Plain English criteria for documents and websites
Plain English criteria for documents
Purpose
The purpose of the document is clear at the start.
Structure
The structure is clear and logical to the reader.
Headings and main messages
The headings are informative and clearly signpost the main messages.
Vocabulary
The words are precise and familiar. Technical terms are explained.
Sentences
The sentences are mostly short and straightforward.
Layout and presentation
The layout helps the reader absorb the message quickly and accurately.
Plain English criteria for websites
Purpose
The page has an informative title and clear purpose.
Content
- The content of the page is relevant to the title.
- The content of the whole page is obvious at the top of the page.
Structure
The structure is clear and logical to the reader.
Headings and main messages
- Headings are frequent, clear, informative, and easily scanned.
- Sentences and paragraphs are frontloaded, with the important information at the beginning.
Usability
- Instructions and procedures are clear.
- Link-text is self-explanatory and is not embedded in sentences.
Vocabulary
The words are precise and familiar. Technical terms are explained.
Sentences and paragraphs
The sentences and paragraphs are mostly short and straightforward.
Layout and presentation
- Pages use F-design to good effect.
- Content of pages is visually appealing.
- Body text is in an easy-to-read font.