have edited this list. What is Plain Language? Importance of Plain. Pointing words – including this, that, these, those, and the – refer directly to something already mentioned. Her hand shakes so she does not do sign language. Plain language strategy #2: We make shorter. Plain style is reader-friendly because it's clear, concise, and precise; it uses short, action-driven sentences free of jargon to make language accessible and easy to understand. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. in writing programs to identify reading level. Ask if one of our experienced trainers is available for your agency. Avoid Overly Complicated Language. $350–$930/course, not including textbooks. ”. To ensure the target audience understands WHO information, advice and guidance, communicators must: know what the audience wants and needs. Many SAGE journals now accept PLS and some have made them mandatory for all. Half-day presentations. Businesses such as banks, insurance companies, law firms, legal services and IT companies use plain language to communicate with customers. PLAIN LANGUAGE definition: language that is clear and easy to understand , with no ambiguity or unnecessarily. Source: International Plain Language Federation. Handbooks and manuals. The material available about plain language is. [10]Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. Meet other Canadians doing plain language work. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. Learn how they used plain language in COVID-19 agency responses, and how they combined plain language, accessibility, and user experience. Established by the Secretary of Homeland Security, NIMS only requires plain language for mutual aid scenarios, though it strongly encourages the use of plain language during day-to-Plain language is specifically relevant in stories that are about disability or intellectual disability, but I think that it should happen in other stories too because people with intellectual disabilities have interests in things that aren’t just disabilities. (2) WEBSITE. Also called plain language .