How human is your writing?

Lynda Harris | September 19, 2016

Do you write legal documents? Take this test to find out how human your writing is.

Which statement do you most agree with?

1  Plain language is appreciated more by those with less education.
2  Everyone, regardless of education level, appreciates plain language.

How many of these words or phrases do you use in your documents?

ascertain
monies
particulars
is prohibited from
inter alia
by virtue of
expend
cognisant of
notwithstanding
deem
not less than
in the event that
desist
pursuant to
in accordance with
is not permitted to
whereas
expressly
herewith

Which version are you more likely to write?

1a  The court dismissed the case.
1b  The case was dismissed by the court.

2a  You must notify any applicant of the outcome within one day of the decision being made.
2b  You shall notify any applicant of the outcome within one day of the decision being made.

3a  Should you require further clarification, please contact the writer.
3b  If you have any questions, please contact me.

Do your documents look more like version 1 or version 2?

Which layout do you prefer?

Get your ‘humanity’ score! Email enquiries@write.co.nz
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