a. How would you explain to someone what “Plain English writing” is? (3 Marks)
What plain language writing is?
Plain language is a way of writing that makes it easy to understand and read for anyone it reads much like a common person conversation which means clear and short but using the correct tone and voice and not oversimplified as would be expected.
This doesn’t mean that you simplify the content to the level of “the cat sat on the mat” However it does mean making a message as accessible as possible without changing from the intended meaning the normal communication becomes more sophisticated in other words you are expressing complicated ideas in such a way that everybody easily comprehends them.
A very key component of plain language is using an appropriate tone and voice to one’s audience and applying direct engagement Instead of writing in a manner that the audience will understand what the speaker wants to say. Plain language ensures that it should be written in a manner that will not enable them to misunderstand.
Active voice is another cornerstone of plain language.
- It is more direct and engaging, attributing actions to a subject rather than leaving the sentence to float passively.
For Example:
For my Oxidised Jewelry Business, I will be creating a styling community where people can join and wish for my customers to subscribe to join our community.
Before (Complex):
Lastly, for those who would like to be part of the community and enjoy all its stylistic activities, one is very welcome to explore the digital world on exploring. Get to the section that states ‘Community’, and then one will be most welcome to submit your email to avail of our newsletters and special offers.
After (Plain Language in Bullet Points):
- Want to join our styling community? Here’s how:
- Click this link to go to our website.
- Find and click the ‘Join Our Community’ button. Put in your email address. Click ‘Subscribe’ to get the latest on our jewelry.
B. What makes plain English writing different? (4 marks)
Writing in “plain English” is like having a certain level of common sense in a world where that isn’t always the case. It simplifies communication to its most basic form, which is talking to someone clearly and directly just like they would with a friend. His writing is simple and free of difficult vocabulary or lengthy phrases that would be painful to read. That’s to ensure that everyone reading it can understand it quickly, regardless of whether they’re young adults just starting to explore the world or elderly people enjoying their retirement.
What really sets plain English apart is its unwavering commitment to being accessible. The idea is, that when you write in plain English, you are not just throwing information at your readers but guiding them through your thoughts in a way that should be perfectly effortless to follow. You choose words for meaning and never for length.
Sentences are formed for meaning, not for complication. It’s a matter of removing the unnecessary elements so that the important ones may be heard. For example, “You can use the services offered” is a simplified version of the sentence “The individual has the capability to access the services provided.” Not only has the readability drastically changed, but the degree to which the content feels intimate and engaging has also drastically changed. And here’s where the magic happens: using clear English not only makes writing easier to read, but it also improves communication between author and reader.
It is the understanding of writing. Therefore, it’s the type of writing that recognizes that readers may be really busy, that they may be reading from a little phone screen on a bus, or that they may only have a short window of time during a work break to read. It says, “I respect your time and your intelligence.” To put it simply, plain English works. It makes sure the reader understands exactly what you intended, nothing more and nothing less. Writing in simple terms makes it easier for readers to identify what they need, understand it, and quickly put it to use.
It is much more crucial to write well on the web because readers’ attention spans are short and there is much competition for their time. The goal of writing in plain English is to ensure that the message is read, accepted, and, in a sense, acted upon. It is a powerful weapon in the writer’s toolbox that enables more accurate communication in a world getting more complex by the day.
c. What is plain language writing for the web and in detail and in your own words, why is it important? (4 Marks)
What makes plain language writing on the web different is the fact that the information has to be simple and clear. It should be not only accessible but also easily comprehensible to most people. It does not use large words or very long and complex sentences but rather uses simple words and ensures no one gets lost. The matter is that the given approach is to ensure that it is inclusive and that people from varying knowledge levels and with all backgrounds can have access to this information and understand it.
This means that language used on web pages should be clear and to the point, as users usually skim through at a very high speed. Normally, users are just looking for quick answers, where plain language assists in easy comprehension of the user’s question and better service in carrying out the website’s purpose of either informing, selling, or service.
Clear and transparent communication further fosters trust with an audience. A website that is presented, organized, and structured genuinely and clearly can even sometimes seem honest and transparent enough to keep up healthy relations with the users. This trust is important not only for the relationship with the user but also in the evaluation that search engines make for the ranking of content. Clear, straightforward content will correspond to search users’ queries and, therefore, enhance your visibility and search rank.
It is, therefore, in simple terms that plain language writing is not a matter of choice in styles but a strategy in web content writing. It will mean that, with the use of plain language, it would serve the needs of immediate readers and assist in realizing the wider goals of the website by ensuring that the content of such a website benefit and is accessible to an audience of many capabilities.