Table of Contents

1. Why Use Plain Language?
2. Common Objections to Plain Language
3. Six Questions to Consider Before Writing
4. Principles of Plain Language
   1. Use active voice
   2. Write directly to your reader
   3. Use positive language whenever possible
   4. Use common words rather than technical jargon
   5. Use short words and short sentences
   6. Don’t change verbs into nouns
   7. List important points separate from the text
   8. Write instructions in the order that you want them carried out
   9. List items in parallel form
   10. Test what you write
5. Practice Exercise #1
6. Principles of Clear Design
   1. Close left flush justification
   2. Chose type that is clear and easy to read
   3. Pay attention to how the text looks on the page
   4. Use illustrations and graphics effectively
7. Appendices
   1. What is Literacy?
   2. Literacy Skill Levels
   3. Signs of Low Literacy in People
   4. Introduction to Plain Language practice sheet
   5. Plain Language at a Glance
   6. Design and Layout - Some things to remember
   7. Interesting websites