(Draft 1 - To be updated)

Rules for writing/converting to EasyRead

Note: You can use these rules without our written consent. We want comments and suggestions and we will keep these rules updated. Please credit Adept transcription Ltd when used

1. Keep number pages 20 or less. If more, break into more books

2. Keep sentences to 10 words.

If more than ten words then make two sentences

 

3. Use one verb per sentence

Use one verb per sentence

4. Use Active verbs not passive verbs

Passive verbs are used to depersonalise:

been, being, be, were, was, am, are, is;

and the past participle:

Passive verbs do not use personal pronouns:

Your complaint has been investigated (passive)

We have investigated your complaint (active)

5. Cut out redundant words - keep removing words until the sentence doesn't work anymore:

During the course of investigations

Also, it should be mentioned that many people...

Allow a few days to elapse before speaking with....

You should contact.....

Which is done for each and every incident

Anything over and above this

For a period of 14 days

Up to a maximum of four people

6. Cut out useless phrases:

 

Don't Use:	Use:
along the lines of	like
as to	about
at an early date	soon
be in a position to	can
during such time that	while
first of all	first
in relation to	about, for, with
in spite of the fact that	despite
in the amount of	for
until such time as	until

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Avoid long words/phrases - 2 syllables or more

Avoid:	Use:
additional	extra, more
advise	tell
assistance	help
at this moment in time	now
commence	start
consequently	so
forward	send
in respect of	for
obtain	get
residence	house

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. If possible use the Makaton® dictionary (click here for the Makaton® website). It has reduced vocabulary and works well with the rules above.

 

Rules for picture-supported text AND text-supported pictures

1. We can explain some concepts better with a picture.

- The picture is the primary communication

- The text supports it.- Check the picture can convey the message without the text.

2. We can explain some concepts better with text.

- The text is the primary communication. 

- The picture supports it. - Check the text can convey the message without the picture.NOTE: Decide which way round you are working.

3. Use photographs, diagrams, plan, sketches to illustrate the point

4. Charts, bar charts, tables and graphs make comparisons easier and can present complicated subjects.

Rules for layout/format of EasyRead documents

1. Use 18pt Arial font

2. Use 1.5 line spacing

3. DO NOT USE LONG STRINGS OF CAPITALS. Because they are all the same height they are much more difficult to read than lower-case letters. And they are much more unfriendly.

4. Emphasise using bold

5. For Headings use bold and larger font

6. Keep line length to 10 cms

7. Use left justified with ragged right

8. Keep a paragraph to 5 lines or less

9. Reduce density on words on page

10. Maintain equal white space to text/illustrations

11. Separate important points so each can be seen and understood in isolation

12. Use table to build structure and division useful to read and understand

13. Use headings (size, colour, bold) to divide up information to make it more accessible and easier to assimilate.

14. Use Numbering, when it assists the assimilation of the information and ease of reference.

15. Headings are always left-justified (not centred or right justified)

 

We want to speak with Easy Read users in the UK about Easy Read to make it better. If you use Easy Read and would like to talk to us about it, please contact us by clicking here or call us on 0845 475 1013.