Plain language checklist

The checklist can be used on most text types.

1. I know who my intended reader is and what the purpose of the text is.
2. I include only the information the reader needs.
3. I start with the most important information at all levels - document, paragraph and sentence level.
4. The heading summarises the content and attracts interest.
5. I use plenty of informative subheadings.
6. The paragraphs are not too long.
7. I vary the sentence length.
8. I avoid unnecessary nouns ('evaluate' is better than 'conduct an evaluation').
9. I explain any acronyms and abbreviations that are used.
10. I explain specialist terminology that may not be clear to all users.
11. I have proofread the text.
12. A colleague or other reviser has checked the text.