(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 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 ½ 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)
Download
Adept Transcription Brochure (PDF Format)
If you would prefer the brochure in a different file type, eg .doc, .txt or .rtf or different format eg: Braille, Audio or Large-Print then email transcription@adept-uk.org or call us on 01525 373964.