plain writing guidelines

The first rule of plain language is: write for your audience.

That's not true. Coronavirus COVID-19 words and terms explained in plain English. Use pronouns when you can. Use the passive voice only in rare cases. Plain Writing Act of 2010 (PDF, 125 KB) In addition to the Federal Plain Language website tools and resources available, USDA has developed its own materials to assist employees with Plain Language training and compliance, and guide you through the process of integrating plain writing into covered documents. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 external icon requires federal agencies to train staff to use plain language when they communicate with the public. You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when we fall short. This section provides basic tips on writing clearly and concisely, but there are other plain writing resources listed in . Traditionally, literacy was the ability to read and write a little bit. The definition of 'literacy' has changed over time. Expand all acronyms on their first use. It is a message, written with the reader in mind and with the right tone of voice, that is clear and concise. A plain English guide to political terms First edition (2006) Info. We're committed to writing so you can understand. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communications . Write in active voice.

The Plain Writing Act of 2010. Web Writing Style Guide: This guide includes tips for writing meaningful and user focused content like writing links, headlines, and content that's easy to scan. We are dedicated to . The Index references the Federal Plain Language Guidelines and expands the items we consider for clear communication. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 was signed into law on October 13, 2010.

The Office of Directives Management is responsible for Plain Writing Program initiatives of the Department of State. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. With the Plain Writing Guidelines . The purpose of the act is " to improve the effectiveness and accountability of Federal agencies to the public by promoting clear Government communication that the public can understand and use." OPM Plain Writing Plan 1 About This Document The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to write documents for the public that are easy tounderstand and use: "The term 'plain writing' means writing that is clear, concise, well organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended It helps us write for people who read at all levels of time, interest, education and .

Avoid the third person when the second person works. Expand all acronyms on their first use. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience.

Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 (PDF) requires federal agencies to write "clear Government communication that the public can understand and use." The Justice Department is using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines in writing any new or substantially revised document that: provides information about any of our services or benefits; Use the following

(154Kb PDF file - PDF help) Writing Guidelines used by FDIC personnel. For task-oriented information, try to limit your sentences to about 20 words; for conceptual information, about 25 words. Avoid using double negatives. guide refers to the unclassified DoD Issuances Website. CMS Tone of Voice Checklist: This checklist is a series of questions a writer should The Plain Writing Act of 2010 . Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience.

USAID strongly embraces the principles of transparency and openness expressed in the Plain Writing Act. The Department of Defense is committed to writing new documents in plain language, using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines in accordance with the Office Management and Budget Memorandum M_11-15, "Final Guidance on Implementing the Plain Writing Act of 2010." Senior Agency Official. AHRQ is committed to using plain language and complying with Federal Plain Language Guidelines in all new documents written for the public, other government entities, and its workers. The Plain Writing Act and the final guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requires all agencies to complete an annual compliance report. We must use plain language in any document that - is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes provides information about any federal government benefit or service, or explains to the public how to comply with a requirement that the . Office. This handbook explains the writing skills required to fulfill and exceed the standards. Federal plain language guidelines These are the official guidelines for the Plain Writing Act of 2010.

We must question whether the documents we are used to writing highlight the important information investors need The Definitive Plain Language Writing Guide. Plain Writing for Products and Services Information

The Plain Writing Act requires AHRQ to use plain language when the agency develops materials for the public. For example, 12 over 14. You know what you are trying to say - make sure the reader does, too.

Be punchy. Breaking Up Is Easy to Do. Federal Plain Language Guidelines. Plain Language Resources. The Department has established a plain writing website that includes an overview of the law and its requirements, documents that are covered, and timeframes associated with compliance with . Write in a conversational tone. It encourages writers and. Even though the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and M-11-15 (OMB's Final Guidance on Implementing the Act)don't cover regulations, three separate Executive Orders do: E.O. The purpose of the act is "to improve the effectiveness and accountability of federal agencies to the public by promoting clear government communication that the public can understand and use." This law changed how the government . Plain language is grammatically correct language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. Plain Writing Guidelines For additional resources go to this tool's landing page Instructions As an acquisition professional and leader, it is important that you write clearly and effectively. Our information is relevant to many groups, and plain writing makes the information even more useful. Federal plain language guidelines and other useful links, including plain language training, resources, tips, . We need your help to comply with The Plain Writing Act! . 12988, and E.O. The Plain Writing Act outlines how agencies can produce communications that are clear and free from the dreaded "government speak" that can be intimidating to those .

Limit each paragraph to one idea and keep it short. Requiring federal agencies to use "clear Government communication that the public can understand and use" will also promote the goals of the Administration's Open Government Initiative. We have trained our employees on plain language . Questions? No writer can clarify for the reader what is not clear to the writer in . This tool provides the guidance for assessing your written communications against these common writing mistakes. Guidelines for writing paragraphs in a plain language style; B. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires all federal agencies to write plainly when they communicate with the public, and CDC takes many steps to use plain writing. The top three plain writing documents your agency published that had the largest . Plain Language at NIH. Further, everything you write in your official capacity needs to comply with the Plain Writing Act as directed by DoDI 5025.13. You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when we fall short. Plain Writing at Work. The standards fall into five, broad skill areas taught within USAICoE Courses: Purpose, Analysis, Voice, Concision, and Accuracy. The Act is designed "to improve the effectiveness and accountability of Federal agencies to the public by promoting clear Government communication that the public can understand and use." Tips for Using Plain Language These new website pages apply the task-focused approach and Plain Writing guidelines to encourage skimming, scanning, and selecting. A. Fonts Select a serif font for the body text (like Times Roman). On October 13, 2010, President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act into law. APA Formatting and Style Guide (7th Edition) General Format; In-Text Citations: The Basics; In-Text . This does not mean making every sentence the same length. We follow plain language guidelines when creating materials that: Provide information to help consumers make financial choices to meet their own life goals. Plain English writing style Write for the reader, not for yourself. The shift to plain English requires a new style of thinking and writing, whether you work at a company, a law firm, or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 12866, E.O. CMS Tone of Voice Checklist: This checklist is a series of questions a writer should Plain Language. Write in active voice. Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. Don't use more than two or three typefaces. The law requires that federal agencies use clear government communication that the public can understand and use. 13563.. This clear writing approach is ideal for public sector employees who write to and for King County taxpayers, ratepayers and other clients and customers. 7 Plain Writing Basics: These tips help keep writing direct and focused on the user. Plain Writing for Products and Services Information Under the Act, the Bureau must make best efforts . We strongly encourage all agencies to write regulations in plain language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to write "clear Government communication that the public can understand and use.". The Plain Writing Act of 2010 was signed on October 13, 2010. 12988, and E.O.

In other words, we will be held accountable. Name. Writing Tips V2016.1 Page 1 of 4 GUIDE TO WRITING IN PLAIN LANGUAGE WHAT IS LITERACY? Download. Plain writing is effective communication that conveys a clear message to an audience. This article considers best practices for writing articles in science, technology, and policy, focusing on writing for international scholarly journals in nuclear security.

The Department is committed to communicating with the public in plain language. Don't mix fonts within the body. The CFPB has adopted plain language as a core principle for all consumer-facing content. As Web content people, we should enforce plain . State agencies are encouraged to use the resources posted below to promote use of plain language to meet the standards of Oregon's plain language law, ORS 183.750. SAMHSA is committed to writing new documents in plain language as of October 2011, using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines. . NARA Parking Pamphlet; Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum Excerpts; 2013 Annual Report of the Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress; Herbert Hoover - Iowa Heritage The Plain Writing Act of 2010 was signed into law on October 13, 2010. C. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to use plain language when communicating with the public. What CDC Is Doing to Use Plain Writing We've identified a few best practices to help you write in plain style: Keep it brief Short sentences are less likely to confuse readers because they tend to be less complicated and ambiguous. Download View .

Complying with these guidelines when producing content helps the public better understand and use the information agencies publish on their websites and in print publications. Plain Language Tools. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF, 153KB] requires federal agencies to write "clear Government communication that the public can understand and use." We at the U.S. Department of Education are committed to writing documents in plain language using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines.. Unlike Section 508, however, there is no penalty if we fail to uphold it. January 10, 2012 | Writing Guide for Public Documents . 14 plain English tips informing you on how to make your document or webpage easier to read. Use pronouns when you can. We track document scores and use them to Dr. Ekaterini Malliou. 13563. HHS - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. State your major point (s) first before going into details. In accordance with the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and DoD Instruction 5025.13, the DoD is committed to using plain language in its documents . These are great resources for additional reading on the topic. The SEC, like other federal agencies, must write documents in plain writing, defined under the Act as writing that is "clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field or audience." The act states that "Government documents issued to the public must be written clearly." While the act is quite short, the final guidance issued on April 13, 2011, by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) goes into more detail. But there will be training, audits, reports, and citizen feedback on the clarity of our language.

We promote plain language, encourage improvements, and . For this reason, many writersand readersprefer plain style, which emphasizes the readers' needs. Plain writing is now the law - PDF, not just a recommendation or preference. At the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), we've done a lot, like training our staff, to make sure we use plain language in any document that: Is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes. We'll use plain language in any document that: Is used to obtain any of our benefits or services, or for filing taxes; Provides information about any of our benefits or services; or. Examples to accept an official style of writing that is inefficient and often unfriendly. Avoid using double negatives. The Federal Plain Language Guidelines external icon The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea . Plain language is information that readers can understand the first time they read it and use easily. Write in plain language.

While the Act does not cover regulations, three separate Executive Orders emphasize the need for plain language: E.O.

Provides information about any federal government . Methods for improving your sentences; This comprehensive plain language writing guide includes a definition, when to use it, tips for using it, and 10 examples of how to write in plain language.. Plain language guidelines Official writing guidelines for understanding your audience, being clear and concise, and testing your content. Let Us Know How We're Doing. As an acquisition professional and leader, it is important that you write clearly and effectively. The FDIC is responsible for ensuring that agency personnel prepare documents intended for the public according to plain writing guidelines. Those include: MailChimp's Content Style Guide, Harvard University Style Guidelines & Best Practices, 18F's Content Guide, Federal Plain Language Guidelines, and City of Boston Writing Guide. Category: Plain English resources; Recommendations Related publications. Plain Language Act. The Plain Writing Act requires agencies to use plain writing in every paper or electronic letter, publication, form, notice, or instruction, except regulations. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF, 153KB] requires federal agencies to write "clear Government communication that the public can understand and use." We at the U.S. Department of Education are committed to writing documents in plain language using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines.. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs.gov. Writing Guide for Public Documents | January 10, 2012. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve communication and takes less time to read and . But in the last few years, many of these offenders have started to put things right, either rewriting their documents clearly or training their staff in the art of plain English, or both. The Act calls for plain writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and consistent with other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. Unfortunately, not all principles of plain language are available when drafting a Federal . I discuss publishing scenarios and challenges facing such . That means we apply plain language principles in all of our consumer materials. A 12 th grade reading level is often a good target to make text easy for readers with . The main advantages of plain English are: it is faster to write; This helps all users and is essential for some.

Language allows us to communicate our ideas and thoughts to others. This commitment Staff use the Index to score documents on a scale of zero to 100. Stick to your topic. Training Request in-person training for your federal agency, or use our videos and materials to create your own class. Writing in Plain Style Writing for a broad audience can be difficult, especially if the goal is to explain tasks or new information. If writing for an educated or specialized audience, still target a reading level several steps below the audience's formal education level. Use headings, bold type, and other "signposts"to guide readers through your page Map your page with graphics (like lines or dividers) Organize with tables, bulleted lists, or . Plain Writing Guidelines For additional resources go to this tool's landing page Instructions As an acquisition professional and leader, it is important that you write clearly and effectively. Use the following Web Content Accessibility Guidelines success criteria: 3.1.5 Reading level - level AAA. Write to the reader, using the pronoun "you" as much as possible. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to write "clear Government communication that the public can understand and use." The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to writing new documents in plain language by October 2011, using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines and following the Office of Management and Budget's .

The public is invited to comment by emailing eFAM: EFAM@state.gov 2021 Plain Writing Act Compliance Report [154 KB] | 2020 Report Card | The Plain Writing Act | Federal Report Card | Plain Writing Tips | Plain Writing Examples [] Plain language (or plain English) is an approach to writing that concentrates on the needs of your readers. Everything you write in your official capacity needs to comply with the Plain Writing Act as directed by DoDI 5025.13. Web Writing Style Guide: This guide includes tips for writing meaningful and user focused content like writing links, headlines, and content that's easy to scan. . 1. Info. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued final guidance to implement the law on April 13, 2011.

The U.S. Government has embraced plain language, and government agencies are revising written materials and websites to comply with plain language standards. Plain language is personal 2020 HHS Plain Writing Contacts. Write for your reader, not yourself. President Barack Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 (H.R. If you have trouble understanding any of our information, we want to know. This helps all users and is essential for some. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to write documents for the public that are easy to understand and use. Army Regulation (AR) 25-50 and Federal Plain Language Guidelines identify the standards of Army writing for readers. Writing in Plain Language. A-. 1.2. On June 1, 1998, President Clinton issued an executive memo . in a language investors can understand: plain English. We, at FDA, are committed to writing new documents in plain language using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines. In the face of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, VA is committed to ensuring continuity of mission critical and essential services, while playing a key leadership role in the Nation's overall response and recovery efforts.

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