Lesson 1 - What is plain language?
Literacy and reading comprehension in Europe – what the numbers tell us
The cost of confusion: why clear communication matters
What is plain language? A definition with purpose
Plain language vs. Easy-to-read-and-understand – what’s the difference?
Why plain language matters for everyone
Key principles of plain language
Plain language and universal design for communication
How to fix a confusing brochure – a case study in plain language
Why voices from the field matter – making information truly accessible
Test your knowledge
Lesson 2 - Plain language and accessibility: laws / strategies / and standards in Europe
European countries taking action on plain language
Plain language and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2021–2030)
Clear Writing for Europe – making EU communication more accessible
Moving towards a European plain language standard
How plain language policies improve public communication
National guidelines and tools across Europe
Plain language values in action: civil society and the right to understand
Key milestones in Europe’s plain language journey
Plain language and the W3C accessibility standards: making content truly accessible
Lesson 3 - Why plain language in VET matters
What is VET (Vocational Education and Training)?
Inclusion Challenges in VET: Literacy, Disability, Migration
How Unclear Materials Create Barriers
Case Study: When Materials Block Understanding
Plain Language Supports Lifelong Learning
Better Understanding = Better Engagement
Trainer testimony: adapting materials and its positive impact on the public engagement
Learner testimony: gaining confidence, or when eloquence is not always the best solution
The Double Impact: Learning + Future Professional Use
Benefits of Plain Language in VET
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Open
Test your knowledge
Goal: Review what you’ve learned in this lesson through general, accessible questions.
According to OECD PIAAC data, what proportion of adults in Europe have low literacy skills?
About 1 in 10
About 1 in 5
About 1 in 3
Fewer than 1 in 20
Plain language is useful only for people with disabilities.
True
False
What are the four core principles of plain language according to the IPLF and ISO standard?
Simplicity, clarity, logic, brevity
Findable, relevant, readable, attractive
Relevant, findable, understandable, usable
Active, clear, short, effective
What is the main goal of universal design in communication?
To provide special materials for people with disabilities
To make communication more persuasive
To ensure as many people as possible can understand and use information
To translate all materials into multiple languages
True or False: Easy-to-Read and plain language are exactly the same thing.
True
False
What is one key reason vague communication can be harmful?
It sounds more formal
It increases printing costs
It may prevent people from accessing their rights
It takes longer to write
Which of these was NOT mentioned as part of plain language practice?
Testing with real users
Using short and familiar words
Explaining technical terms
Justifying the text to the left
Ready to send