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)
My new introduction post addresses the three main objectives of plain English writing: being clear, concise and useful. To create a clear message I analyzed all my work and removed any complicated or long words for shorter simpler synonyms. I then broke down longer sentences into two sentences to make sentences easier to read and understand. I also then analyzed all my sentence structure to ensure I used simpler phrases.
In order to make my content more concise I first targeted all the fluff. I removed any unneeded sentences or repeated information. I made sure sentences didn’t run on for too long and that paragraphs weren’t too long or in large groups. I used bulleted lists and images to break up the paragraphs. I then made sure I was using an active tone not a passive one. I removed fluff words in my commands to make them sound more direct and clear and established the subject of the action first.
Finally I ensured all my information provided was useful to my customers and directly related back to my business. I rewrote all bullet points to sound more direct and understandable as well as explained why these things matter to my customers. I also removed any repetitions of content in the same paragraph.
A) Describe one specific technique you used to improve readability in your revised version and explain
why it is effective. (4 Marks)
To improve readability in my revised F-Pattern introduction was to remove filler from sentences. When I initially wrote the content I used a lot of complicated adjectives that just lengthened my sentences and didn’t add any real substance.For example i removed the word “premier” and replaced it with “#1”. Numbers are easier to read than letters and more attractive to the human eye. I placed my number near the top of my content in order to grab attention. Removing filler is useful because it touches on all three main objectives of Plain English Writing: Clear, Concise and Useful. By removing filler you make sentences shorter and easier to read adding to clearness and conciseness. Also by removing unneeded words and phrases from sentences you are making your content more useful per sentence to your customer.
B) What was the most challenging aspect of applying the F-Pattern and Plain English writing principles?
How did you overcome it? (5 Marks)
The most challenging aspect of applying the F-pattern and Plain English Writing principles to my content was accepting that less can be more. When writing content my brain tells me to write as much as I possibly can to explain as much as I can to the viewer. It’s hard to take into account how little time you have to gain the viewers attention before they leave.
In order to overcome this issue I originally wrote my content without thinking about plain English writing or the f pattern. I then made multiple revisions of my content each time focusing on a different aspect of either plain English or the f pattern. My first revision focused on using an active tone in all my content, Then I turned any lists into bulleted lists to make them easier to understand. I then removed filler content and reorganised my content based on what is most important to my consumers. Next, I made a few passes over removing filler content and changing complicated language or confusing grammar. Finally I added structure using subheading and bolding.
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