| Checklist |
Yes/No |
| Document structure is determined by audience requirements |
| Facts/Figures are accurate and complete |
| The document scope is stated |
| Present situation is explained |
| Issues are explained |
| Policy options are stated |
| Preferred policy is identified |
| Overt risks stated |
| Policy takes account of political and legal repercussions |
| Feedback accepted from the appropriate people |
| You personally understand every sentence you have written |
| Executive summary can be understood by the general public at first reading |
| Used Plain English |
| Objective writing style |
| Third person only (no use of 'you' or 'we') |
| Concrete nouns outnumber abstract nouns |
| Consistent verb tenses |
| Verbs as simple as possible |
| Sentences clear even if quoted out of context |
| Passive verbs avoided when possible |
| Editing has removed inconsistencies of style |
| Perfect grammar, spelling, punctuation and layout |
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