- We spoke about Plain English writing in class. Please answer the following in detail:
a. How would you explain to someone what “Plain English writing” is? (3 Marks)
If someone asked me to explain the concept behind “plain English” or “plain language” writing, I would explain it to them using plain English to help them better understand what it means, and maybe use it their way. The use of plain English writing assists the reader in finding and understanding the information being given to them. The goal of plain English lies solely based on a way of communicating with an individual or a collective that is clear and digestible for any person without confusing or misleading them with big words or complicated semiotics. This process allows for a message to be distributed in a singular tone that is cohesive to an action that follows, which allows for the need for clarification to be eliminated by feeding them with a sentence that can be apprehended quickly.
b. What makes plain English writing different? (4 Marks)
What makes plain English writing different is how it provides the reader with simplified instructions that make an action easier to comprehend and follow through with. Plain English plays a role in communicating a distinct message to a spectrum of language styles, calling for simplicity to help explain or illustrate the next step on their journey. For example, a tourist visits a location where they need to familiarize themselves with the English language and requires an uncomplicated universal indication of which transportation to take to get to a destination. From another perspective, plain English offers readers a sense of self that allows them to feel acknowledged and cared for as citizens. For example, involving prior alert of what is mandated to continue with a procedure, whether renewing a license plate or applying for a credit card. This shows that we as service representatives have respect for people’s time by providing them with information to ensure they come prepared and not waste any more unnecessary durations.
c. What is plain language for the web and in detail and your own words, why is it important? (4 Marks)
From an SEO perspective, having structured content for your website is vital when the initial goal is rooted in how users experience and engage with your website and how it can confine your hierarchy on search engines. This is based on whether or not your website has the required necessary information before all else and is positioned in a simple setup that is easy to navigate through. Where plain English comes to fruition is through the way directives are communicated. Getting to the point quickly and without complex language can increase the engagement experience with the website if we assume that the majority of individuals won’t take the time to stop and think about what you’re trying to say. This is problematic owing to the amount of important information that has a strong potential of being missed from the uninterest in reading between the lines, which overall can result in a decrease in revenue. When we are concise with platforms, it creates a predictable journey that will encourage users to feel confident to trust your layout and navigate themselves through your site.