About this booklet. . .

This booklet is about writing to be understood. It will give you some ideas about what makes material difficult to read, and some tips on how to communicate better.

The ideas you will find in this booklet can be applied to any kind of writing. However, they are most important if you are writing for adults who are not comfortable getting information from print, either because they don't read well, or because English is not their first language. We're still learning what is most effective for adults who are developing their literacy skills, so, please remember, these are suggestions not rules.

The booklet has been organized in six sections, but it can be read in any order.

Section One defines clear writing and talks about why it is an important issue for literacy workers and students.

Section Two shows you what makes material hard to read. It includes information about standardized readability tests and how to use them.

Section Three gives practical suggestions for changing your writing style in order to communicate with a wider audience.

Section Four shows you some examples of clear writing. You may be able to adapt some of these for use in your community.

Section Five focuses on how to convince others in your community to begin using clear writing.

Section Six provides references to help you expand your knowledge of clear writing and design. It includes a variety of books, articles and helpful websites.