Appendix D: General information

i. Plain language pointers

Plain language, also called clear language, means writing or speaking using language that everyone in your audience can easily understand.

In order to determine the appropriate level to use when writing (or ‘readability features’), it can be helpful to develop an audience profi le. Ask, for example,

• How much information do they need, and how much do they already know?
• How might they feel about the content?
• What is their educational or literacy level?
• Is English (or the language you will use) their first language?
• What is their age range?
• What else about them might be relevant to what I have to say? (gender, family structure, geographic origin, ethnicity, faith, culture, economic status, physical ability, etc.)

According to Clear Language and Design (CLAD — a public education program of East End Literacy), clear language experts suggest that writers keep in mind three different levels of readers. ^{Footnote 22}

For examples of pieces of writing that have been rewritten in clear language visit: http://www.eastendliteracy.on.ca/ClearLanguageAndDesign/makeover/makeover.htm

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