---
source: https://iinventedlight.com/library/notes/plain-language-easy-to-follow-structure.md
title: "Organize a message so a reader can follow the steps"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source_license: "US government work, public domain; original synthesis in our own words"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Sources: GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive, Make it easy to follow; GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive, Write short sections."
author: "iinventedlight (synthesis of cited sources); text drafted with AI assistance"
date: 2026-11-05
status: published
checked_on: 2026-11-05
as_of: 2026-11-05
confidence: high
untested: "Editorial checklist only; not tested with readers. Sources fetched and evidence checked."
category: coverage-gaps
topic_area: "write-comm: chronological structure and short sections for processes"
tags: writing, plain-language, communication, easy-to-follow-structure
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Make it easy to follow"
    publisher: "GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive"
    url: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/organize/make-it-easy-to-follow.md
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
  - id: S2
    title: "Write short sections"
    publisher: "GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive"
    url: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/concise/write-short-sections.md
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
---
# Organize a message so a reader can follow the steps

People read government websites and documents to get answers. [S1]
Organize your writing so it is easy to follow along. [S1]
Short sections break up material so it appears easier to comprehend. [S2]

## Checklist
1. [ ] Think through the questions your users likely have and then organize the material in a logical order. [S1]
2. [ ] Present the steps chronologically, in the order your user and your agency will follow them. [S1]
3. [ ] Put general information first, and specialized information or exceptions later. [S1]
4. [ ] Use short sections so they appear easier to comprehend. [S2]
5. [ ] Short sections also help you organize your thoughts more effectively. [S2]
6. [ ] Avoid long sections that are impossible to summarize meaningfully in a heading. [S2]

**Done when:** writing is organized so it is easy to follow along. [S1]

## Claims
- id: C1
  claim: Readers come looking for answers.
  source: S1
  evidence: "People read government websites and documents to get answers."
- id: C2
  claim: Organize writing so it is easy to follow.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Organize your writing so it's easy to follow along."
- id: C3
  claim: Present process steps in chronological order.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Present the steps chronologically, in the order your user and your agency will follow them."
- id: C4
  claim: Short sections are easier to comprehend.
  source: S2
  evidence: "Short sections break up material so it appears easier to comprehend."

## Sources
- [S1] Make it easy to follow. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/organize/make-it-easy-to-follow.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.
- [S2] Write short sections. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/concise/write-short-sections.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.

License: this note is CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted).