Iso 24495 1 2023

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 24495-1
First edition
2023-06
Plain language —
Part 1:
Governing principles and guidelines
Langage clair et simple —
Partie 1: Principes directeurs et lignes directrices
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Reference number
ISO 24495-1:2023(E)
© ISO 2023
ISO 24495-1:2023(E)

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ISO 24495-1:2023(E)
Contents Page
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... iv
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Governing principles........................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
5 Guidelines..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
5.1 Guidelines for Principle 1: Readers get what they need (relevant)........................................................... 3
5.1.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
5.1.2 Identify the readers.......................................................................................................................................................... 3
5.1.3 Identify the readers’ purpose.................................................................................................................................. 4
5.1.4 Identify the context in which readers will read the document................................................. 4
5.1.5 Select the document type or types...................................................................................................................... 4
5.1.6 Select content that readers need........................................................................................................................... 4
5.2 Guidelines for Principle 2: Readers can easily find what they need (findable).............................. 5
5.2.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
5.2.2 Structure the document for readers.................................................................................................................. 5
5.2.3 Use information design techniques that enable readers to find information............... 5
5.2.4 Use headings to help readers predict what comes next................................................................... 6
5.2.5 Keep supplementary information separate................................................................................................ 6
5.3 Guidelines for Principle 3: Readers can easily understand what they find
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(understandable)................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
5.3.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
5.3.2 Choose familiar words................................................................................................................................................... 6
5.3.3 Write clear sentences ISO .24495-1:2023
..................................................................................................................................................... 7
5.3.4 Write concise sentences................................................................................................................................................ 8
5.3.5 Write clear 82b2a8932fc2/iso-24495-1-2023
and concise paragraphs.................................................................................................................. 8
5.3.6 Consider including images and multimedia................................................................................................ 8
5.3.7 Project a respectful tone.............................................................................................................................................. 8
5.3.8 Ensure that the document is cohesive............................................................................................................. 9
5.4 Guidelines for Principle 4: Readers can easily use the information (usable).................................. 9
5.4.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.4.2 Evaluate the document continually as it is developed....................................................................... 9
5.4.3 Evaluate the document further with readers............................................................................................ 9
5.4.4 Continue to evaluate readers’ use of the document.......................................................................... 10
Annex A (informative) Overview of principles and guidelines............................................................................................ 11
Annex B (informative) Sample checklist......................................................................................................................................................12
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved iii

ISO 24495-1:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use
of (a) patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed
patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received
notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are
cautioned that this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent
database available at www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all
such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
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For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html. ISO 24495-1:2023
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 37, Language and terminology.
82b2a8932fc2/iso-24495-1-2023
A list of all parts in the ISO 24495 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
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ISO 24495-1:2023(E)
Introduction
Plain language is communication that puts readers first. It considers:
— what readers want and need to know;
— readers’ level of interest, expertise and literacy skills;
— the context in which readers will use the document.
Plain language ensures readers can find what they need, understand it and use it. Thus, plain language
focuses on how successfully readers can use the document rather than on mechanical measures such as
readability formulas.
Extensive studies have shown that writing in plain language saves time or money (or both) for readers
and organizations. Plain language is more effective and produces better outcomes. In addition, readers
prefer plain language. For organizations, plain language is an important way to build trust with the
readers. Finally, the process of translating is more efficient for plain language documents than for
documents that are difficult to understand.
This document will help authors develop documents that communicate effectively with their intended
readers. It applies to most written languages and reflects the most recent research on plain language
and the experience of plain language experts. See Reference [3] for research on plain language.
Plain language is not to be confused with easy language. Plain language can be used for a general
audience, while easy language is used for people who have difficulties with reading comprehension.
These difficulties can be caused by health conditions, not being fluent in the given language or other
reasons. (standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 24495-1:2023
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ISO 24495-1:2023
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 24495-1:2023(E)
Plain language —
Part 1:
Governing principles and guidelines
1 Scope
This document establishes governing principles and guidelines for developing plain language
documents. The guidelines detail how the principles are interpreted and applied.
This document is for anybody who creates or helps create documents. The widest use of plain language
is for documents that are intended for the general public. However, it is also applicable, for example, to
technical writing, legislative drafting or using controlled languages.
This document applies to most, if not all, written languages, but it provides examples only in English.
While this document covers the essential elements of plain language, it has some intentional limits, as
follows:

— It does not cover all types of communication. It applies only to printed or digital information that is
primarily in the form of text.
document useful.
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NOTE 1 However, creators of other types of communications, such as podcasts and videos, can find this
— It does not include existing technical

ISOguidance about accessibility and digital documents, although
24495-1:2023
the guidance can apply to both.
NOTE 2 For guidance on 82b2a8932fc2/iso-24495-1-2023
accessibility, authors of digital documents can consider the Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines[4] and EN 301 549.[2]
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://w ww.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://w ww.electropedia.org/
3.1
plain language
communication in which wording, structure and design are so clear that intended readers (3.2) can
easily
— find what they need,
— understand what they find, and
— use that information
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved 1

ISO 24495-1:2023(E)
[SOURCE: International Plain Language Federation[3]]

3.2
reader
member of the intended audience for a document (3.3)
Note 1 to entry: While the word “reader” is historically rooted in the verb “to read”, all intended audience
members do not necessarily “read” documents. For the purposes of this document, the term “reader” includes the
following:
— Everyone who uses a document, whether they view it, hear it, touch it or a combination.
— Someone who will skim or scan a document, looking only for particular information.
— Someone to whom a document is read, whether by a person or a device.
Note 2 to entry: There can be several different audiences for the same document. For example, the primary
audience of an income tax form is the taxpayer, and the secondary audience is the tax agency. If the needs of
different readers conflict, then the needs of the primary audience have priority.
3.3
document
set of printed or digital information, primarily in the form of text
EXAMPLE Audio description, email, error message, contract, form, podcast script, video manuscript,
webpage.
3.4
author
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individual or organization who develops or helps develop documents (3.3)
EXAMPLE Content developers or managers, editors, information architects or designers, information
developers or managers, legislative drafters, professional writers, public relations officers, technical writers,
translators, UX (user experience) writers, writing ISO 24495-1:2023
project managers.
3.5 82b2a8932fc2/iso-24495-1-2023
document type
class of documents (3.3) having similar characteristics
EXAMPLE Email, webpage, postal letter, instruction manual, newspaper article, form.
[SOURCE: ISO 8879:1986, 4.102, modified — The list of examples has been modified and separated from
the text of the definition.]
3.6
image
visual representation of information
EXAMPLE Chart, diagram, drawing, flowchart, graph, icon, infographic, map, picture, photograph, table.
3.7
information design
visual integration of text, typography, images (3.6) and multimedia to help readers (3.2) find, understand
and use information
Note 1 to entry: Information design makes the structure and content visual.
3.8
evaluation
assessment of how well readers (3.2) find, understand and use information
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ISO 24495-1:2023(E)
4 Governing principles
The four governing principles are as follows:
— Principle 1: Readers get what they need (relevant).
— Principle 2: Readers can easily find what they need (findable).
— Principle 3: Readers can easily understand what they find (understandable).
— Principle 4: Readers can easily use the information (usable).
These principles rest on the premise that a document will be usable if the information in it is relevant,
findable and understandable (see Figure 1).

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ISO 24495-1:2023
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Figure 1 — Relationship of the four principles
From the perspective of authors, following the guidelines under the first three principles will make
it likely that readers can use a document. But the only way to ensure that is to evaluate the document
continually by applying the guidelines of Principle 4. As a result, this document does not describe a
sequential process, because the four principles are interdependent and influence each other. Applying
them all together is crucial for developing plain language documents.
Annex A provides a visual overview of the principles and guidelines. Annex B provides a checklist to
help authors apply this document.
5 Guidelines
5.1 Guidelines for Principle 1: Readers get what they need (relevant)
5.1.1 Overview
This principle focuses on what authors should do before they start drafting. Understanding the readers
of a document and their needs is essential to creating a document in plain language. Authors should
select the document type and content that fits their readers’ needs, purpose and context.
5.1.2 Identify the readers
Authors should identify who their readers are and consider the readers’ characteristics, including their
literacy and language skills, cultural backgrounds and subject-matter knowledge.

ISO 24495-1:2023(E)
Characteristics also include readers’ accessibility needs and preferences, as well as the languages that
they understand. Authors should provide the document in a language that their readers know. That
can mean complying with official language requirements and translating the document into other
languages.
To identify the readers and their characteristics, authors can use the following methods:
a) Review knowledge gained from previous communications with readers.
b) Interview readers.
c) Conduct reader surveys.
d) Review research and relevant literature on readers.
5.1.3 Identify the readers’ purpose
Authors should identify why readers will read the document. For example, readers can be doing any of
the following:
a) following instructions to complete a task;
b) deciding to do or not to do something;
c) trying to understand a topic;

d) finding out what the author wants them to do;
e)
f)
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learning about an area of interest;
gaining the required knowledge for a specific purpose, such as getting a driver’s licence.
ISO 24495-1:2023
5.1.4 Identify the context in which readers will read the document
Authors should consider the following:82b2a8932fc2/iso-24495-1-2023
a) where readers will read the document;
b) what technology they will use to read it;
c) how much time they will have;
d) how long will they stay focused;
e) how interested they will be in the document;
f) what their emotional state will be when they read it.
The answers to these questions can be affected by the document type (see 5.1.5).
5.1.5 Select the document type or types
Authors should select the document type or types that fit their readers’ characteristics (see 5.1.2),
purpose (see 5.1.3) and context (see 5.1.4). If it better serves the readers’ purpose, authors can also
decide to use an alternative to a document, such as a video.
5.1.6 Select content that readers need
Authors should always keep readers’ needs in mind when selecting content, even when the authors’
own needs dictate that certain information be included.
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ISO 24495-1:2023(E)
Authors should do the following:

a) Put readers’ needs first.
b) Identify questions that readers need answered (see 5.1.2 and 5.1.3).
c) Select content that fits the readers’ characteristics (see 5.1.2), purpose (see 5.1.3) and context (see
5.1.4), as well as the document type (see 5.1.5).
d) Leave out content that readers do not need (see 5.2.5 for guidance on required supplementary
information).
e) Consider the authors’ purposes and needs.
f) Select content ethically:
1) Select accurate content.
2) Do not include false or misleading content.
3) Do not hide or leave out content that readers need to know.
5.2 Guidelines for Principle 2: Readers can easily find what they need (findable)
5.2.1 Overview
Readers should be able to quickly determine what the document is about and whether it serves their
purpose. Good structure and design help readers to easily find the information they need. Headings
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are one of many techniques to help readers predict what comes next and are especially helpful in
documents longer than a few paragraphs.
5.2.2 ISO 24495-1:2023

Structure the document for readers
Authors should group related information together and order it in a way that makes sense for their
82b2a8932fc2/iso-24495-1-2023
readers. When deciding on order, authors should consider these guidelines:
a) Place the most important message where readers can easily find it, commonly at the beginning.
b) Introduce new information by building on information readers already know.
c) For instructions or processes, present information in chronological order.
d) Place information that most readers need before information that only some readers need.
e) If failing to follow a process can lead to damage or harm, place warnings about what not to do
before instructions about what to do.
5.2.3 Use information design techniques that enable readers to find information
Inclusive information design techniques make it easy for readers to find what they need. Authors should
use the following techniques:
a) Visually show the following relations between elements:
1) Make important elements more prominent (prominence), by using a larger font, bold type or
other methods.
2) Place elements that belong together close to each other (proximity).
3) Make elements with the same function look similar (similarity).

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What are the principles and guidelines for plain language?

What are the principles and guidelines for plain language?

What steps should authors take to identify their readers?

What steps should authors take to identify their readers?

INTERNATIONAL ISO

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— It does not include existing technical

3 Terms and definitions

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[SOURCE: International Plain Language Federation[3]]

— Someone to whom a document is read, whether by a person or a device.

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5.1.2 Identify the readers

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5.1.3 Identify the readers’ purpose

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5.1.5 Select the document type or types

5.1.6 Select content that readers need

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Authors should do the following:

5.2.2 ISO 24495-1:2023

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