How We Graded in 2019
…visited each agency’s Plain Language page (sometimes titled “Plain Writing” page); this page is required by the Plain Writing Act, so having an updated page was one of the criteria….
Plain language classes at Texas state agency welcomed by employees
…affect our legal rights, our finances, and our health. I cover writing not only documents, but writing for the web and writing effective emails. We rewrite examples of unclear language…
Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Social Security Tribunal of Canada
…appealing. To ensure that we acted on our commitment to plain language, we included it in: The SST’s strategic plan; The annual performance objectives of the tribunal’s leaders and adjudicators;…
Plain Language Report Card
…The Center for Plain Language, a nonprofit volunteer organization based in Washington, D.C., graded 20 agencies and departments for compliance with the Plain Writing Act. President Obama signed the act…
The importance of plain language for content creation
…the user profile, always keep it clear and simple. Active voice Active voice is a basic rule of plain language because it makes the content more dynamic. It also keeps…
Plain Language: Connecting Us Through Good and Bad Times
…came to talk with us about fear and connection. What do fear and connection have to do with plain language? Everything. Because the benefit of plain language isn’t having a…
“Rise up! I’m not throwing away my shot!”
…contact information Think about it. This Act doesn’t start by talking about short words or short sentences. It captures what plain language is deeply about: Helping a reader to know…
Clear Language, Fair Justice: Simplifying Debt Processes in Minnesota
…much-needed help to people dealing with debt-related legal issues. Improving form effectiveness via plain language The experiences of Minnesotans and the resulting legislative action show the critical need for plain…
About
…who use plain language, trains those who should use plain language, and urges people to demand plain language in all the communications they receive, read, and use. What do we…
Report finds mixed progress on plain language
…2010 Plain Writing Act. It’s been a year since the Plain Writing Act went into effect — requiring agencies to stop speaking bureaucrat-ese when they communicate with the public and…
This year’s Federal Report Card: Why did the grades drop?
…Washington, D.C., helping clients with plain language in career development writing, technical writing, office correspondence, and other workplace documents. Chip also teaches medieval literature and technical writing at the University…
2018 Report Card
Who and what we graded in 2018 We evaluated 23 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments, in terms of both writing and organizational compliance with the Plain Writing…
Writing for dollars
…Joseph Kimble’s book Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please in my work. It’s full of real-life examples of how plain language saves time and money for governments and businesses. There’s…
The Power of “You”: Using the Plain and the Personal to Engage Patients
…fundamental principle of plain language. The word itself is short, simple, and clear. The use of second person tends to set in motion clearer, more direct writing. Strong, active verbs…
2015 ClearMark Winners
…Institute – AARP Livability Fact Sheets View Entry (pdf) Judges’ Comments: “This entry is well-organized, useful and accessible. The fact sheet is designed to help city officials and civic-minded citizens…