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October 30, 2018 By AMK

Agencies still don’t write in understandable language

An independent research group found federal agencies still don’t communicate with the public in language everyday people can understand — if anything, they’re using more jargon.

The Center for Plain Language has issued its seventh annual report card on agencies on their use of concise, understandable writing. The center also graded agencies on their compliance with the 2010 Plain Writing Act, which requires organizations to train employees to write clearly and follow other best practices.

Of the 23 agencies included in the report, only four—the Agriculture and Education departments, Social Security Administration and Small Business Administration—received grades of “A-minus” or above for writing quality. No groups failed the evaluation outright, but three agencies—the Homeland Security, Treasury and Housing and Urban Development departments—earned grades of “D-plus” or lower.

The average writing grade dropped from a “B” to a “C” since last year.

Keep reading this article at: https://www.nextgov.com/cio-briefing/2018/10/report-agencies-still-dont-write-understandable-language/151985/

Filed Under: Government Contracting News Tagged With: communication, jargon, Plain Writing Act

November 30, 2017 By AMK

PLAIN creates set of web-based resources to simplify government language

Now, the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) has created a website where government agencies can find plain language guidelines, training, and other resources designed to create simple communication products. 

PLAIN is operated by a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communications from government and that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money — and provides better service to the American public.

Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication an audience can understand the first time they read or hear it.

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.

Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Written material is in plain language if an audience can:

  • Find what they need
  • Understand what they find
  • Use what they find to meet their needs

There are many techniques designed to achieve this goal of plain language. Among the most common are:

  • Logical organization with the reader in mind
  • Use of “you” and other pronouns
  • Wording in active, not passive, voice
  • Short sentences
  • Common, everyday words
  • Easy-to-read design features

PLAIN has developed templates, checklists, and in-depth writing guidelines to help government agencies develop communications in plain language.

 

 

Filed Under: Government Contracting News Tagged With: PLAIN, plain language, Plain Writing Act

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