How would you explain to someone what “Plain English writing” is? (4 Marks)
Plain English writing is simple, its writing for the modern user. It surrounds writing for the modern consumer based on the content we are putting out there for them. Plain English writing is simple, it’s “clear, concise and correct” (Briscoe, W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf, Slide 3) so that the user can look at what they are reading and understand it. Plain English “takes out what doesn’t matter and speaks directly to people” (Briscoe, Lecture, February 26, 2025).
In class we learnt that “plain language helps readers quickly and easily understand your message.” (Briscoe, W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf, Slide 6). We discussed in class that plain language writing isn’t about dumbing it down, and that it should never be taken this way, it’s just about using straightforward language so that readers can digest the information better. (Briscoe, Lecture, February 26, 2025). For example, instead of saying “due to unforeseen circumstances, please be advised that we will be conducting maintenance later during this evening’s hours”, plain English writing would use “we’ll be doing maintenance this evening because of an unexpected issue.” It’s much more clear, easy to follow and simplifies a complex sentence. It’s all about writing in a way where anyone can understand and read without having to question or decode complicated language of the intended message. Plain language is different based on who the message is intended to reach but each should be clear and concise every time.
Not everyone has the same reading level in fact “43% of adults in the US read at a basic or below basic levels.” (Briscoe, W8 XTRA – Plain Language Writing so voters understand .pdf, Slide 5). Plain language addresses different reading levels, ensuring that its clear, concise and accessible to everyone. Plain language doesn’t assume the readers knowledge. It ensures that anyone can read the content without feeling lost or confused and doesn’t undermine the content being delivered or undermine the user. It helps with comprehension and ensures that the intended audience can act in confidence, not uncertainty. In class we discussed that plain English writing comes down to “respecting your audience and respecting their time.” (Briscoe, Lecture, February 26, 2025). Plain English writing is designed to help with communication gaps and doesn’t waste the user’s time. It’s using words that speak to a specific audience that are short, positive and get to the point as quickly as they can in a conversational tone. This means to “deliver IMPORTANT information quickly” (Briscoe, Writing Website Copy & Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf, Slide 14). We learnt to “be positive where possible” (Briscoe, W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf, Slide 22) and “write directly to the reader”, (Briscoe, W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf, Slide 22) this emphasizes being conversational and meeting the reader’s needs.
Overall, it’s a style of communication that uses straightforward language and is consistent to the way the audience behaves, meaning who they are and what they need.