National Adult Literacy Database

This is a handbook written in clear language about clear language.

Effective communication depends on a number of elements, including the use of language that is accessible to most people, and formatting that enhances the information and makes it easier to understand. In this clear language handbook, the authors present important reasons for choosing to write effectively and simply. They discuss readers and language levels and illustrate ways to simplify writing and organize information.

This handbook is divided into five chapters, which cover the following topics:

Chapter 1 - Writing for Everyone
Chapter 2 - Getting Started
Chapter 3 - Clear Writing
Chapter 4 - Design and Formatting
Chapter 5 - Editing and Proofreading