What is easy English?
Easy or plain English is a writing style that readers can understand immediately. It is written with the reader in mind and combines clear, concise expression with an effective structure and good document design.
How to write in easy English
Detailed information on how to write in this format can be found in the guides contained in ‘Resources’ below, but here are some key tips:
Do
- Use clear and simple language.
- Use one idea per sentence.
- Use short sentences.
- Use direct language. Address readers as ‘you’.
- Use active rather than passive sentences. For example, ‘the girl kissed the boy’, not ‘the boy was kissed by the girl’.
- Use full names. For example, ‘street’ not ‘st’.
- Keep punctuation marks to the minimum.
- Use pictures, logos or photographs to add meaning to the text.
Do not
- Use slang.
- Use acronyms or contractions of words. For example, write ‘it is’ not ‘it’s’.
- Use phrases and metaphors which may not make sense to other cultures.
Why use easy English?
According to a national survey, over 50% of Australian adults were assessed as having the literacy skills needed to meet the complex demands of everyday life and work (Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey, Summary Results, Australia 2006).
A number of our patients come from non-English speaking backgrounds and sometimes understand very little English. In order to communicate effectively with our patients, we must ensure that it is widely understood.
When to use easy English
- Always use easy English when writing information for the general public.
- Keep your audience in mind.
- Aim for clear, concise language and adapt your vocabulary to the audience you are writing for.
For example, refer to 'oral health profesional' rather than ‘clinician’ in material for general public. Whereas, the term 'clinician' can be used for people working in, or associated with the oral health sector.
Resources
Easy English writing guide (Scope, 2005) (PDF, 192KB)
Images for Easy English (PDF, 295KB)
http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/free-guides.html
http://www.scopevic.org.au/
Communicating with consumers series, Volume 1, Well-written health information guide
For further information or assistance, please contact the DHSV Communications team.