| 2.
Try to write as if you are explaining your points to a group of typical
readers. |
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Imagine your
readers know almost nothing about your subject. Proceed in the order
that will be logical for them. |
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Use a friendly, conversational
tone. Use I, we and you whenever possible. |
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| 3.
Choose familiar words and phrases. |
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Write in the way your audience
might speak. It’s fine to use contractions (don’t instead
of do not), or a preposition at the end of a sentence. |
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Avoid jargon and technical
language. If some technical terms are necessary, define them in the
text or in a glossary. |
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Always use the complete
version of an acronym or short form the first time it appears. The
acronym can follow in brackets if it’s important for the reader
to know it. |
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Repeat key words in the
same form to help the reader become familiar with them. |
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Avoid nouns made from verbs
(called nominalizations — for example — protection, isolation,
immunization). It’s better to revise the sentence so that you
use the verb to emphasize the action. |
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Avoid abstract language,
idioms or images that depend on readers having a common background.
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Watch for language that
demonstrates gender, class or cultural bias. |
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Avoid long strings of words
and other forms of padding. You’ll find some examples, with
their simple alternatives, in Section Four. |
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