Gallery
CalInnovate Toolkit
Share
Explore
Gallery
CalInnovate Toolkit
Plain language

icon picker
Plain language standard


error

This is a proof of concept. See
GitBook
⁠
for source of truth - 9/15/2023


All state departments should:
Provide information to the public at an
8th grade reading level or lower​
⁠
⁠
Use smaller, more common words
Avoid jargon and technical terms as much as possible
Keep sentences short and simple
This standard applies to print and digital information.

Key considerations

It can be a challenge to balance plain language and accuracy. Achieve the lowest reading level you can.
Write for your audience. Using technical terms might be appropriate if you're writing for a specialized audience. Examples include attorneys, scientists, or engineers.
Cite laws, code, or regulations as written. Summarize this information whenever possible to help people understand it.

Definitions

Code: The text of laws, as found at
California Legislative Information
⁠
​
Department: A department, commission, office, or other administrative agency of state government
Jargon: Words used by specialists that are not used or understood by the average person
⁠

Footnotes

Most content designers use grade 8 as their maximum reading level. Examples include the
Nielsen Norman Group
⁠
and the
Government of Canada
⁠
.

⁠
Share feedback
⁠
⁠


This is a proof of concept. See GitBook for source of truth - 9/15/2023
Key considerations
Definitions
Footnotes
Share feedback
Gallery
Share
 
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.