3. For question #2, explain how your new post successfully addresses the three main objectives of Plain English writing as discussed in class. Provide a detailed breakdown of each objective. (9 Marks)
Answer:
The three main objectives of plain English as discussed in class are
- Find what they need
- Understand it
- Use it to fulfill their purpose
Reference (Briscoe, W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf, Slide 18)
1. Find What They Need:
In the revised version, the information is organized in a logical, clear structure, which helps the reader easily find the most relevant content. For instance, the use of headings like “Welcome,” “We Offer,” and ” create your own unique story ” guides the reader to key sections and helps them navigate the post more efficiently. Bullet points highlight essential offers, making the content scannable, which is critical for quick browsing, especially when using the F-pattern.
2. Understand It:
The language used is simple and direct. By focusing on short, clear sentences and avoiding jargon, the content becomes more accessible. And this is counted as one of the principle of plain English writing reference from (Briscoe, W8 – A – Plain Language Writing Tips(W25).pdf, Slide 2) For example, the phrase “Every piece is crafted to match your style” speaks directly to the reader and avoids abstract language. It tells them exactly what they can expect from the product, making the message easy to comprehend.
3. Use It to Fulfill Their Purpose:
The post is designed to lead the reader toward taking action. After reading about the brand and what it offers, the reader is prompted to “create your own unique story” . This gives them a clear next step, making the post purposeful by directing the reader to the next logical action.
a. Describe one specific technique you used to improve readability in your revised version and explain why it is effective. (4 Marks)
Answer:
One technique used in the revised post to improve readability is the use of headings and bullet points.
Why it is effective: This technique is effective because it breaks the content into digestible chunks, making it easier for the reader to find important information quickly. By using bullet points for the offerings (“High Quality pieces,” “Unique Creations,” etc.) and also ad why they would need it , in a simple short sentence, this way ;the reader can quickly scan for what they are looking for. The headings guide the reader through the post and make it easy to understand the structure and key information. This aligns with the F-pattern, as the most crucial information is placed in an easy-to-scan, visually prominent manner.
b. What was the most challenging aspect of applying the F-Pattern and Plain English writing principles? How did you overcome it? (5 Marks)
Answer:
The most challenging aspect of applying the F-pattern and Plain English principles was ensuring that the content remained engaging while adhering to the simplicity required by Plain English. The F-pattern is all about guiding the reader’s eyes and catching their attention quickly. However, Plain English writing emphasizes clarity and conciseness, which sometimes requires a balance between being engaging and keeping the language simple.
- How I overcame it: To overcome this challenge, I focused on shortening and simplifying sentences without losing the personality of the content. I prioritized using more active language and avoided overloading the reader with too much information at once. For example, I turned longer sentences into smaller, more digestible phrases that still conveyed the brand’s unique personality. Additionally, by using headings and bullet points, I helped ensure that the key information stood out immediately, while still keeping the language clear and concise.