Standard and checklists for writing plain language

The standard. The goal. The test.

All public communications should be easy for their intended audience to understand and act upon.

That's the only standard for plain language. If a document fails that test, it is not in plain language. Ultimately, the only valid test is to ask an appropriate person to read it.

Plain language checklists: more than just words

Check the whole document

Empty checkbox. It's simple, clear and concise
Empty checkbox. The topic is obvious
Empty checkbox. The main message is obvious
Empty checkbox. It's obvious what action the reader needs to take

Check the document structure

Empty checkbox. Detailed, explanatory document title or page headline
Empty checkbox. Summary or key message follows title or headline
Empty checkbox. Content organised in a logical sequence for the reader
Empty checkbox. Each paragraph starts with its topic
Empty checkbox. Short paragraphs
Empty checkbox. Sub-headlines and short lists break up solid text

Check your sentences

Empty checkbox. Mainly short sentences
Empty checkbox. Mainly active verbs (I appointed you not You were appointed by me)
Empty checkbox. Logically structured sentences (subject-verb-object)
Empty checkbox. Only one main idea in each sentence
Empty checkbox. Correct grammar, spelling and punctuation

Check your words

Empty checkbox. Words that are common, simple, and familiar to your target audience
Empty checkbox. Write you, I and we: speak directly to the reader
Empty checkbox. No jargon (but technical terms are fine for a technical audience)
Empty checkbox. No clichés or wordy phrases
Empty checkbox. Consistent words: using the same word for the same thing throughout the document
Empty checkbox. Only a few abstract nouns, e.g. words ending in -ment, -tion, -ance, -ence, -ancy, -ency, -ity, -ism
Empty checkbox. Words positive in meaning and tone

Check readability

Empty checkbox. At least 60% score on Flesch Reading Ease

Tip: Use the grammar checker in your word processor to check your document's readability. The Flesch Reading Ease score measures the percentage of adults who would be able to read your writing easily. At least 60% of adults should be able to read your document easily. Just check the prose, not data such as addresses.

Check design

Empty checkbox. The page looks orderly
Empty checkbox. Plenty of white space (in margins, between paragraphs etc)
Empty checkbox. Print that's big enough to read

Contented online courses have more comprehensive checklists, and are the source of these checklists by Rachel McAlpine.