Question

Losing Weight Safely

The Department of Health and Human Services has taken a six page article and replaced it with a single, fold-out brochure, conveying the same information. Here is an excerpt [from the document before they applied the logic of PLAIN language].

Before

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a half hour or more of moderate physical activity on most days, preferably every day. The activity can include brisk walking, calisthenics, home care, gardening, moderate sports exercise, and dancing

Source: “Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services, Brochure.” PlainLanguage.gov. Plain Language Action and Information Network, n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2011.



Keeping in mind the ideas of PLAIN, what is the most effective revision of this document?

A) It’s best if everyone would do some kind of exercise for at least 30 minutes on most, if not all, days.
B) Exercising at least 30 minutes every day by riding a bicycle, walking, doing calisthenics, gardening, or other activity is recommended.
C) The US Department of Health has found that daily exercise of some kind for at least 30 minutes a day will result in a healthier public.
D) Do at least 30 minutes of exercise, like brisk walking, most days of the week.

(C is incorrect)

Answer 1

I believe that the correct answer is (D). Keeping in mind the idea of the plain language while giving the direct and simple advice for people to easily understand, most effective revision of this document (“Losing Weight Safely” by  the Department of Health and Human Services) is to do at least 30 minutes of exercise, like brisk walking, most days of the week.

Answer 2

D.) Do at least 30 minutes of exercise, like brisk walking, most days of the week.