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    "title" : "An introduction to plain language |Digital.gov",
    "description": "An introduction to plain language",
    "home_page_url" : "/preview/gsa/digitalgov.gov/bc-archive-content-3/","feed_url" : "/preview/gsa/digitalgov.gov/bc-archive-content-3/resources/an-introduction-to-plain-language/index.json","item" : [
    {"title" :"An introduction to plain language","deck" : "Using plain language is required on all government websites and also creates a better user experience.","summary" : "Understand how and why to use plain language on government websites and other digital services","date" : "2023-05-01T14:30:00-05:00","date_modified" : "2025-01-27T19:42:55-05:00","topics" : {
        
            "communication" : "Communication",
            "plain-language" : "Plain language"
            },"branch" : "bc-archive-content-3",
      "filename" :"an-introduction-to-plain-language.md",
      
      "filepath" :"resources/an-introduction-to-plain-language.md",
      "filepathURL" :"https://github.com/GSA/digitalgov.gov/blob/bc-archive-content-3/content/resources/an-introduction-to-plain-language.md",
      "editpathURL" :"https://github.com/GSA/digitalgov.gov/edit/bc-archive-content-3/content/resources/an-introduction-to-plain-language.md","slug" : "an-introduction-to-plain-language","url" : "/preview/gsa/digitalgov.gov/bc-archive-content-3/resources/an-introduction-to-plain-language/","weight" : "1","content" :"\u003ch2 id=\"what-is-plain-language\"\u003eWhat is plain language?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlain language is communication that is clear and easy to understand for your target audience, regardless of the medium used to deliver it. \u003ca href=\"https://www.plainlanguage.gov/about/definitions/\"\u003ePlainLanguage.gov\u003c/a\u003e defines it as communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut plain language, which is often used interchangeably for plain English or plain writing, is not just best practice or common sense, it is also the law. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ274/content-detail.html\"\u003ePlain Writing Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-274)\u003c/a\u003e defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"usa-accordion card-policy\"\u003e\u003ch3 class=\"usa-accordion__heading\"\u003e\n    \u003cbutton\n      class=\"usa-accordion__button\"\n      title=\"View \"\n      aria-expanded=\"false\"\n      aria-controls=\"card-policy-1\"\n    \u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"scroll\"\u003e\n        \u003csvg\n          class=\"usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--large margin-bottom-05\"\n          aria-hidden=\"true\"\n          focusable=\"false\"\n        \u003e\n          \u003cuse\n            xlink:href=\"/preview/gsa/digitalgov.gov/bc-archive-content-3/uswds/img/sprite.svg#unfold_more\"\n          \u003e\u003c/use\u003e\n        \u003c/svg\u003e\n      \u003c/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"src\"\u003e\n        \u003cstrong class=\"kicker\"\u003eLaw\u003c/strong\u003ePlain Writing Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-274)\n        \u003c/span\n      \u003e\n    \u003c/button\u003e\n  \u003c/h3\u003e\u003cdiv\n      id=\"card-policy-1\"\n      class=\"card-policy-body usa-accordion__content usa-prose\"\n    \u003e\u003cp\u003eTo enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing that Government documents issued to the public must be written clearly, and for other purposes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBe it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Act may be cited as the \u0026ldquo;Plain Writing Act of 2010\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSECTION 2. PURPOSE.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe purpose of this Act is to improve the effectiveness and accountability of Federal agencies to the public by promoting clear Government communication that the public can understand and use.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEC. 3. DEFINITIONS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this Act:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgency. The term \u0026ldquo;agency\u0026rdquo; means an Executive agency, as defined under section 105 of title 5, United States Code.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCovered document. The term \u0026ldquo;covered document\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(A.) means any document that\u0026ndash;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(i.) is necessary for obtaining any Federal Government benefit or service or filing taxes;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(ii.) provides information about any Federal Government benefit or service; or\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(iii.) explains to the public how to comply with a requirement the Federal Government administers or enforces;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(B.) includes (whether in paper or electronic form) a letter, publication, form, notice, or instruction; and\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(C.) does not include a regulation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlain writing. The term \u0026ldquo;plain writing\u0026rdquo; means \u003cspan class=\"highlight-text\"\u003ewriting that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSECTION 4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea. Preparation for Implementation of Plain Writing Requirements.\u0026ndash;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn general. Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the head of each agency shall\u0026ndash;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(A.) designate 1 or more senior officials within the agency to oversee the agency implementation of this Act;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(B.) communicate the requirements of this Act to the employees of the agency;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(C.) train employees of the agency in plain writing;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(D.) establish a process for overseeing the ongoing compliance of the agency with the requirements of this Act;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(E.) create and maintain a plain writing section of the agency\u0026rsquo;s website as required under paragraph (2) that is accessible from the homepage of the agency\u0026rsquo;s website; and\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(F.) designate 1 or more agency points-of-contact to receive and respond to public input on\u0026ndash;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(i.) agency implementation of this Act; and\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(ii.) the agency reports required under section 5.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWebsite. The plain writing section described under paragraph (1)(E) shall\u0026ndash;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(A.)inform the public of agency compliance with the requirements of this Act; and\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(B.) provide a mechanism for the agency to receive and respond to public input on\u0026ndash;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(i.) agency implementation of this Act; and\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(ii.) the agency reports required under section 5.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eb. Requirement to Use Plain Writing in New Documents. Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, each agency shall use plain writing in every covered document of the agency that the agency issues or substantially revises.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ec. Guidance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn general. Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall develop and issue guidance on implementing the requirements of this section. The Director may designate a lead agency, and may use interagency working groups to assist in developing and issuing the guidance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterim guidance.\u0026ndash;Before the issuance of guidance under paragraph (1), agencies may follow the guidance of\u0026ndash;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(A.) the writing guidelines developed by the Plain Language Action and Information Network; or\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e(B.) guidance provided by the head of the agency that  is consistent with the guidelines referred to in subparagraph (A).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSECTION 5. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea. Initial Report. Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the head of each agency shall publish on the plain writing section of the agency\u0026rsquo;s website a report that describes the agency plan for compliance with the requirements of this Act.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eb. Annual Compliance Report.\u0026ndash;Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the head of each agency shall publish on the plain writing section of the agency\u0026rsquo;s website a report on agency compliance with the requirements of this Act.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSECTION 6. JUDICIAL REVIEW AND ENFORCEABILITY.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea. Judicial Review.\u0026ndash;There shall be no judicial review of compliance or noncompliance with any provision of this Act.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eb. Enforceability.No provision of this Act shall be construed to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural enforceable by any administrative or judicial action.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSECTION 7. BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF PAYGO LEGISLATION FOR THIS ACT.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying  with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled \u0026ldquo;Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation\u0026rdquo; for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ca\n        class=\"src\"\n        href=\"https://www.congress.gov/111/plaws/publ274/PLAW-111publ274.pdf\"\n        title=\"View \"\n      \u003e\n        View the full legislation\n        \u003csvg\n          class=\"usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--standard margin-bottom-05\"\n          aria-hidden=\"true\"\n          focusable=\"false\"\n        \u003e\n          \u003cuse\n            xlink:href=\"/preview/gsa/digitalgov.gov/bc-archive-content-3/uswds/img/sprite.svg#arrow_forward\"\n          \u003e\u003c/use\u003e\n        \u003c/svg\u003e\n      \u003c/a\u003e\n    \u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"why-use-plain-language-on-government-websites\"\u003eWhy use plain language on government websites?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing plain language on government websites is one of the best ways to reach your target audience, because people usually search for information using everyday words (not \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/2022/11/07/jargon-madness-a-plain-language-exercise/\"\u003ejargon\u003c/a\u003e). A clear, concise message \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/2022/12/13/to-build-trust-aim-for-easy/\"\u003ebuilds trust with users\u003c/a\u003e because they can understand your call to action and complete tasks quickly.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlain language also bridges information gaps between people who may read at different levels, process information at different speeds, or have a \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/2022/11/09/tips-for-communicating-about-your-research-with-non-scientists/\"\u003edifferent expertise\u003c/a\u003e. This can also be very helpful when content needs to be translated in multiple languages, as translators are most often generalists.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy law, federal agencies must:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide clear communication to the public about government information related to benefits, services, and how to comply with a requirement the federal government administers or enforces.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesignate one or more points of contact for the implementation of the law and train their staff to use plain language.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInclude a \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/resources/required-web-content-and-links/#about-page-2\"\u003ededicated plain language section\u003c/a\u003e  that is accessible from the primary website’s homepage that lets the public know about how the agency is complying with this law\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\n\n\n\u003carticle\n  class=\"dg-note \"\n\u003e\n  \u003ch4 class=\"dg-note__heading\"\u003e\n    \u003csvg\n      class=\"dg-note__icon usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--large\"\n      aria-hidden=\"true\"\n      focusable=\"false\"\n    \u003e\n      \u003cuse xlink:href=\"/preview/gsa/digitalgov.gov/bc-archive-content-3/uswds/img/sprite.svg#notifications\"\u003e\u003c/use\u003e\n    \u003c/svg\u003e\n    \n      Note\n    \n  \u003c/h4\u003e\n  The Plain Writing Act of 2010 does not apply to the text of official regulations.\n\u003c/article\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"how-to-get-started-with-plain-language\"\u003eHow to get started with plain language\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor web writers, editors, designers, producers or other digital professionals working for a federal website or digital service, using plain language and enforcing the Plain Writing Act are ongoing tasks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e If you are new to the team, get started:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake any training already available from your agency.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGet to know your agency’s designated \u003ca href=\"https://www.plainlanguage.gov/law/agency-programs/\"\u003eplain language contact\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn the existing plain language review process for public communication, and understand your role and responsibilities.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccess existing tools and reports the team uses for accessibility and readability.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"plain-language-resources\"\u003ePlain language resources\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/resources/plain-language-web-writing-tips/\"\u003ePlain language web writing tips\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.plainlanguage.gov/guidelines/\"\u003eFederal plain language guidelines\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.plainlanguage.gov/training/tips-for-trainers/\"\u003eTips for starting a plain language program\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.plainlanguage.gov/guidelines/test/\"\u003eTesting your assumptions about plain language\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"connect-with-others-interested-in-plain-language\"\u003eConnect with others interested in plain language\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant to learn more?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are already familiar with the Plain Writing Act requirements or want to increase your plain language skills, join the \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/communities/plain-language/\"\u003ePlain Language\u003c/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/communities/web-content-managers/\"\u003eWeb Managers\u003c/a\u003e communities of practice to learn about other related best practices and share your knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck if your agency already has a plain working group or guild. If not, consider setting one up in your agency. You might also add plain language-related research to new or existing user research projects.\u003c/p\u003e\n"}
  ]
}