Back in the mid–90s, a group of federal do-gooders came up with the idea that everyday folks (like you and me) deserve clearly-written communications from government. They created the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN). In other words, federal employees took it upon themselves to give in to the cry of English teachers all over the world, “Write it so that I can understand it.”
On October 13, 2010, the 111th Congress initiated the Plain Writing Act of 2010. This Act compels all Federal agencies to write documents including: letters, publications, forms, notices, instructions, and web site details in "plain language." This includes any document that is necessary for assisting the public with obtaining government benefits or services, or filing taxes. Agencies must provide information about any Federal Government benefit or service; or explain how to comply with a requirement the Federal Government administers or enforces in a language that we, the people, can actually understand and use.
The term ‘‘plain writing’’ means writing that is clear, concise, organized, and follows the best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience.
While I am the last person to get involved in any type of political debate, this is one area where I definitely give my “thumbs up” to Washington. Who knows why I even started reading about this legal stuff in the first place. Maybe I wanted to write a few blogs that would make me look extra smart. Once I got into reading some of the guidelines, I realized that there is some damn good stuff there: the kind of stuff that could help writers sharpen and improve their writing skills.
Therefore, I decided to break down sections of the Plain Writing Act of 2010 into a series of weekly blogs I’ve aptly titled: K.I.S.S It!, which can stand for either Keep it Super Simple or Keep it Simple Stupid, whichever one you prefer. I prefer the latter.
Next Thursday, I'll review the Plain Language Writing Guidelines with tips and ideas that, hopefully, will not only make government papers easier to read and understand; but will encourage you to sharpen your skills by including a few of these ideas into your writing plan.
How can we help?
We're here discuss all things grammatical. Upcoming blogs include: confusing words, grant writing, proofreading, all about adjectives and adverbs and more. Meanwhile, if you have a specific homework question, need a word suggestion, or you aren't sure how to punctuatuate your phrase, post your question and Coach Felicia Write will respond within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, keep on writing it right!
For more details visit http://www.plainlanguage.gov/.
The term ‘‘plain writing’’ means writing that is clear, concise, organized, and follows the best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience.
While I am the last person to get involved in any type of political debate, this is one area where I definitely give my “thumbs up” to Washington. Who knows why I even started reading about this legal stuff in the first place. Maybe I wanted to write a few blogs that would make me look extra smart. Once I got into reading some of the guidelines, I realized that there is some damn good stuff there: the kind of stuff that could help writers sharpen and improve their writing skills.
Therefore, I decided to break down sections of the Plain Writing Act of 2010 into a series of weekly blogs I’ve aptly titled: K.I.S.S It!, which can stand for either Keep it Super Simple or Keep it Simple Stupid, whichever one you prefer. I prefer the latter.
Next Thursday, I'll review the Plain Language Writing Guidelines with tips and ideas that, hopefully, will not only make government papers easier to read and understand; but will encourage you to sharpen your skills by including a few of these ideas into your writing plan.
How can we help?
We're here discuss all things grammatical. Upcoming blogs include: confusing words, grant writing, proofreading, all about adjectives and adverbs and more. Meanwhile, if you have a specific homework question, need a word suggestion, or you aren't sure how to punctuatuate your phrase, post your question and Coach Felicia Write will respond within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, keep on writing it right!
For more details visit http://www.plainlanguage.gov/.
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