Why Higher Ed Needs Plain Language

Being UnderstoodWhy Higher Ed Needs Plain Language@lauracreekmore

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“No one will miss you.”

“No one will miss you.”“Thanks a LOT, Mom!”

Authority

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Find the time a TV program ends, using a newspaper TV schedule that lists similar programs showing at different timeson different channels.

Source: National Assessment of Adult Literacy

List two facts from a business magazine article that explain why a marketer quoted has a particular opinion.

Source: National Assessment of Adult Literacy

Find the age range when children should get a particular vaccine, using a chart that shows all childhood vaccines and the ages children should receive them.

Source: National Assessment of Adult Literacy

Follow directions, using a clearly labeled map.

Source: National Assessment of Adult Literacy

Health Literacy

Health Literacy of U.S. Adults

Source: U.S.Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences,National Center for Education Statistics, 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy.

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Handling Jargon

Testing Content

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LoansStudents apply for consideration for __________ Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, __________ UA institutional loans by completing __________ FAFSA.

A Federal Direct Subsidized __________ Loan is awarded on the __________ of the student's financial need __________ other specific eligibility requirements. The __________ government does not charge interest __________ these loans while borrowers are __________ at least half-time, during a __________ grace period, or during authorized __________ of deferment.

The interest subsidy __________ during the six-month grace period __________ subsidized loans is eliminated for __________ loans made between July 1, 2012 and ___________. Loan repayment still begins six __________ after you are no longer __________ at least half-time, but interest __________ accrues during those six months __________ no longer be subsidized by __________ federal government. The student will __________ responsible for the interest during __________ grace period.

LoansStudents apply for consideration for __________ Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, __________ UA institutional loans by completing __________ FAFSA.

A Federal Direct Subsidized __________ Loan is awarded on the __________ of the student's financial need __________ other specific eligibility requirements. The __________ government does not charge interest __________ these loans while borrowers are __________ at least

half-time, during a __________ grace period, or during authorized ____ ______ of deferment.

The interest subsidy __________ during the six-month grace period __________ subsidized loans is eliminated for __________ loans made between July 1, 2012 and ___________. Loan repayment still begins six __________ after you are no longer __________ at least half-time, but interest __________ accrues during those six months __________ no longer be subsidized by __________ federal government. The student will __________ responsible for the interest during __________ grace period.

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Cloze testGrade-level testingReading ease scales

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Make a checklist

Language and Writing StyleUse simple words.

Define complex terms.Use sentences of 10-15 words.

Use bullet lists when appropriate.Use active voice, vivid verbs.

Use consistent terms.Use positive perspective when possible.

Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/etr.html

Great Writing

Select preferred terms

Search Analytics

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Make your website more readable

Content testing

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/etr.html

Books

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Laura Creekmoreh"p://creekcontent.comlaura@creekcontent.com  @lauracreekmoreh"p://slideshare.net/lauracreekmore