Features of Plain English

 

·        “Reader Friendly” in layout and appearance

 

·        Conveys accurate and relevant information

 

·        Can be understood by the widest possible audience

 

·        Takes and gives responsibility

 

·        Is focussed on actions rather than ideas

 

·        Is concrete and specific

 

·        Has a clear purpose and announces this

 

·        Explains logically and clearly

 

·        Is unambiguous

 

·        Is written to be USED, not just read and forgotten

 

·        Is written FOR the audience which will actually use it

 

·        Answers the questions WHAT, WHERE, HOW, WHEN, WHY

 

·        Is correct in terms of grammar, spelling, punctuation

 

·        Uses short sentences and paragraphs

 

·        Uses as simple vocabulary as the subject allows

 

·        Has a positive impact on the reader