Clear writing uses plain, straightforward language and logical structure so students and families can quickly grasp your message. It avoids unnecessary jargon and acronym soup, favors short, purposeful sentences, and uses headings and lists to guide readers.
When instructional text is simple and well‑organized, students can focus on ideas instead of needing to decode long, complex sentences. Clear writing supports multilingual learners, students with reading or cognitive disabilities, and anyone using assistive technology. It also reduces confusion and follow‑up questions for teachers and families.
What’s the one thing readers must know or do? Put it first.
Replace or explain acronyms (e.g., first use: Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)).
Use lists for processes, requirements, or options.
Keep paragraphs to 3–5 sentences.
Use you to speak directly to students/families when appropriate.
Include examples, models, or quick templates when helpful.
Use heading hierarchy (H1, H2) to show structure.
Define new or technical terms at first mention.
Standardize labels across materials (e.g., always “Module Overview”).
Don’t bury key dates, steps, or actions in long paragraphs.
Don’t switch terms for the same idea (“assignment,” “task,” “project”) within one page.
Don’t overuse idioms or regional expressions that may confuse learners.
Lead with purpose: Put the main point first; add details after.
One idea per sentence: Keep sentences short and direct.
Use familiar words: Prefer everyday terms students already know; define new terms the first time they appear.
Chunk information: Break text into short paragraphs with clear headings and bulleted lists.
Use active voice and concrete verbs: “Submit your lab report by Friday” rather than “Lab reports should be submitted by Friday.”
Be consistent: Use the same term for the same concept across slides, handouts, and LMS.
Check readability: Use a readability tool to spot long sentences and dense paragraphs; adjust for grade level and audience.
WebAIM Clear Writing Overview
This WebAIM article offers practical guidance and considerations for writing clearly on the web, especially for audiences with diverse cognitive or reading needs.
Plain Language — Digital.gov
This Digital.gov resource describes the principles and legal basis of plain language in government communication, and provides concrete tips for writing content that readers can grasp on first pass.
This page adapts and builds on content from the Nebraska ESU Coordinating Council's Accessibility in Schools site and related resources, and is shared under a Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 4.0) license.