Writing for the web course participants’ guide

Write readable content

GOAL: Write so people only need to read once to understand and use your content.

Readability checklist

Content element	Desired characteristics
Register	Written in the standard register
Everyday words	Uses everyday words No buzzwords, gobbledygook or idioms Jargon is only used if understood by target audience
Abbreviations	Only uses abbreviations understood by target audience
Sentences	15 words on average None over 25 words
Verbs	Passive voice limited to around 5%
Personal pronouns	‘We’ and ‘our’ used to refer to the organisation ‘You’ and ‘your’ used to refer to users
Concise writing	No unnecessary information No wasted words