Judgement Test Question 78 – Public email full of jargon

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Read the scenario and rate every action independently. Several actions can receive the same rating.

Practice level: AA and AO

Scenario

You draft an email that will be sent to several hundred service users about changes to appointment arrangements. A colleague checks the factual content and confirms that the dates and process are correct. They also point out that several phrases use internal technical language and that the date on which the change begins is buried halfway through a long paragraph. Recipients need to understand what has changed and whether they must take any action. You have time to revise the wording before approval, and the policy meaning must stay accurate. The message should be clear to people who do not know your internal terminology.

Rate the actions

For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.

Action A

Send the original because every statement is technically accurate.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Action B

Rewrite the email in plain language, move the key date near the top and proofread it before asking for a final check.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Action C

Add a short plain-language summary at the top and leave the detailed wording below.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Action D

Remove most of the detail and send only the appointment date.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Click to reveal the answer
  • Action A: Ineffective
  • Action B: Effective
  • Action C: Fairly Effective
  • Action D: Counterproductive

Members can unlock the detailed explanation for all four actions, including why each response helps, falls short or makes the situation worse.

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