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.