RE: 4.1 latest version

Great job Avi.  I have only two questions.

1.  Would you explain "transparency of verb phrases"?
2.  How many documents throughout the world would need to be re-written
to accomplish the "summary" requirement for Minimum level?  

I know it would probably help with search engines, but there are some
lengthy issues this would cause.  Although, I only have about 40 pages
or so on my site, I'd hate to go back and write summaries to comply with
Minimum level requirements.  I therefore imagine people would simply
give up trying to achieve Minimum level requirements when they run
across this.  

My suggestion is to move the "summary" requirement to Level 2.

Lee

-----Original Message-----
From: w3c-wai-gl-request@w3.org [mailto:w3c-wai-gl-request@w3.org] On
Behalf Of Avi Arditti
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2003 10:28 AM
To: w3c-wai-gl@w3.org
Subject: 4.1 latest version



This recasts the November version* based on the much-appreciated
suggestions, and the reviews of the 22Aug02 working draft.

*(http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/w3c-wai-gl/2002OctDec/0203.html) 
 



This checkpoint lists ideas to help you review content for clarity. Many
of these ideas are promoted within the global movement for plain
language. The items below are not presented as success criteria,
however, nor as any attempt to impose a particular editorial style.
Rather, they are elements to consider as you review writing. They
reflect the idea that accessibility begins with understanding.

You meet Checkpoint 4.1 at the Minimum Level if you review the content
with items such as these in mind:

. Familiarity of terms and language structure 
. Length and complexity of sentences (shorter sentences, limited to one
idea, are generally easier to understand) . Length and complexity of
paragraphs (paragraphs limited to one idea are generally easier to
understand) 
. Use of summaries to aid understanding.
. Accuracy and uniqueness of page titles
. Clarity of headings and linked text when read out of
context.


You meet Checkpoint 4.1 at Level 2 if you review the
content with items such as these in mind:

1) Use of sentence structures that increase understanding (such as
active voice in English and other languages)
2) Length of noun phrases (strings of no more than three or four nouns
are easiest to understand)
3) Complexity of verb tenses (simpler tenses are easier to understand)
4) Transparency of verb phrases 
5) Familiarity of idioms or slang
6) Consequences of ambiguity or abstraction
7) Desirability of vertical lists in place of long paragraphs of
information 
8) Logic in the order and flow of information
9) Thoroughness in the explanation of instructions or required actions
10) Consistency in the use of names and labels
11) Clarity where the document:
	- addresses users
	- explains choices and options
	- labels options to get more information
	- instructs how to modify selections in critical functions (such
as how to delete an item from a shopping cart)
12) Usage of:
	- proper markup to highlight key information
	- goal-action structure for menu prompts
	- default settings (and the ease in re-establishing them)
	- two-step "select and confirm" processes to reduce accidental
	  selections for critical functions
	- calculation assistance to reduce the need to calculate

You meet Checkpoint 4.1 at Level 3 if at least one of the following is
true:

1. New material is tested with potential users for ease of accessibility
2. A controlled language is used 3. Support is given for conversion into
symbolic languages

Received on Tuesday, 28 January 2003 15:58:00 UTC