Assignment 3 Question 1

1. We spoke about Plain English writing in class. Please answer the following in detail:

How would you explain to someone what “Plain English writing” is? (4 Marks)

Exclusively based off class materials, learnings and discussions I would explain plain English writing to someone as a way of writing in a way that is plane, clear and concise and customer-focused- so that the audience can easily understand what I’m saying + the message I’m conveying the first time its read. When we write in plain language- it’s not necessarily about writing less – its about writing enough to get your message across without the extra mumbo-jumbo- and also using a direct tone/ voice and speaking in your costumer’s language. Plain language is about “writing as though readers matter.”[i] Additionally, plain language is about writing in a way that puts readers first as it uses words that are in there language, uses words such as “you” to speak directly to them, saves them time and or money, in a positive way that caters to the audience

When we write in plain language it not only helps us get our messages across more effectively- but it also helps us empower our readers/ audience to understand and act as we want- making writing far more effective as it can help avoid confusion.

When we think about plane writing- Scott, I want you to think about the instructions IKEA gives you to assemble the furniture you buy from them. They are on topic, concise, have visuals, built points/ easy stems and don’t really have any filler, are in the customer’s language AND ARE EASY TO UNDERSTAND! This is important as “Plain language helps readers quickly and easily understand your message” [ii]

Additionally, when we are writing in plain language effetely we are writing with purpose and writing in a manner that matches the medium you are writing for and also the audience. As a general rule of thumb plain language is about “1. Find what they need,

2. Understand it, 3. Use it to fulfill their purpose”[iii]

KEY principals to remember when writing in plane language as according to class topics are as follows according to class materials as talked about in class:

“Common, everyday words

• “You” and other pronouns

• Write directly to reader

• The active voice

• Short sentences

• Be positive where possible”[iv]

So in conclusion- as I explained in my own words above- plain language writing “ gives YOU the chance to craft messages that will communicate what you want to say in a clear and concise way.”[v]

What makes plain English writing different? (4 Marks)

As talked about in class and based off class materials the following things are what make plain English writing different/ stand out from other writing methods:

Clarity- When we write in plain language we are writing with clear purpose and in our costumer’s language. We are avoiding using hard to read words and long chunky formats/ walls of words. Rather we are writing in a manner that clearly speaks and allows readers to understand exact what we are trying to say with clarity and without confusion and or the need to read the single thing multiple times to understand the message. Additionally when we write for clarity – so we are writing in our costumer’s language which is “no higher than a grade 8 level or lower”[vi]

Uses design / formats to make it easier to understand- when we are writing in plain language we are not only writing with clarity and in our audiences tone- we are also writing in a format that is easy for them to read / “scan”- to understand (like dealings and lists, tables, infographics etc.) We use easy steps, bullets, the F pattern, lists, visuals and also use “Use design to make information easy to scan.” By organizing the information in an eye friendly, user friendly, organized- logical manner. In addition, to using action words/ verbs to help cause fast action.

Overall, are strategically writing in a way that puts the users first- which makes plain language stand out from other formats of writing- and is the most favoured by users. Additionally, using a plain language format is absolutely crucial as “Research from US-based communications firm Labrador also shows that readers are approximately 40% more likely to understand text that’s written in plain English – and 34% more likely to retain information if your copy is well-written or organized.” [vii]

Plain language is different because it’s concise- When we write in plain language, we are not necessarily writing less- but rather we are removing the extra unnecessary words and sticking to the point- to avoid getting off-topic and losing the meaning.

In plain language, we still want the get the message across by saying more with less and in a more user-friendly way. NOT BY just writing less/ cutting down the word count. Additionally, we want to Remove words that do not add meaning.” [viii] Additionally, when we are writing for web copy as opposed to a blog writing in a concise manner is not only crucial for the user experience + saving my business money and also can also impact the shareability of my business/ site. additionally as talked about in class “Your most important job with website copy is to deliver IMPORTANT information quickly. Unlike blog posts or reports in which have varying amounts of space to expand an idea, web pages afford limited word count to capture brand voice, deliver information, and drive conversions. It’s an essential tool for improving SEO and web content, making it more engaging and shareable for your audience.” [ix]

Reader focused- when we write in plain language we are writing directly for the reader/ audience and writing specifically for their benefit/ in a consumer-focused way. We are basically prioritizing the reader’s needs and perspective and speaking to them in a relent manner and in a conversational, present tense tone. To do this effectively we not only want to write in their language but also want to use pronounce that speak to them like “you” and “your”- to make them feel a personal connection and ensure that the content feels engaging, it should be presented to them in a easy to read format that does not take a lot of time for them to “scan” and get what they need from it.

Additionally, the content should be written and presented in a manner that addresses the reader’s potential questions, concerns and thoughts- so they don’t have to search for answers elsewhere (they should feel satisfied and like there solution was solved). This is important as it helps us write in a reader-focused manner – as “plain language is respectful because it values the readers’ time.” [x] Additionally, the key to writing reader-focused plain language is understanding and knowing who your audience is- meaning “The key to plain language is understanding your audience, who is your audience? What do they already know? What do they still need to know?”[xi] By doing this plain, language is different than other formats as it is reader-focused as it speaks to them and helps the readers find what they need in a logical easy, structured way!

The Envelop concept/ putting important information first/ above the scroll- plain language stands out and is different than some other writing mediums as it uses the envelop concept- which in a nutshell means the important information that the readers need to know/ see is being put at the beginning kind of like how a envelope tells people what’s inside/ what to expect even before its opened it! Regarding plain language this means that all the key details and am, in takeaways, we want the readers to know are going to be put at the beginning as people don’t actually read they scan- and usually they are only scanning the first part of the sentences and in total most people only read 28% of the words on a web page”[xii] This is also key as it puts the readers first and values there time and it allows them to understand the main points so they can quickly absorb the essentials without having to read through the entire text/copy to understand the key concepts/ take ways. This not only provides clarity but also saves the user time and helps with user experience! This is important as to write in plain language / for clarity we need to follow the SADE format we talked about in class in detail which essentially are the principals of plain language! These principals are “(S)saves time and money, everyone (A)appreciates clarity, People won’t (D)read reading what your writing, You (E)mpower your readers” because writing for the reader is the goal! [xiii]

Action-Oriented – Considering when we write in plain language, making instructions and messages clear, direct, and easy to follow and easier to take action. This is important as 5 of the main principals for plain writing are the following” 5 guidelines1. Write for your audience, 2. Organize information logically, 3. Write for action, 4. Keep the text as short as possible, 5. Design for reading”[xiv] additionally, “Active verbs lead to a Positive message” [xv]– which is important as we want to write in a positive manner.

What is plain language writing for the web? and in detail and in your own words, why is it important?

(4 Marks)

What is it?

When we talk about plain writing specifically for web content, we are referring to a form of writing that is clear, concise and easy to understand and is specifically made for readers to give them the most effective and informational “scannable” reading experience- in a timely manner. However, that does not mean that we are dumbing ourselves down, writing less or plain out changing the overall message. In fact, when we are writing in plain language, we must avoid the following: “patronising or overly simplified—it’s not ‘cat sat on the mat’ writing, about changing the meaning of your message, an amateur method of communication” [xvi] it’s about writing for the reader to benefit both the reader and you.

As I discussed and sited extensively above clear writing is “writing that avoids walls of words”[xvii] in the costumer’s language using simple words, phrases and slang that resonates with them and “Aim for a Grade 8 reading level or lower- as in Canada alone 42% of Canadian adults have a literacy problem.”[xviii] The goal of writing in plain language is to write for clear understanding in a timely manner – “We should not speak [write] so that it is possible for the audience to understand us, but so that it is impossible for them to misunderstand us.” [xix]

Why is it important?

Plain writing for web content is absolutely crucial because it helps readers find the information they need/ get their questions answered fast and in an easy-to-understand manner. When we write in plain language, we do not only give the users a better experience though- we also make our website more accessible as it will cater to readers who have disabilities and varying reading levels, and language barriers – so they to have stronger understanding/ comprehension of written language. Additionally, plain language is important for us as writers and advertisers as it will allow us to get more views, and more loyal content and make our own content more likely to have loyal readers- as readers will appreciate the way you write to cater to them as you are putting the reader first!

Additionally, as stated in class materials plain language is important on web as “Plain language is an essential tool for improving SEO and web content, making it more engaging and shareable for audiences” [xx] However, by writing in plain language can expect a lot more than improved user experience and better SEO- as we can also expect to see more tangible benefits that actually will benefit you and me as a writer or a business- simply because time is money and writing unnecessary complex language no one appreciates is useless and is wasting time and costing us readers. In fact, when we write in plain language you can expect to see “tangible improvements like Significantly improved time on page, Lower bounce rates, Improved conversion rates” [xxi] and “Unnecessarily Complex Language Costs You Money whereas 9 times out of 10, plain English copy produces markedly better results.” [xxii]– making it extremely beneficial and important to write in plain language to benefit not only users + brand loyalty but also productivity and profits. Additionally, this in the long term can help improve over credibility as it shows we value users and truly want to make sure they understand the content!

Additionally, it is important as it benefits both the customer and the business in the following ways:

For the business: “Saves time and money: faster to write, less to print/translate, reduces complaints, support calls, creates a positive image (friendlier, more easily understood messages) l, simplifies forms, procedures, paperwork, increases staff understanding and satisfaction.

For the Reader: “Helps your readers: find what they need, understand what they find, use what they find to meet their needs, saves time and money, faster to read, increases customer understanding and satisfaction” [xxiii]

So, in conclusion, as I discussed above in my own words and backed up by course materials plain. Language is in no mean about dumbing down content its Soley about writing specifically for viewers to give them the best experience and also writing with clarity and accessibility for a variety of different users- so no matter their reading level etc. they are able to easily understand what is being said in a timely manner without having to have the extra mumbo jumbo jargon and complex hard to understand walls of words and sentences!

This is very important and not only benefits the users but also us as writer as it overall helps enhance the user experience and helps us improve our SEO in return! Additionally, its important as it makes us more creditable and achieve better engagement, shareability, loyal readers, higher conversion rates and so much more! But more importantly- when we write in plain language, we ensure that the information we are communicating- is understood and NOT misunderstood- which ultimately leads to increased understanding + efficiency and a more successful and profitable online presence.

[i] Briscoe W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf (slide 15)

[ii] Briscoe W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf (slide 6)

[iii] Briscoe W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf (slide 18)

[iv] Briscoe W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf (slide 22)

[v] Briscoe W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf (slide 32)

[vi] : (Briscoe, Lecture, week 6, 2025)

[vii] [vii] Briscoe W8 W8 – Writing Website Copy & Plain Language Writing(slide 6)

[viii] Briscoe W8 – B – Plain Language Writing Tips (W25).pdf(slide 5)

[ix] [ix] Briscoe W8 W8 – Writing Website Copy & Plain Language Writing(slide 26)

SAUZZY SAUCE BLOG

(4 Marks)

JOIN THE SAUZZY SQUAD EMAIL LIST

Company Info