What is Plain Language?

Plain language is communication that is easy to understand. When we write and speak in plain language, we provide the reader, or listener, with information they want and need to know. No more, no less.

		A Quick How-To You can access Flesch’s formula under Tools in MS Word. Check the readability box under grammar. Then when you run a spell-check, you’ll see two measurements listed: the Flesch Reading Ease and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. The reading ease score falls within a scale of 0 to 100. Zero is unreadable; 100 is very readable. The grade level is a less accurate measure, as it can be two grades off. So keep in mind there is more to assessing readability than running a formula: A 6th grade reading level does not always mean the material is easy to read.

Plain language is more than clear writing. It is information that is:
		Easy to access
		Easy to remember
		Laid out in a logical manner
		Designed well, and
		Meets the needs of the intended audience

What is Readability?

Readability is a measure of how easy a document is to read, but the methods—all based on mathematical formulas—are debated among plain language experts.

The Flesch-Kincaid readability formula is just one of several currently in use. Rudolf Flesch developed his formula in the early 1940s. His research was based on how the human mind works: When reading, your eyes and mind focus on sequential points on the page and decide what the words mean. Only when you get to a major punctuation mark does your mind stop, summarize, and find meaning in what you’ve read.

Learn More For information about plain language and readability, check out the following Web sites:
		Plain Language Action Network
		Plain Language Association International
		Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc.
		National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
		Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
		SMOG Readability Formula, Univ. of Utah
		Minnesota Dept. of Health
		Harvard School of Public Health

EasyRead Copywriting can assess your documents and suggest changes to enhance clarity and accessibility for your particular audience. Contact us at 505-345-3258 or email Kristina@easyreadcopywriting.com. Thank you!

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EasyRead Copywriting provided excellent language simplification editorial skills to us on a relatively large project. Kristina's commitment to high quality and meeting her deadlines was unsurpassed. We will definitely use EasyRead Copywriting again!"

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