Is the material organized in chunks with headings?
Information Design
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Break text into chunks to help the audience remember and group similar information. Chunked information also looks less dense and overwhelming to read.
A “chunk” is the amount of words or numbers that people can hold in their short-term memory and group with other words or numbers. A chunk should be only one idea that people can connect to other, related ideas.
Use headings to organize and label chunks. Headings are sometimes referred to as “advance organizers.” Consider information flow in the material when creating headings and chunks. Headings must accurately reflect the information that follows, or they can distract or confuse the audience.
Headings are visually distinct (in font style, size, and with spacing) from the body text of the document. Leave more space above a heading than below.
Example 1:
Before:
Measles is highly contagious, and it easily spreads to unvaccinated people. About 90% of unvaccinated people will get measles if they are exposed to an infected person. Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. So, you can get measles if you are in the same room or place as an infected person and even after they leave. Measles virus can stay in the air for up to 2 hours.
While traveling, you could be exposed to infected people almost anywhere, including airports, airplanes, buses, hotels, restaurants, and stadiums. Infected people can spread measles even if they do not have the measles rash yet. So, you never know when you might be exposed to someone infected with measles virus.
After:
How contagious is measles?
Measles is highly contagious. This means that is spreads easily from person to person. Most people (about 90%) who have not gotten the measles shot will catch measles if they are around an infected person.
How does measles spread?
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. So, you can get measles if you are in the same room or place as an infected person and even after they leave. Measles virus can stay in the air for up to 2 hours.
While traveling, you could around infected people almost anywhere, including airports, airplanes, buses, hotels, restaurants, and stadiums.
How can I tell if someone has measles?
You can’t tell. Infected people can spread measles even if they do not have the measles rash yet. So, you never know when you might be near someone infected with measles virus.
Example 2:
Prevention Tips
Gear up.
If your child is active in sports, make sure he uses the right protective gear for his activity, like a helmet, wrist guards, or knee or elbow pads.
Use the right stuff.
Be sure that protective sports gear is in good condition and worn correctly at all times. For example, avoid missing or broken buckles or worn-out padding.
Practice makes perfect.
Have your child learn and practice the skills she needs for her activity. For example, if she plays football, knowing how to tackle safely is important in preventing injuries. Be sure to safely and slowly increase your child’s activities so she can improve her physical fitness. This can protect your child from getting hurt.
Resources
Supporting Plain Language Guideline: Write short sentences.
Supporting Plain Language Guideline: Write short paragraphs.
- Page last reviewed: August 11, 2014
- Page last updated: August 11, 2014
- Content source:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Page maintained by: Office of Associate Director of Communication, Division of Public Affairs