Adapting style to readers

ATI TEAS
English: Knowledge of Language
Multiple choice
Difficulty 3 of 5

Question

A transit office is preparing instructions for riders who are unfamiliar with its fare system. Which revision best addresses those readers?

Retain internal abbreviations without explanations.✗ Incorrect

Unexplained internal shorthand assumes knowledge the riders may lack.
Add more agency terminology to sound authoritative.✗ Incorrect

Authority alone does not make unfamiliar terms understandable.
Use familiar language and explain necessary system terms.✓ Correct

This approach accounts for readers who are new to the fare system.
Focus on the office's procedures without considering riders' needs.✗ Incorrect

The instructions should be shaped around what riders need to understand.

Answer

C. Use familiar language and explain necessary system terms.

Rationale

A writer should anticipate the audience's knowledge when selecting words. An explanation of essential terminology helps first-time riders follow the instructions.

RememberChoose language based on what your audience already knows.

Sources

Your Guide to (Source: CDC) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · License: CDC content (credit required) · Retrieved November 2, 2026 · Page 24
Plain Language Materials & Resources (Source: CDC) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · License: CDC content (credit required) · Retrieved November 2, 2026 · Plain language checklist

Last verified: November 5, 2026 2 independent automated checks Question teas-ekl-00096, version 1

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