Plain English Awards

celebrate New Zealand's clearest communicators

Plain English criteria for documents and websites

Plain English criteria for documents

Purpose

The purpose of the document is clear at the start, and the content supports the purpose of the document.

Structure

The structure is clear and logical to the reader.

Headings and main messages

The headings are informative and clearly signpost the main messages.

Paragraphs

The paragraphs are mostly short and focused on one topic.

Sentences

The sentences are mostly short and straightforward.

Words

The words are precise and familiar. Technical terms are explained.

Layout and presentation

The layout helps the reader absorb the messages quickly and easily.


Plain English criteria for websites

Purpose

The webpage has an informative title and clear purpose.

Content

The content supports the purpose of the website.

Structure

The structure is clear and logical to the reader.

Usability

Instructions and procedures are clear.

Link-text is self-explanatory and is not embedded in sentences.

Headings and main messages

Headings are frequent, clear, informative, and easily scanned.

Sentences and paragraphs are short and focused on one topic, with the important information at the beginning.

Sentences and paragraphs

The sentences and paragraphs are mostly short and straightforward.

Words

The words are precise and familiar. Technical terms are explained.

Layout and presentation

The layout helps the reader absorb messages quickly and easily.

Pages use F-design to good effect.

Content of pages is visually appealing.

Body text is in an easy-to-read font.


Judges for the 2019 People’s Choice Awards
How the judging process works
What types of user-testing do judges look for?
Terms and conditions