Resources

Plain English Tools

• Simplicity checker (evaluating grade readability): Hemingway Editor
• Dictionary/glossary (common phrases with plain English equivalent): List of plain English words
• Text Evaluation Tool: Up Goer 5
• Official plain language guidelines: Plain Language Guidelines

Tips

• When contributing to a Simple Wikipedia article, use this list to check. This is not a list of all requirements your article should have. This list is meant to check minimum requirements:
• Use simple words. Define complex terms if you need to include them.
• Use positive language. Avoid writing double negatives.
• Use short paragraphs.
• Use short sentences. Avoid compound sentences.
• Avoid technical and unnecessary jargon.
• Use active voice.
• Use present tense.
• Use examples and definitions to explain bigger ideas.
• Use headers.
• Use transition words (e.g., “for example,” “also,” “next”).

Samples

This is an interactive article that shows the difference between writing in English vs. Plain English. There is a toggle on the top left corner of the website to switch between English and Plain English. You can also press the “p” key on your keyboard.

Simple Wikipedia Resources

Simple Wikipedia created a collection of useful pages. There is a lot of information on this website. Here is a list of important articles from the useful pages:

• How to write in Simple English: Includes beginner tips on how to write in Simple English, including grammar methods, sentence structures, etc.
• Examples of text written in English vs. Plain English: Includes side-by-side examples of text written in difficult English and plain English.
• Suggested rules when editing an article: Includes how to pick article titles, how to write topic sentences, how to format sections, grammar rules.
• List of pages requiring attention: Includes a list of links to articles with errors in content, style, formatting.
• List of rules to follow when contributing to Simple Wikipedia: Includes community guidelines to follow when writing articles and interacting with other contributors.
• List of user-requested articles: Includes a list of links to articles missing a Plain English translation. This is NOT an exhaustive list, and there are MANY more articles missing on this page.
• Talk with other contributors: Includes a list of ongoing discussions and chats between different contributors.
• Report vandalized articles: Includes instructions on how to report users suspected of vandalizing articles.

FAQ

• Q: This is my first time contributing to Wikipedia. How can I start contributing?
• A: Anyone can contribute to Simple Wikipedia as a guest. However, make an account if you want to protect your privacy. You do not need a Wikipedia account to access Simple Wikipedia articles.
• Q: How do I search for Simple Wikipedia articles?
• A: Use the search bar to search if a Simple Wikipedia article translation exists.