Appendix A: Planning checklist

Questions to ask yourself before you get started

Who is my audience?

• students
• the public
• colleagues

What is their literacy level?

• low
• average
• high

How familiar are they with my topic?

• they do not know anything about it
• they have some knowledge
• they are experts

Why am I writing this document?

• to instruct (for example, give step-by-step directions)
• to persuade (for example, to change current behaviour)
• to inform (for example, to tell them about a new policy, procedure, or service)

What do I need to say?

• The essentials ______________________________________________________________
• Nice to know, but not necessary ___________________________________________________

How will I organize the information?

• most important information first
• chronological order (for example, step-by-step instructions)
• another way: ___________________________________________________

How should I present my information?

• it needs pictures or diagrams
• it should be large print
• it needs to be translated
• it will be digital only
• there should be a print option
  • flat sheet
  • rack card
  • pamphlet
  • book

For your convenience, you can access a copy of the checklist here: Plain Language – Appendix A Checklist [.pdf]. This will open in a new window.