Principle 5. Use short words and short sentences

The responsibilities of the apprentice to the employer and the Board are manifold and can be onerous if the proper attention is not paid to the rules specified in the contract that each applicant is recipient of at the commencement of the training.

Principle 6. Don’t change verbs into nouns

a) The new health-care policy will make provision for employees who work part time.

b) The requirement of the Department is that employees work seven and one-half hours a day.

Principle 7. List important points separate from the text. Don’t hide important information such as dates, times, and places inside a paragraph.

The PEI Literacy Alliance invites you to meet and greet old and new friends at our Golf Tournament for Literacy on Thursday, June 14th. The reception will be held at the New Glasgow Lobster Suppers. A variety of refreshments will be available for your consumption. Entertainment will be provided by Sassafrax. You are encouraged to confirm your attendance before the deadline, which is at least two weeks in advance of the event. Join us for our 16th annual tournament.

Principle 8. Write instructions in the order that you want them carried out

Before building the wall you must nail the studs well, cut them to length and choose straight lumber.

Principle 9. List items in parallel (the same grammatical) form

A good plumber:

  Cleans up after the job
  Be a good solderer
  It’s important to keep your truck well stocked

10. Make sure that you “test” what you write.
It is important to have someone with “fresh eyes” review what you have written. If you are writing for a particular group, test your draft with a few members of the group. Are they getting the message? Is there anything confusing or easily misunderstood? Is there any information missing?