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Writing and presentation: style guide

The tips were taken from guidance given by the British Dyslexia Association and Niace/the Basic Skills Agency. For further details on supporting people with dyslexia, visit www.bdadyslexia.org.uk or Dyslexia Action. You can download a free leaflet on producing clear written materials at www.niace.org.uk/development-research/readability.

1. Writing style

  • Write in short simple sentences, rather than long sentences of explanations. Advice on calculating a SMOG readability level
  • Be conscious of where sentences begin. Starting a new sentence at the end of a line makes it harder to follow.
  • Try to call the reader 'you'. Imagine they are sitting directly opposite you and you are talking to them directly.
  • Give instructions clearly.
  • Pictures aid comprehension.
  • Use short words where possible.
  • Write up tricky words in advance.
  • Writing on every other line may be helpful.
  • Make use of computers they make the individula feel more in control.
2. Presentation
  • Use a sans serif font such as Arial or Comic Sans.
  • Use a minimum point size of 12.
  • Use coloured paper instead of white. Cream or off-white provides a good alternative.
  • Matt paper, which reduces glare, is preferable to glossy.
  • Limit lines to 60-70 characters. Lines that are too long can put strain on the eyes.
  • Use line spacing between paragraphs to break up text.
  • Colours can help divide text up.
  • use wide margins and headings.
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