For the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card, the judges focused on the main Coronavirus pages and the main Freedom of. It is also called plain English or plain writing. Just because someone can read instructions written at a grade 14 level doesn’t mean they. Support for plain-writing is growing in the legal professions, which bring us some of our best and most varied examples of plain-writing. Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. Stick to your topic. In 2021, the Civil Rights Division (CRT) provided Plain Language training both to the Civil Rights Division and to the Department at large. Thompson illustrates just how helpful they can be. They are the most basic building blocks of written and spoken communication. Plain language begins long before you put pen to paper—or keystroke to keyboard. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to write "clear Government communication that the public can understand and use. The intended readership of plain language summaries can include patients, patient advocates, caregivers, members of the media, busy. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. In either case, court staff may spend time explaining theAbstract. This book is as helpful as it is entertaining. Plain language writing and design ensures information is concise, inclusive and easy to understand. to make one's meaning plain. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. Plain Language Training Resources . To provide an opportunity for public feedback, we created the CMS Plain Language . Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. Plain English is clear and direct speech or writing in English. has useful headings. . It is intended to make government communications. plain talk. 420. The credibility of being developed with input and support from many plain-language. 5: Plain Language. ”. Agency programs and contacts. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a plain language standard: ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines. A study of how users with lower literacy skills read and navigate on the web, for example, found that even users with graduate degrees completed tasks faster when language was simplified. You achieve plain English when you use the simplest, most straightforward way of expressing an idea. adult reads at an eight-grade level, which makes. Use Microsoft Word’s Readability Statistics feature—part of the Spelling & Grammar check—to measure your progress as you write and edit copy. No. It is intended to make government communications. Every thought can be expressed in many different ways and the variety comes from the individual way we approach an idea or. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an online health literacy training for health professionals. Being direct and plainspoken is not talking down. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. Demand. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. 2. This book has great real-world examples proving how plain language can save your organization money and time. ) written for the average reader. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Reports and brochures. In Conclusion. Tuesday, August 11, 2020 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET. Yes, you did. When people understand what they read, they need fewer explanations and make fewer mistakes. 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. Andy Biggs of Arizona, a hardline. Learning. ”. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. The Summit will begin at 10:00 am, ET, and conclude at 3:45 pm, ET. The Office of the Federal Register provides excellent guidance on Drafting Legal Documents. 2010s. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. If your customers don’t understand your documents, you. Typically it is written at a 6th-8th grade reading level for the. Use lists to help your user focus on important material. 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. 3. In some situations, such as when you’re writing a Congressional letter or summarizing a regulation, you’ll sound more formal. While the Act does not cover regulations, three separate Executive Orders emphasize the need for plain language: E. 1. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Plain language (also called Plain English or lay language) is communication that your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. ” Plain language style involves everyday words and. If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly, and to think clearly is a necessary first step toward political. These summaries are intended for a broad and inclusive audience that encompasses. Plain Language Resources. 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. You can see it in action right here! Click the text next to each paragraph to read it in plain language. In September 2019, the ISO ballot approved the proposal to develop a plain language standard ― that’s when the Working Group was established, and the real work began. Plain Language in Government Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide shows you how to apply federal plain-language guidelines to every type of writing — from emails, memos, and letters to agency communications, technical procedures, and budget justification statements. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. These resources will help you and your colleagues create better content through plain. Learn what plain language is and how to write in plain language with best practices and examples. The plain language version has found an audience outside the disability community, too. U. 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. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Use pronouns when you can. Read more to see how plain language can be as . “And/or” is a classic example. 6 MB] Our readers are busy. 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). and compelling as any other type of language. Writing and reference tools. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Plain Language &. Plain language is clear language. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve communication and takes less time to read and understand. The use of plain language is spreading in many areas of American culture. Gains Momentum: 1940-2015,” Karen Schriver outlines the following: “Between 1940 and 1970, plain language focused mainly on readability. Instead, put the emphasis on the agency by using “we”. You’ll also develop a sensitivity to the issues of literacy and work toward. Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. Christian Miller said that, internally, the plain language description of ProPublica resonated. has useful headings. Email plainwriting@nara. Plain language summaries (PLS) are summaries of scientific articles and congress abstracts written in easy-to-read, non-technical language . " The January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government also highlights the importance of establishing "a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. 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 develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. Plain language is writing designed to be easily understood by all readers the first time it is read. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. The American public deserves plain language communication from its government, and it’s the law. [1] The Act applies to public service agencies and Crown agents. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Here are some style guides. This timeline is an abbreviated and updated version of A History of Plain Language in the Government by Joanne Locke. ”. One legal scholar calls abbreviations a “menace to prose” (Kimble, 2006). Use even shorter paragraphs than on paper. You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when we fall short. For this 10th anniversary, we evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments. 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. For other groups, such as people living with dementia, learning new terms is not. Plain Writing Act of 2010. Writing that is legible and well-organized is far easier to understand than more traditional styles. gov for more guidance on using plain language. Apparently, the headquarters writer was trying to impress people with his so-called knowledge of economics terminology. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to write documents for the public that are easy to understand and use. In short, you should always aim for clarity, readability, and brevity. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. 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. People who benefit from plain language includes anyone with a disability that effects their reading ability. Put the most important information at the top and the background at the bottom. They also didn't have a negative reaction to the simplified content. 1, with a range of 6. It’s especially important to test our assumptions in government, because we’re often writing for thousands or even millions of people. Use plain language in any new or substantially revised document . In addition. 13 Plain Language 13. It’s especially important in letters to engage the reader by using pronouns. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. In the past, Trump has. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. M. 8-11-2020 workshop and 9-10-2020 workshop. Speech given to 600 high-level Mexican public servants at the launching plain language conference Lenguaje ciudadano on the 5th of October 2004. This page describes how to write in plain language, in these areas: Replace verb-noun phrases and wordy phrases with more precise words; Choose the best word (synonym) with a thesaurus; Use pronouns correctly. 4. Three days virtual conference dedicated to using plain language to break down barriers in society. uses “you” and other pronouns to speak to the reader. ”you get your message across more often, more easily and in a friendlier way. It is language that avoids obscurity, inflated vocabulary and convoluted sentence construction. Plain language lists can help spot problem words and consider alternatives, but keep in mind that plain language is more than just a list of words to avoid—it’s a way of writing. Before and after plain language examples demonstrate how scientific documents can be translated into plain language. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. Official description. It aims to improve the effectiveness and accountability of the public service by requiring communications to be clear and accessible to the public. “Shall” has three strikes against it. Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble. The material available about plain language is. Plain Language Act 2022 — New Zealand Legislation. Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. Great if you need to explain the importance of plain language to your boss. The public is beginning to see the difference plain, clear writing can make. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. Governments at all levels, especially the federal government, are using plain language more extensively. Use short sentences: aim for an average word count of 20. org and in the Cochrane Library in a range of languages. We have previously worked with the National Institutes of Health, U. We all do! From language learners to advanced readers, everyone benefits from plain language. Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. Do your research. They point to an antecedent. Plain language works with. Contains guidelines for creating plain language materials, as well as an overview of the plain language movement and tools for trainers. Here are 10 simple ways, with examples, to be plain. Use short lists and bullets to organize information. gov. Lists are useful because they: Highlight levels of importance. Take your audience’s current level of knowledge into account. This website consists of five sections and a checklist you can print. Additional plain language history is covered in Plain Language in the U. ”. Relax and be natural (but not too informal). Businesses such as banks, insurance companies, law firms, legal services and IT companies use plain language to communicate with customers. (Active)Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. Sometimes verb phrases would make good headings for procedural sections of rules. Ask if one of our experienced trainers is available for your agency. Think through the questions your users likely have and then organize the material in a logical order. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. gov’s presentations and handouts after you become a trainer to create your own plain language training class and/or make your own educational materials based on your training materials and NIH’s plain language resources. 1. We at the Department of Health and Human Services are committed to writing all of our new documents in plain language, starting. ETGAR may serve as a model for learning written communication skills during clinical years, using the. They point to an antecedent. Find out about the Plain. Plain language is also known as clear language. Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Effective plain language content means that the target audience can read, understand, and confidently act on the information in your content. Then, agencies will simplify and review the content on a regular basis to ensure these documents follow plain language writing and design. to stand in plain view. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 promotes clear government communication that the public can understand and use. Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. Think through the questions your users likely have and then organize the material in a logical order. We need trainers to help us provide plain language training to government agencies. organized to serve the reader’s needs. Plain language avoids verbose or convoluted language, jargon, euphemism, and ambiguous language. recent trends in plain language that move beyond comprehension and task com - pletion to building user trust. Hard writing makes easy reading. 3. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. Utilize technology tools. Writing Plain Language for Law (PLNL510) Plain Language in Health Literacy (PLNL520) Technical Writing and Editing (TCOM120) Copy Editing (EDIT210) Learning materials. Pointing words – including this, that, these, those, and the – refer directly to something already mentioned. In most cases, writers mean either “or” or “and. Write for your reader, not yourself. This comprehensive plain language writing guide includes a definition, when to use it, tips for using it, and 10 examples of how to write in plain language. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. You may use any of the. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. Half-day presentations. Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. ”. Plain language would have helped clearly communicate the purpose to the public, so there would have been less confusion and mistrust. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. Before and after. Plain language lists can help spot problem words and consider alternatives, but keep in mind that plain language is more than just a list of words to avoid—it’s a way of writing. Mysterious in form and expression, it is larded with law-Latin and Norman-French, heavily dependent on the past, and unashamedly archaic. 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 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. , the Plain Writing Act of 2010 took effect in October 2011 (see below). Wednesday, August 24, 2022 10:30 AM – 3:45 PM ET. gov. It helps us write for people who read at all levels of time, interest, education and. Agencies are required to take steps to support their people to use plain language. Plain language engages users best, helping them fulfill their purpose for visiting your site. Pointing words. Also called plain language . ”The legal community is moving to a strong preference for “must” as the clearest way to express a requirement or obligation. Learn the definition, guidelines, purposes, and examples of plain language. Using plain language can help workplaces communicate. 2. Plain Language. Federal employees speak. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. But they don’t want to take the time to decide which they mean, so they push the job off on the audience. This plain-language course will: Outline a writer’s obligations under the Plain Writing Act. This construction makes clear to the reader who is to. 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. Download the 2021 Report Card. Train-the-trainer bootcamp. 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. Explain what plain language is and is not. Join 1,990 Plain Language community members. Indeed, scientific information conveyed in plain language invariable reaches. This guidance sets out the steps agencies should take to comply with the Plain Language Act 2022. Verb phrases are the best headings for sections that relate to procedures. Many you have never heard before, and many you may have heard but don’t know their correct definition, spelling, or pronunciation. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. When drafting a plain language text, there are 5 general areas to consider: 1. 1 This tool aims to support a systematic review of your material to ensure it follows plain language guidance and meets the needs Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. that’s understandable and direct. the proper approach to legal writing. What stuff it all is!Help your readers quickly find what they need with these web writing tips: Less is more! Be concise. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. This Plain Language Thesaurus has been put together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Marketing. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. Legal Writing Institute Awards: Joe Kimble is chair of the Outreach Committee for the Legal Writing Institute’s Golden Pen Award. It might be science journalists, healthcare practitioners, academic professionals, policymakers or the general public; they need to understand and engage with the research. Plain language means just that: speaking in language that is clear and easy to understand. Plain language fixes this problem. Provides information about any federal government benefit or service. People with language impairments often have a reduced vocabulary and learning new terms is a very slow difficult process. Jargon Madness is a plain language conversation starter that cuts across the organizational chart. Some of that spilled over to Twitter: We also published this story in more accessible plain-language English, audio & Spanish. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly. Plain Language Summaries (PLS) provide a summary of an article in non-technical, jargon-free language that is understandable to non-specialist audiences. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 (P. We commit to write content that is easy to read and understand. Actually, plain English is typically quite interesting to read. Virtual Event, 13 October 2020. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. Language allows us to communicate our ideas and thoughts. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. What is 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. [10]Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. Also called plain language . 2 Crafting your materials with plain language principles. Write it into contracts to require any vendors and contractors to follow the plain language, people-first style. PLS concisely summarize technical content in simple, jargon-free language for ease of reading and improved understanding. They are emerging as a valuable addition to scientific publications because they have the potential to increase the understanding of scientific data, by making complex information more accessible to wider. 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 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. O. determine if such treaties are becoming easier to read or if improvements are still needed. This handbook and Chairman Levitt’s whole drive to encourage “plain English” in disclosure documents, are good news for me. This. Plain language is a communication that is clear, simple, and easy to understand. We offer free, half-day training classes for federal agencies. Select the most appropriate. Successful plain language projects involve learning and leading from both sides. Many of your high-level managers and. These days, federal job postings for writers, editors, and many other positions either request or require plain language experience—skills, former training, or even some level of expertise called “mastery. So here is the 2002 edition: A. 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 Plain Language Act applies to content in English that is intended for the general public. Writing in Plain Language . Right of use means any authorization under this part to use Outer Continental. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is an unfunded working group of federal employees from different agencies and specialties who support the use of clear communication in government writing. The plain language Community of Practice is a network of communications professionals that work to help public servants communicate in plain language to their audience. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Plain Language. A plain language summary exploring a new treatment combination for untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: enfortumab vedotin plus. Some have endings such as -ment, -tion, -sion, and -ance or link. Dictionaries, thesauruses, and grammar sites are excellent tools that can help you clarify your word choice. 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. 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. Plain language myths. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Although plain language is a familiar idea, many organizations don’t use it as often as they should. Page 5. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. Hosted by Digital. Here are 10 simple ways, with examples, to be plain. Our aim is to help make health information clear and easy to understand. On June 1, 1998, President Clinton issued an executive memo. This definition of plain language is ‘reader-based’ and not [a] ‘text-based’ analysis of a writing style. • Participated in the Plain Language Community of Practice. Using Plain Language. WHAT IS PLAIN LANGUAGE? Plain language (also known as plain English) is a way of writing or presenting information so that readers can understand it quickly and easily. Plain Language Tips & Examples Plain language helps readers quickly and easily understand your message. It often needs an extra verb to make sense. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. Split topics up into logical sections separated by informative. $350–$930/course, not including textbooks. The point is that the process is reversible. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs. Documents that must use plain language. Complex and Abstract Words. 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. To ensure the target audience understands WHO information, advice and guidance, communicators must: know what the audience wants and needs. Words to avoid.