Get Joe Kimble Answering Critics Of Plain Language Form

The new criticism is, in essence, that plain language doesn't matter: its approach to communication is too narrow, and there is no empirical evidence that it improves comprehension. These are serious criticisms, and to explain why they are mistaken will require some exploring. L. REV.

proofread another student's work, or your own, with a focus on the five principles of plain language: active voice, common words, positive tone, reader focus, and short (concise) words and sentences.

Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. Write for your reader, not yourself. ... State your major point(s) first before going into details. Stick to your topic. ... Write in active voice. ... Use short sentences as much as possible. Use everyday words. ... Omit unneeded words.

ing to Richard Lanham, the "three central values" of the plain style are "Clarity, Brevity, and Sincerity, the 'C-B-S' theory of prose" (Analyzing Prose, 2003).

Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve communication and takes less time to read and understand.

Write plain language sentences Standard English sentences are built on subject–verb–object order. This structure forms the basis of plain language writing.

Plain language focuses on ways of writing a text so that it is clear, concise, pertinent, efficient, and flows well for the reader.

Plain language is a movement that started by simplifying unintelligible legal documents, and has now been embraced by governments and businesses around the world. Plain language is clear, concise, and easily understood the first time someone reads or hears it.