Plain language skills are relevant for anyone who writes at work, or for their study.
When communication isn't clear, people get frustrated and they can't complete their tasks.
When teams communicate in plain language, the benefits are felt across the organization.
"A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information."
This definition forms the basis of the ISO plain language standard published in 2023.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental entity that develops global standards for quality, safety, and efficiency to ensure products and services are safe, reliable, and of good quality.
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The Plain Game covers each guideline in the ISO plain language standard through story, educational material, and quizzes to verify learning. You can also practise and apply the skills you have learned using our built-in AI practice, coaching and assessment tool.
The Plain Game is based on ISO plain language standards that several experts at In-Game Learning helped develop. The standard is based on empirical evidence (measured with scientific research methods) and lays out details on what methods you can use to write a plain language document.
The standard also covers practices that are not language related, such as focusing on what readers need to know, using a logical sequence, and using techniques to organize and design a document.
Only 7% of the standard focuses on word choice, so the principles work in most languages and sectors.
50
Experts
25
Countries
9
Languages
50
Experts
25
Countries
9
Languages
This is the first international standard for plain language. Within two years of its publication, the standard was available in 14 languages and 21 countries. It's a landmark achievement built on years of global consensus.
This standard builds on Part 1. It has practical guidance for making legal communication clear and usable across audiences, formats, and legal systems.
These are guidelines for communicating scientific and technical information in plain language so that non-specialist audiences can understand it. This standard will make science accessible to the public.
This standard will provide a framework for an organization to certify that it uses plain language systematically in its operations.