Plain language
Can you quickly understand the main points of the content?
Why it’s important: Karin is not a native English speaker and she sometimes has trouble decoding legal or bureaucratic language.
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John has a developmental disability and has difficulty interpreting content written above a sixth-grade reading level.
Kai has low tech literacy and often doesn’t understand highly technical language.
Steps to take
- Refer to the plain language section of 18F’s Content Guide for general guidance, lists of words to avoid, and links to plain-language resources.
- As you’re writing, consider the tech literacy level of your target audience. Define technical terms that may be unfamiliar, and use a product or service’s full name before using its acronym or abbreviation. You may also consider adding a glossary if your content contains many potentially unfamiliar terms. Include in-line definitions for scientific, legal, or technical terms that you must use.
- Avoid using idiomatic language.
- Test the readability of your content using Hemingway App, Readable.io, or a similar tool.